RF800 F11 lens AF issues?

[rj28]

My son started getting into photography within the last year.  Mainly birds & some wildlife.  He currently owns an R7 with the RF100-400 lens.  We were looking at the RF800 F11 lens but I noticed some reviews weren't great because of AF randomly not working.  Most of those reviews, however, were several months old.  There are also 5 star reviews which makes it confusing.  I'm just wondering if this lens is worth purchasing.  Were there legitimate issues with this lens or was it some sort of user error?  If there were issues, did Canon work them out or do they still exist?  I ask that last question because the people that claim to have had AF issues with it also point out that there is a small disclaimer posted somewhere that says AF may have issues.  I have never seen the disclaimer so that makes me curious.  I just don't want to waste money on this if there are known bugs with it.  Would rather put the money towards something better.  Thanks in advance for any input! 

[JoeySnaps]

I have the RF 800mm f/11 lens, have used it with an R6 and an R6mkII. I have been blown away by its autofocus performance, which I've found to be flawless.

I wonder whether early reviewers were using early release of the lens or camera firmware, which might explain why some had issues and others didn't. I do keep my cameras and lenses firmware updated, but I don't remember that the RF 800 lens has had an update. Possibly it was a camera update.

I can only speak from my own experience, which is that the lens performs perfectly.

[1EagleDave]

Myself as well this 800mm f11 is by far one amazing lens period I have won bald eagle awards with it. if in doubt buy it great lens. with the R7 you cannot beat the photos that this will produce (amazing period)

[Waddizzle]

There are many independent YouTube content creators that are not very knowledgeable.  I would take all of these independent, subjective reviews by amateurs with a grain of slat.  I would put more trust in reviews that appear in actual publications, although these reviews are not always as independent as they might seem.  They could be paid by manufacturers to give glowing reviews.

As far as the lens goes, it is very good lens for what it offers, a high quality 800mm lens for under $1000 USD.  Because of the f/11 aperture you should expect a reduction in the number of available AF points compared to your 100-400mm.

[shadowsports]

There are a few options.  You can rent the lens from lensrentals, or buy it and evaluate it yourself.  If purchased from a reputable dealer, it will have a return policy.  

[kokopelli]

I personally have found the lens great with AF over the last 18 months I have had the lens. The lens by design has a few limitations, but I understood these before I bought the lens. The 800mm lens for less than $1000 delivers great value and images, even at f11. I have even used the lens with the RF 1.4x TC and the AF works great. 

[shadowsports]

---

@kokopelli wrote:

I personally have found the lens great with AF over the last 18 months I have had the lens. The lens by design has a few limitations, but I understood these before I bought the lens. The 800mm lens for less than $1000 delivers great value and images, even at f11. I have even used the lens with the RF 1.4x TC and the AF works great. 

---

This type of feedback is super helpful.  👍

[Tronhard]

I think the issue of autofocus is not so much with the lens as with the body.  While there are many opinions on this, and I respect the ones expressed here, I consider the most reliable comment so far from Duade Paton, because his included an actual response from Canon that explains why there are issues with the focus tracking system at high frame rates.  See: 

I will also add that I was really keen on the R7 but ,after testing it extensively myself, I stuck to the FF models. 

However, these design issues can be mitigated by the camera configuration.  If you consider the recommendation that Paton offers in his video for frame rate, and also consider single point focus with eye tracking, which significantly reduces the pressure on the focus tracking, then your son should be able to get quite reliable and consistent results with the 800mm. 

You could also consider the settings recommended by Jan Wagener:

The camera could be set up with First curtain electronic and full electronic shutter with a custom button, or saving a full configuration to one of the C modes.

That said, as far as the lens is concerned, if you can afford the price differential, I would really recommend the RF 200-800, which has an obviously much wider focal range, and is a stop faster at 800mm than the much cheaper 800mm.   I have shot extensively with this lens and it is a brilliant optic and excellent value.  see: Search - Canon Community