Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM is faster by 3 stops (f/2.8 vs f/8.0), letting in more light.
- Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM is lighter by 450g.
- Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM goes wider (400mm vs 1200mm).
- Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM reaches further (1200mm vs 400mm).
- Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM is the newer design (2022 vs 2021).
| Spec | RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM | RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 400mm (wider) | 1200mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/8.0 |
| Released | 2021 | 2022 |
| Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 13 | 18 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 17 | 26 |
| Weight g | 2890.0 (lighter) | 3340.0 |
| Length mm | 367.0 | 537.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 163.0 | 168.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.5 (closer focusing) | 4.3 |
| Max magnification | 0.17 | 0.29 |
Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM
Canon's super-telephoto prime with stabilization and f/2.8 maximum aperture, at about 2.9kg, introduced in 2021. It is lighter than the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III and aimed at pro sports and wildlife.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture
- Image stabilization
- About 2.9kg
- Takes RF extenders
Cons
- Large
- Needs a monopod or gimbal
- Minimum focus of 2.5m
Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM
A 2022 super-telephoto prime with an f/8 maximum aperture and image stabilization, at about 3.3kg. It is a specialist lens for sports and wildlife at extreme distances.
Pros
- 1200mm reach
- Image stabilization
- Light for its focal length at about 3.3kg
- Takes RF extenders
Cons
- f/8 maximum aperture
- Large
- Minimum focus of 4.3m