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Canon RF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USM vs Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USMCanonRF 800mm F11 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2023July 2020
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length200–800 mm800 mm
Maximum aperturef/6.3–9f/11
Minimum aperturef/32–54f/11
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in eleven groupsEleven elements in eight groups
Special elementsThree UD elementsGapless dual-layer diffractive optical element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating; no fluorine coating–
Aperture detailMaximum f/6.3 at 200 mm and f/9 at 800 mm; minimum f/32–54 in the current UK specification. Canon Camera Museum instead lists f/51 at 800 mmFixed f/11 aperture; cannot be stopped down
DiaphragmNine aperture bladesNo aperture blades
Angle of view12°–3°05′ diagonal, 10°–2°35′ horizontal and 7°–1°40′ vertical2°35′ horizontal, 1°40′ vertical and 3°05′ diagonal on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; EOS R, Ra and RP require compatible firmware
Teleconverter supportRF 1.4× gives 280–1120 mm at f/9–13, maximum 0.37×; RF 2× gives 400–1600 mm at f/13–18, maximum 0.54×. Autofocus and stabilisation supported throughout the zoom range; autofocus coverage depends on camera and extenderRF 1.4× gives 1120 mm at f/16 and 0.19× maximum magnification; RF 2× gives 1600 mm at f/22 and 0.28×. Canon lists autofocus and stabilisation as supported with both; performance depends on camera and light levels
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m6 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNano USM autofocus for fast stills focusing and smooth video transitionsLead-screw STM autofocus; Canon states approximately 40% horizontal × 60% vertical AF coverage in its original EOS R compatibility notes
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.8 m at 200 mm and 3.3 m at 800 mmMinimum focus 6 m; full-range or 20 m–infinity focus limiter (Cameralabs)
Magnification detailMaximum 0.25× at 200 mm and 0.2× at 800 mmMaximum 0.14× without an extender
Stabilisation detailUp to 5.5 stops optical stabilisation with EOS R at 800 mm, or 5.5 stops coordinated stabilisation with EOS R3 at 800 mm; CIPA yaw and pitch testing. Coordinated correction has greater effect towards the wide endUp to four stops optical stabilisation under CIPA testing with EOS R
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter95 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter102.3 mm101.6 mm
Length314.1 mm281.8 mm
Weight2,060 g1,260 g
ControlsCombined focus/control ring, customisable lens function buttons, AF/MF and stabiliser switches, and smooth/tight zoom torque adjustmentSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter, AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Zoom designBarrel extends when zooming towards 800 mmPrime lens with a retracting storage barrel; extend and lock the barrel before shooting
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction; white exterior helps limit heating in sunlightNo dust or moisture resistance; no rubber mount seal (Cameralabs)
Dimensions detail102.3 mm maximum diameter × 314.1 mm length with barrel retracted101.6 mm maximum diameter; 281.8 mm retracted length or 351.8 mm when extended for shooting
Weight detailApproximately 2060 g current production; products manufactured before July 2026 weigh 2050 g. Canon's Japanese notice attributes the change to revised component specificationsApproximately 1260 g lens
Tripod mountAttached rotating tripod collar; not removable or Arca-Swiss compatible (Amateur Photographer)Built-in tripod mounting thread; no rotating collar (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodET-101 hood includedOptional ET-101 hood; not included
In the boxLens, E-95 cap, ET-101 hood, RF dust cap, Lens Strap 40 and user manualLens, E-95 cap, RF dust cap and user manual kit
Release detailDecember 2023 release confirmed retrospectively by Canon's February 2024 global announcement; Japan's launch notice states early December and the US announcement expected December. Canon Camera Museum instead labels November 2023 as marketedJuly 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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