RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Overview
The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM super-telephoto, fixed focal length lens is the longest telephoto lens among Canon's EOS R System lineup†, making it a terrific choice for any long-di...
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Overview
The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM super-telephoto, fixed focal length lens is the longest telephoto lens among Canon's EOS R System lineup†, making it a terrific choice for any long-distance application such as outdoor sports, wildlife, news photojournalism, and more where you want to create super-tele impact. Two large-diameter Fluorite elements, one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and one UD-glass element, and Air Sphere Coating combine for superb optical performance. The 1200mm focal length naturally provides incredibly soft backgrounds. Its compatibility with both RF1.4x and RF2x Extenders increases your effective focal length to a staggering 1680mm and 2400mm. Finally, it's image stabilized, providing up to 4 stops of optical correction for camera shake. At 7.4 lbs., the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM is surprisingly lightweight, giving it incredible handling ease along with its powerful super-telephoto capabilities.
MSRP: $28,999.99
Item Code: 5056C002
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Features
Learn more about the features of the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM.
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
Outstanding Image Quality, 1200mm Super-telephoto Fixed Focal Length Lens Expands the EOS R System
Optimized magnification optics increase the focal length while retaining nearly the same light weight, portability and high levels of image quality achieved in the RF600mm F4 L IS USM lens. A combination of two large-diameter Fluorite elements, one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and one UD-glass element provides outstanding sharpness and contrast, even at maximum aperture. A UD lens element positioned in the rear section of the lens provides excellent correction of the increased chromatic aberration generated by the magnification optics. This results in tack-sharp images with minimal colour fringing in any shooting condition.
Impressively Light at 7.4 lbs., While Retaining High Levels of Image Quality
Numerous optical and mechanical steps combine to make the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM supremely light weight for its focal length, transforming it into a lens that’s equally at home in situations requiring mobility and portability such as when shooting motorsports and wildlife, or if used with a tripod to keep it fixed on a subject such as home plate if shooting at a baseball game. Since it uses the same front-section optical design as the EF version III and RF600mm F4 L-series lenses, similar superb image quality can be expected, delivering visual impact with its amazing telephoto power.
Minimum Focusing Distance of Approx. 14.1 ft. / 4.3 m.
With a minimum focusing distance of approx. 14.1 ft./4.3 m., the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM lens helps you get close to your subjects. At its closest focus distance, users can fill the frame with a subject smaller than a regulation, pro-sized US football.
Optical Image Stabilization with up to 4 Stops* of Shake Correction
The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM features an Optical Image Stabilizer system that provides up to 4 stops* of shake correction, delivering consistent and sharp results. This helps provide reliable monopod-mounted — or even hand-held, for some users —performance and clear image detail in low-light situations or at lower ISOs. This applies when capturing both stills and video, for stable shooting, and sharp final imagery.
Three IS Operation Modes
Three image stabilization modes provide shake-correction for outstanding results in a wide range of shooting situations. These include traditional stabilization, with the correction visible any time IS is active in the camera’s viewfinder (IS Mode 1); helping to correct camera shake when intentionally panning horizontally (or vertically), providing shake-correction perpendicular to the photographer’s panning movement (IS Mode 2); and stabilization that instantly goes into effect only when the shutter is released — no correction visible between shots, in the camera’s viewfinder (IS Mode 3).
Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) Helps Minimize Ghosting and Flare
The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM lens features Canon's Super Spectra Coating (SSC) that helps maintain overall image quality and colour fidelity, as well as Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which significantly helps to reduce the occurrence of lens flare and ghosting. This helps provide clean results with minimal flare and loss of contrast, especially in heavily back-lit situations.
Compatible with Canon RF1.4x and RF2x Extenders
To help get you even closer to the subject, attach either the optional Canon Extender RF1.4x or Extender RF2x to the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM. Expand effective telephoto power to 1680mm at f/11 with the Extender RF1.4x, or to effective 2400mm at f/16 using the Extender RF2x. Canon RF tele extenders transform the lens into an incredibly powerful telephoto combination for wildlife or sports photography and more.
Customizable Electronic Focus Ring, with Manual Focus Capability during SERVO AF
Featuring a customizable electronic manual focus ring on the lens barrel, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM allows you to select from three different speed levels to adjust manual focus to your desired preference. Adjusted with a 3-position, Manual Focus Speed switch on the lens barrel, Mode 1 provides the “fastest” setting — minimal rotation of the manual focus ring results in significant shifts in actual focus. The Mode 2 and 3 settings add sensitivity, allowing finer focus control as the ring is rotated. The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM therefore allows the user to select a preference for quick, rapid manual focus changes, or fine manual focus adjustments. Additionally, manual focus is still possible while autofocus is engaged, letting you fine tune focus adjustments to suit your shooting preferences.
Two Focus Presets Available — Instantly Return to One or Two Memorized Focus Distances
Quickly select between one or two memorized focus distances, with focus presets. Especially useful for fixed-position sports photography, you can focus upon and memorize two separate focus distances. Then, with a simple twist of the playback ring, immediately jump back to one or the other. A sports photographer, for example, could easily pre-focus on the midfield line and the goal with the ability to rapidly move focus back to either position with a slight turn of the playback ring on the lens barrel.
