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RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM
- 1200mm
- f/8.0
- Prime
- Stabilized
- 3340 g
- Min focus 4.3 m
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Quick answer
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
Verdict
A very long lens for specialists, with a modest weight for its focal length.
About this lens
The Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM is a telephoto prime lens covering 1200mm at f/8 for Canon RF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.
Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon RF
- Focal length
- 1200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/8.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2022
- Optical construction
- 26 elements in 18 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 4.3 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.29x
- Weight
- 3340 g
- Length
- 537 mm
- Diameter
- 168 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM?
- Distant wildlife
- Sports from the stands
- Moon photography
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 1200mm | 1.7° | 2.1° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 1920mm | 1.1° | 1.3° |
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM?
About 3.34kg, far lighter than the EF 1200mm f/5.6L at about 16.5kg.
Is the maximum aperture f/8?
Yes, f/8 is its widest setting, which limits low-light use. Exposure is managed with shutter speed and ISO.
Is the RF 1200mm suitable for photographing the moon?
Yes, at 1200mm the moon is large in the frame on a full-frame camera. A sturdy tripod or gimbal head is needed for sharp results.
