Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens to be Announced on November 2nd

Photography enthusiasts, wildlife shooters, and sports photographers rejoice – Canon is rumored to announce an exciting new super telephoto zoom lens on November 2nd. According to multiple leaked reports, the lens will be the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS.

This versatile zoom range will allow photographers to capture tight shots of distant subjects without having to carry multiple lenses. The relatively affordable rumored price of 2,500 euros puts it within reach of serious hobbyists.

While an f/6.3-9 maximum aperture doesn’t compete with Canon’s top pro lenses, the tradeoff enables the far more accessible price point. This lens fills a gap between Canon’s higher-end L-series telephotos and its budget-friendly super telephoto primes like the RF 600mm f/11 and RF 800mm f/11.

Uncertainty remains around some of the lens specifications at this point:

• Will it be weather sealed to any degree? Some protection from dust and moisture would be expected given the price tier. But as a non-L series lens, full weather sealing is unlikely.
• Will RF extenders be compatible? Existing RF super telephotos work with 1.4x and 2x extenders, so compatibility seems probable.
• How fast will autofocus performance be? For tracking erratic motion, speedy AF is a must. Will Canon utilize ring-type USM or slower STM motors?

While it won’t have the red ring denoting Canon’s luxury L-series, cost savings from a non-L design allow more photographers to afford this powerful zoom range. If Canon follows its recent pattern, weight and size will also be minimized despite the long 200-800mm coverage.

Rumors point to a November 2 announcement alongside the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens. Priced competitively around $2,000, the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS should entice enthusiasts who previously could only dream of shooting with a super telephoto.

For years, high price tags have put super telephoto lenses out of reach for many. But Canon is now opening up specialty focal lengths by engineering less expensive alternatives without sacrificing key performance.

Wildlife and sports shooters will eagerly await more official details surrounding this lens. If affordability and portability are prioritized, the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS could make a massive impact, allowing more photographers to access exotic super telephoto ranges.

via: CR