9-blade Circular Aperture for Beautiful, Soft Backgrounds
Thanks to its 9-blade, circular aperture, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM is capable of gorgeous bokeh, achieving evocative out-of-focus areas and soft backgrounds. Delivering more rounded background blur, the 9-blade circular aperture helps create intimacy and intensity in background and foreground bokeh for both photos and videos.
Durable L-series Construction with Dust- and Water-resistant Design, Fluorine Coating on Front Element for Easy Cleaning
Built to L series lens specifications, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM features a highly durable design for excellent performance even in inclement weather conditions. It delivers a dust- and water-resistant construction with seals around the mount, switches, rings and more. To help maintain a clean lens, even after multiple lens changes in sub-optimal conditions, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM has a specially designed fluorine coating on its front and rear surfaces. The coating helps to prevent water, oil, and other surface residue like fingerprints from sticking to the lens, which facilitates quick and easy wiping, without the use of solvents.
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM Specifications
See complete specifications for the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM.
RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
Lens
| Focal Length | 1200mm |
| Maximum and Minimum Aperture | f/8 - f/64 |
| Lens Mount Type | RF Mount, metal |
| Compatible Cameras | Canon EOS R-series |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 4.3 m / 14.1 ft. |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.29x |
| Field of View, at Minimum Focus Distance | Approx. 241 mm × 161 mm / 9.5 x 6.3 in. |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 02° 05’ |
RF Extender Compatibility
| Canon RF Extender 1.4x/2x | Compatible |
| Equivalent Focal Length / Maximum Aperture | RF1.4x — 1680mm f/8 RF2x — 2400mm f/11 |
| Maximum close-focusing magnification | RF1.4x — 0.41x RF2x — 0.60x |
| Autofocus with EOS R-series cameras* * (as of 2/2022) | Possible with either extender |
| Image Stabilizer with EOS R-series cameras* * (as of 2/2022) | Possible with either extender |
Optical Design
| Lens Construction | 26 elements in 18 groups |
| Special Elements | (2) Fluorite, (1) Super UD Lenses, (1) UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) |
| Lens Coating | Super Spectra Coating, Fluorine Coating, ASC |
| Filter Size Diameter | ø52 mm |
| Aperture Blades | 9, circular shape |
| Image Stabilization | 4 stops correction with In-lens Optical Image Stabilization |
Focusing
| Focusing Drive System | Canon USM low-speed drive (Ring USM) |
| Full-time Manual Focusing | Yes (Supports both ONE SHOT AF and SERVO AF with compatible EOS R-series cameras) |
| Manual Focus Speed Selection | Yes (1, 2, and 3 settings, via switch on lens)
|
| Focus Distance Range Selection | Yes (3 positions, via switch on lens)
|
| Dual Pixel CMOS AF Coverage (Horizontal x Vertical) | EOS R5/R6 — approx. 100% x 100% EOS R — approx. 88% x 100% |
| With Extender RF1.4x | EOS R5/R6 — approx. 80% x 80% EOS R — approx. 80% x 80% |
| With Extender RF2x | EOS R5/R6 — approx. 40% x 60% EOS R — approx. 40% x 60% |
| Power Focus | Yes, via rotation of Playback Ring
|
Image Stabilization
| IS On–Off | Image Stabilizer switch, on lens barrel |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Provided
|
| IS Mode Selection | IS Modes 1, 2 and 3 (via switch on lens barrel)
|
| Panning Mode Support (SCN Mode) | Supported |
Exterior Design
| Control Ring | Dual-function Manual focus ring / Control Ring (selected using camera menu) |
| Manual Focus Ring | Electronic ring system
|
| AF/MF Switch | YES - AF/PF/MF Switch |
| MF/Control Ring Switch | None — must be selected in camera menu |
| Distance Scale | None
|
| Distance Limiter Switch | FULL (2.6 m to infinity) / 2.6 m to 20 m / 20 m to infinity |
| Focus Pre-set Function | Yes, via Playback Ring on lens barrel
|
| Lens Function Buttons (AF-Stop Buttons) | Yes; four positioned on lens barrel |
| Dust / Weather Resistant Construction | YES - rubber ring on lens mount |
Dimensions, Weight
| Maximum Outer Diameter x Length | Approx. ø6.6 in. x 21.1 in. (ø168.0mm x 537mm) |
| Weight | Approx. 117.8 oz. / 7.4 lb. / 3340g |
Accessories
| Lens Hood | Canon Lens Hood (long) ET-160 (Bundled) Canon Lens Hood (short) ET-160B (Sold Separately) |
| Lens Cap | Canon E-185C (Bundled) |
| Dust Cap | Canon Lens Dust Cap RF (Bundled) |
| Lens Case | Canon Lens Soft Case LS1200 (Bundled) |
| Extension Tubes | None (No Canon RF mount extension tubes) |
| Close-up Lenses 250D / 500D | Not compatible |
| Drop-in Filters | Compatible
|
What’s in The Box
- RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
- Lens Cap E-185C
- Lens Dust Cap RF
- Drop-in Screw Filter Holder 52(WIII) with 52mm Protect Filter
- Lens Hood ET-160(WIII)
What’s in The Box - RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
- RF1200mm F8 L IS USM
- Lens Cap E-185C
- Lens Dust Cap RF
- Drop-in Screw Filter Holder 52(WIII) with 52mm Protect Filter
- Lens Hood ET-160(WIII)
- Lens Soft Case LS1200
- Lens Wide Strap B
*Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using the EOS R, R5, and R3 cameras.
† As of February 2022.