Selects: Top 5 alternatives to the Canon RF 1200mm lens

With the forthcoming release of the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM, many full-frame mirrorless Canon photographers are excited to hear more about the creative possibilities offered by its size and features. The sky-high launch price of the RF 1200mm will mean it’s beyond the means of most photographers, so you’re better off waiting until it’s available used. But if you really want to shoot 1200mm, luckily there are quite a few options open to you. Let’s explore the specs and take a look at a few different options for professional sport, wildlife or news event photographers. Read on to learn more.

Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM

First of all, let’s take a look at the specs of the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS. With its 3.3kg [116oz] weight and 537mm [21in] length, the portability of this lens seems to be the best in its class, especially when you consider its other features, like the L-series Optical Image Stabilizer (IS). Plus, it can extend to 1680mm with a 1.4x extender or even 2400mm with a 2x extender, while retaining image stabilisation and autofocus. Yep, you read that part right. Those kinds of options are the ultimate dream for most wildlife photographers. Until then, keep reading for a few more options that are far more accessible right now.

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM

Okay, so perhaps this option isn’t all that accessible for the vast majority of photographers. But, if you still prefer to shoot on a full-frame Canon DSLR instead of a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera, the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM will offer you the same focal length with a wider maximum aperture. And that’s pretty exciting. Check out the video below as we test out the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM.

Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR

Make crop factor work to your advantage. If you’re happy to jump over from Canon to Nikon DSLR, then the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR is a great option. While this lens does cover full-frame, you’ll be able to get that 1200mm reach using a crop-sensor camera. It will mean sacrificing a few features and having to switch brands, but—even so—it comes at just a fraction of the cost.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM

If you prefer to stay within the Canon ecosystem, then the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM offers similar benefits to the Nikon AF-S 800mm. Again, you’ll miss out on quite a few features. But, if you use a crop-sensor camera, you’ll be able to get that 1200mm equivalent reach without having to spend thousands more.

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, Canon EF Fit

Looking for a more versatile and relatively low-budget option? The Canon EF-fit Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD EF when mounted to a Canon DSLR camera, should cover you roughly within the 225–900mm range. So it’s not quite 1200mm, but it still gives you a huge focal range.

Use a 1.4x or 2x extender

Want to stick to full-frame? Depending on the lenses you already have at your disposal, you might be able to get away with extending your existing reach with a 1.4x or 2x extender. Mounting a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM to a full-frame Canon DSLR with a Canon EF 1.4x II Extender should do the trick. Or, combine the Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM with a Canon EF 2x III Extender. Using an extender might be the most cost-effective way of doing things, even if it means losing some light in the aperture associated with extenders.

These options, while they each have their respective advantages and disadvantages, will hopefully enable you to achieve your creative goals—depending on your technical requirements. While the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM represents the cutting edge of super-telephoto lenses, not everyone will need all those features at the same time. Pushing the boundaries and capabilities of photo and video kit is really exciting, and we can’t wait to see the images that it’ll help create. 

But, in the real world, where the vast majority of photographers have a budget to consider, it won’t be a realistic option for at least another few years. At MPB, we buy and sell many thousands of camera bodies and lenses every week. That means we’ll get a Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM through our doors soon enough—and we’ll publish a full review of it when we get our hands on one. 

Are you thinking about upgrading? Sell or trade in your camera kit.