Monster Canon RF lenses could be available in limited quantities next week!

Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM and Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM
(Image credit: Canon)

It's looking likely that Canon will begin shipments of its RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens and the RF 1200mm f/8L IS USM lens in limited quantities beginning on 26 May 2022.

If you're lucky enough to afford one of these colossal lenses and have purchased one on pre-order, it could be arriving at your doorstep relatively soon.

• Looking for the best Canon RF lenses?

These two fixed focal length, super-telephoto lenses were announced by Canon earlier this year on 23 February 2022, and have since garnered attention for having such extortionate price tags. The RF 800mm clocks in at a whopping $16,999 (£19,099.99 / AU$$29,799) and the RF 1200mm at an even greater $20,000 (£22,449.99 / AU$35,099). 

Canon stating that it will be shipping these lenses out in limited quantities should not raise any issues, as it's hard to believe that masses of people are purchasing these latest RF lenses at the current retail prices. Though, with that being said, both of these lenses are currently listed as out of stock on Canon's UK site. 

Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM (Image credit: Canon)

While still available from other retailers, it could be probable that there is a very limited stock of these lenses with Canon presumably making fewer units to maintain the currently manageable demand, and avoid falling victim to the supply and parts shortage  that has been sweeping the industry and causing shipment delays for numerous camera manufacturers as well as halted productions on new products.

The Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM lens has the longest focal length yet of its RF lens  series, and the RF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is Canon’s shortest and lightest ever L-series lens, weighted at just over 3.1kg. These RF lenses are said to be ideal for photographers who specialise in areas such as wildlife photography, outdoor sports, motorsports and photojournalism. 

Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM (Image credit: Canon)

If you're looking to get your hands on either of these humongous lenses, follow the pre-order links below to shop with our trusted and recommended retailers. 


Pre-order the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM at B&H (US)
Pre-order the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM at Park Cameras (UK)
Pre-order the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM at Wex (UK)


Pre-order the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM at B&H (US)
Pre-order the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM at Park Cameras (UK)
Pre-order the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM at Wex (UK)

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Beth Nicholls
Freelance contributor

Beth kicked off her journalistic career as a staff writer here at Digital Camera World, but has since moved over to our sister site Creative Bloq, where she covers all things tech, gaming, photography, and 3D printing. With a degree in Music Journalism and a Master's degree in Photography, Beth knows a thing or two about cameras – and you'll most likely find her photographing local gigs under the alias Bethshootsbands. She also dabbles in cosplay photography, bringing comic book fantasies to life, and uses a Canon 5DS and Sony A7III as her go-to setup.