After taking a walk coincidently by the camera store a new lens popped into my vision and shopping bag *go figure*. Welcome the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM to this F/Stop Friday. Like a kid who just came from the candy store and needed to quickly eat the chocolate bonbon with no one looking, I drove around the corner, parked, and immediately changed out my camera lens and went on a search for the desert landscape and birds with a huge grin on my face. No one was looking… At least I don’t think so, *so the story goes*…

After hanging out with the camera peeps a selfie emerged with the new machine, and then I headed home to the backyard chirpers since the sun was midafternoon and the desert seemed to be a road with traffic and sand. I also needed to read more about the smaller ring which I discovered changed a couple of settings for ease. *Perk*

This lens is very lightweight and I am not kidding here folks. I am surprised at how easy it is to work with. It is drastically lighter than my EF 70-200. I had no problem lifting it and taking shots without a tripod, although I use a tripod consistently and did use one for the bird images below.

Being a super telephoto lens with a fixed f/11 aperture worked for me on distance and I find not adjusting that at the moment worked for these shots. At first, I wasn’t sure I would like that, but the more I have used it, the more changed I am to the lens and the distance I must keep for focus. It also retracts so it is not as long as it looks in the picture when towing it around in the gear bag. I also worked with it in AF mode and the motor is super silent which was a worry because I want to use it in nature for multiple shots, Its sole purpose at the moment, at least that is the plan but ya know – plans change, eh?

The price of $999 was a small gulp compared to a large choke which mattered to my pocketbook. Other Canon lenses with 400mm and 600mm are way above my price point in the $11k and up figures and this one sat comfortably with the budget. It does have the drawback of f/11 for many photographers, but once comfortable knowing that, it works for me and my allowance of distance. It also does not come with a lens hood or cover. I do use those and another $68 to Canon for a hood may have me searching after-market on Amazon.

So, I hope you enjoyed the shots. I have to say that I am happy with them other than the lighting, etc. because of the day’s timing, but it is F/Stop Friday and you got the first rollout of Mr. Mighty.

Thanks for stopping by.

Til next time,