Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L DO IS lens could be in the works

Canon is working on a new version of the EF-mount 800mm f/5.6L IS super-telephoto prime lens that will employ a diffractive optical element.

A few super-telephoto lenses have been refreshed by Canon in recent times and it seems like the company will keep up the pace. A trusted source is reporting that the Japan-based manufacturer is developing a replacement for the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS lens.

The new model will serve the wildlife and action photographers as the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L DO IS lens. It will come packed with a diffractive optical element, hence the DO designation. The lens will be quite expensive and it is not very close to being unveiled, a source said.

Canon is developing a successor to the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens, which will feature a DO element.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L DO IS lens rumored to be in development

Canon introduced the EF-mount 600mm f/4L IS II lens back in 2011. This fact has triggered a chain of rumors that does not seem to end. The rumors are concerning the successor to the EF 800mm f/5.6L IS, which has not arrived, yet.

Additionally, Canon introduced the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II at the Photokina 2014 event. As a result, insiders have said that the new 800mm might come packed with a DO element in order to increase image quality and to reduce both the size and weight of the lens.

There is a lot of chatter surrounding this subject and it seems like a Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L DO IS lens is in the development. It would replace the existing generation and it would be extremely expensive.

Speculation from Canon Rumors is suggesting that its price tag will not go below $15,000, but not above $20,000, either. Nevertheless, only a few people will be able to afford it, which is one of the reasons why the company is focusing on other projects.

From a business standpoint, it makes more sense to launch products that will sell like crazy and which will bring cash faster into the company’s bank accounts. This means that photographers should not expect this optic to become official in the near future.

An announcement date has not been set for this super-telephoto prime. However, it will come at some point and it will employ Diffractive Optics technology. As stated above, it will cut down the dimensions of the lens, while raising the image quality.

Until then, the existing EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM is available for about $13,000 at Amazon.