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Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM vs Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 800mm F11 IS STMCanonRF 800mm F5.6L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2020May 2022
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length800 mm800 mm
Maximum aperturef/11f/5.6
Minimum aperturef/11f/64
Optical constructionEleven elements in eight groupsTwenty-six elements in eighteen groups
Special elementsGapless dual-layer diffractive optical elementTwo fluorite elements, one Super UD and one UD element
Coatings–Super Spectra and ASC; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detailFixed f/11 aperture; cannot be stopped downMaximum f/5.6; minimum f/64
DiaphragmNo aperture bladesNine circular blades
Angle of view2°35′ horizontal, 1°40′ vertical and 3°05′ diagonal on full frameFull-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 cameras; EOS R, Ra and RP require compatible firmwareCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras
Teleconverter supportRF 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 levelsRF 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 distance6 m2.6 m
Maximum magnification0.14×0.34×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus; Canon states approximately 40% horizontal × 60% vertical AF coverage in its original EOS R compatibility notesRing-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 6 m; full-range or 20 m–infinity focus limiter (Cameralabs)2.6 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 0.14× without an extender0.34× maximum magnification; approximately 206 × 138 mm subject fills a full-frame image at minimum focus
Stabilisation detailUp to four stops optical stabilisation under CIPA testing with EOS RCanon 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 resistantNoYes
Filter diameter95 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter101.6 mm163 mm
Length281.8 mm432 mm
Weight1,260 g3,140 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter, AF/MF and stabiliser switchesFocus 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 designPrime lens with a retracting storage barrel; extend and lock the barrel before shooting–
Weather resistanceNo dust or moisture resistance; no rubber mount seal (Cameralabs)Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective paint
Dimensions detail101.6 mm maximum diameter; 281.8 mm retracted length or 351.8 mm when extended for shooting163 mm maximum diameter × 432 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 1260 g lensApproximately 3,140 g lens
Tripod mountBuilt-in tripod mounting thread; no rotating collar (Cameralabs)Supplied tripod collar and support foot
Lens hoodOptional ET-101 hood; not includedET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optional
In the boxLens, E-95 cap, RF dust cap and user manual kitLens, 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 detailJuly 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumFirst sale in Japan on 26 May 2022, stated by Canon Japan support; the original announcement promised late May

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