Canon
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM — 800mm f/5.6 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 11 months newer.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 400 cm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Weight (778 g vs 3140 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀140 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 324mm longer and 53mm wider than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2362 g heavier than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 Super UD, 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 400 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
87 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.17 × vs 0.14 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.