Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 IS USM Lens

Very good condition,

includes hood , canon hard case.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens: A Detailed Overview

1. Introduction and Background:

   • The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens is a super-telephoto prime lens designed for professional wildlife, sports, and astrophotography.
   • It's part of Canon's prestigious "L" series, denoting superior build quality, optical performance, and weather sealing.
   • Despite its impressive reach, this lens manages to keep its weight relatively manageable.

2. Optical Design and Image Quality:

   • The lens incorporates advanced optical elements:
     • Two fluorite lens elements: These minimize chromatic aberrations and enhance image clarity.
     • One UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element: Further reduces color fringing and improves overall sharpness.
     • One Super-UD-glass element: Ensures exceptional image quality.
   • Image quality is outstanding:
     • Sharpness is excellent even wide open at f/5.6, extending from corner to corner.
     • Stopping down to f/8 slightly enhances sharpness and significantly reduces vignetting.
     • Chromatic aberration is well-controlled.
     • Distortion is virtually absent.
     • Color rendition and contrast meet the high standards expected from a lens of this caliber.

3. Physical Characteristics:

   • Dimensions (without hood): Approximately 6.4 x 18.1 inches (162 x 461 mm).
   • Weight: Approximately 9.9 lbs (4,500 g).
   • Despite Canon's efforts to keep it lightweight (including the use of magnesium alloy), the sheer physics of an 800mm f/5.6 lens mean it's still substantial.

4. Autofocus and Handling:

   • The lens features Canon's Ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) for autofocus.
   • While the AF is extremely fast and accurate, it can occasionally hunt for focus in low-light conditions.
   • Manual focus override is available at any time by simply grabbing the focus ring.

5. Image Stabilization and Minimum Focusing Distance:

   • The lens incorporates optical image stabilization (IS) with up to 4.5 stops of shake correction.
   • Three IS operation modes allow customization based on shooting conditions.
   • Minimum focusing distance: Approximately 8.53 feet (2.6 meters).

6. Sample Use Case:

   • Imagine capturing a Rufous-sided Towhee perched on a distant branch. The 800mm focal length magnifies the subject beautifully, while the 8-blade rounded aperture creates a pleasingly blurred background.

In summary, the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens is a remarkable piece of optical engineering, delivering exceptional image quality for those who need to reach out and touch the stars—or at least the elusive wildlife!