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Canon RF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USM vs Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

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

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CanonRF 200–800mm F6.3–9 IS USMCanonRF 800mm F5.6L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2023May 2022
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length200–800 mm800 mm
Maximum aperturef/6.3–9f/5.6
Minimum aperturef/32–54f/64
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in eleven groupsTwenty-six elements in eighteen groups
Special elementsThree UD elementsTwo fluorite elements, one Super UD and one UD element
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating; no fluorine coatingSuper Spectra and ASC; fluorine coating on the front element
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 mmMaximum f/5.6; minimum f/64
DiaphragmNine aperture bladesNine circular blades
Angle of view12°–3°05′ diagonal, 10°–2°35′ horizontal and 7°–1°40′ verticalFull-frame diagonal 3°05′; horizontal 2°35′; vertical 1°40′
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
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 f/8 with 0.49× magnification; RF 2× gives 1600 mm f/11 with 0.71×; AF and IS operate with either extender
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m2.6 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.34×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNano USM autofocus for fast stills focusing and smooth video transitionsRing-type USM; electronic full-time manual focus requires compatible body settings; original EOS R, RP and Ra are unsupported, and R5/R6 require firmware 1.3.0 or later
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.8 m at 200 mm and 3.3 m at 800 mm2.6 m minimum focus; full range, 2.6–20 m and 20 m–infinity limiter settings; three manual-focus speeds and two stored focus presets
Magnification detailMaximum 0.25× at 200 mm and 0.2× at 800 mm0.34× maximum magnification; approximately 206 × 138 mm subject fills a full-frame image at minimum focus
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 endCanon UK and Japan rate optical IS at 4.5 stops with EOS R, R5 or R3 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3
Video features–Aperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode with two speeds selected by playback-ring rotation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter102.3 mm163 mm
Length314.1 mm432 mm
Weight2,060 g3,140 g
ControlsCombined focus/control ring, customisable lens function buttons, AF/MF and stabiliser switches, and smooth/tight zoom torque adjustmentFocus and playback rings, AF/PF/MF selector, focus-speed and preset switches, and four lens-function buttons
Filter detail–52 mm drop-in screw-type holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; compatible with optional drop-in polariser and gelatin holder
Zoom designBarrel extends when zooming towards 800 mm–
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction; white exterior helps limit heating in sunlightDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective paint
Dimensions detail102.3 mm maximum diameter × 314.1 mm length with barrel retracted163 mm maximum diameter × 432 mm length
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 3,140 g lens
Tripod mountAttached rotating tripod collar; not removable or Arca-Swiss compatible (Amateur Photographer)Supplied tripod collar and support foot
Lens hoodET-101 hood includedET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optional
In the boxLens, E-95 cap, ET-101 hood, RF dust cap, Lens Strap 40 and user manualLens, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-180E cap, RF dust cap, ET-155 (WIII) hood, LS600 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manual
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 marketedFirst sale in Japan on 26 May 2022, stated by Canon Japan support; the original announcement promised late May

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