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The EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Super Telephoto Lens is considered by many as the best Canon lens which is aimed at photographers specializing in sports, wildlife, and photojournalism. In 1993, more than a decade before this model was manufactured, Canon introduced its most powerful telephoto lens, the EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM. This model also happens to be the brand's most expensive and rarest lens to date; it is reported that only fewer than 100 units were manufactured and each unit was sold not less than $90,000. However, ever since the discontinuation of the EF 1200mm, the EF 800mm is the brand's best super telephoto lens you can find on the market.

Released in 2008, the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is a member of Canon's professional L series of lenses. The lens' sturdy body and mount are made of magnesium alloy, while the switches and extremities are made of plastic. Its gaskets are made of a weather-resistant material, allowing it to be use even in the most extreme condition. At 9.9 pounds, it is a rather heavy telephoto lens. However, this model is in fact lighter than another super telephoto lens from Canon, the EF 600mm f/4L IS, which weighs a staggering 12 pounds. It also has a maximum aperture of f/5.6, which allows for superb depth-of-field effects. It also has 800mm minimum focal length, 19.7 feet minimum focal range, 0.14x maximum image magnification, auto- as well as manual-focus, and 3.1 degrees real angle of view.

The Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM offers a variety of outstanding features which include a focus distance window, a focus-preset mechanism, a wide rubber focus ring, an AF stop switch, an image stabilizer (which is able to provide 4 correction stops and is tripod sensing), weather sealing, and the capability to limit the focus range. This lens also features two fluorite lens elements, a UD lens element, and a Super-UD-glass element which allow for exceptional color fringing correction as well outstanding sharpness and contrast. The lens' inner focusing system is powered by a ring type USM motor.

This 1.5-foot lens is compatible with all Canon Extender EF teleconverters including the EF 1.4x II and 2x II models (which are sold separately). For more stable shots, this heavy lens should be supported by a good quality tripod (which can be purchased separately). The manufacturer's suggested retail price is US$ 11,999.00, but price may vary between retailers.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is the best Canon lens for sports photography, wildlife photography, and photojournalism. Get other similar Canon and Nikon lens reviews from our site.

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