Press Text leaks for the Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Going by what we know, this is sounding like Canon essentially added the internal optics which would essentially be a 2x teleconverter to the Canon EF 600mm F4L IS USM and repurposed that into a Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM.  Unlike with an external teleconverter, this would allow Canon to specifically tune the rear optics using the front optics that were in the 600mm F4L IS USM for double the focal length.  This allows Canon to create a 1200mm lens that is far lighter and smaller than what one would really expect normally, and with also minimal R&D as well. It would also allow them to use optical elements across two lenses, saving them perhaps time and money.

What will be curious is the 800mm the same? Do they swap out rear optical elements from a front 600mm design? If so, it's hugely clever of Canon as it makes even the 800mm F5.6L around the same size as the 600mm, and hopefully reduces the costs of both of these lenses.

From Digicame-info;

Outstanding Image Quality, 1200mm Super-telephoto Fixed Focal Length Lens Expands the EOS R  System 

Optimized magnification optics increase the focal length while retaining nearly the same light weight,  portability and high levels of image quality achieved in the RF600mm F4 L IS USM lens. A combination of two large-diameter Fluorite elements, one Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) and one UD-glass element provides outstanding sharpness and contrast, even at maximum aperture. A UD lens element positioned in the rear section of the lens provides excellent correction of the increased chromatic aberration generated by the magnification optics. This results in tack-sharp images with minimal color fringing in any shooting condition.  

Impressively Light at 7.4 lbs., While Retaining High Levels of Image Quality 

Numerous optical and mechanical steps combine to make the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM supremely light  weight for its focal length, transforming it into a lens that’s equally at home in situations requiring mobility  and portability such as when shooting motorsports and wildlife, or if used with a tripod to keep it fixed on  a subject such as home plate if shooting at a baseball game. Since it uses the same front-section optical  design as the EF version III and RF600mm F4 L-series lenses, similar superb image quality can be  expected, delivering visual impact with its amazing telephoto power.  

Minimum Focusing Distance of Approx. 14.1 ft. / 4.3 m. 

With a minimum focusing distance of approx. 14.1 ft./4.3 m., the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM lens helps you  get close to your subjects. At its closest focus distance, users can fill the frame with a subject smaller  than a regulation, pro-sized US football.  

Optical Image Stabilization with up to 4 Stops* of Shake Correction 

The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM features an Optical Image Stabilizer system that provides up to 4 stops* of  shake correction, delivering consistent and sharp results. This helps provide reliable monopod-mounted — or even hand-held, for some users —performance and clear image detail in low-light situations or at lower  ISOs. This applies when capturing both stills and video, for stable shooting, and sharp final imagery.  

Three IS Operation Modes 

Three image stabilization modes provide shake-correction for outstanding results in a wide range of  shooting situations. These include traditional stabilization, with the correction visible any time IS is active  in the camera’s viewfinder (IS Mode 1); helping to correct camera shake when intentionally panning  horizontally (or vertically), providing shake-correction perpendicular to the photographer’s panning  movement (IS Mode 2); and stabilization that instantly goes into effect only when the shutter is released — no correction visible between shots, in the camera’s viewfinder (IS Mode 3).  

Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC)

Helps Minimize Ghosting and Flare The RF1200mm F8 L IS USM lens features Canon's Super Spectra Coating (SSC) that helps maintain  overall image quality and color fidelity, as well as Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which significantly helps to  reduce the occurrence of lens flare and ghosting. This helps provide clean results with minimal flare and  loss of contrast, especially in heavily back-lit situations. 

Compatible with Canon RF1.4x and RF2x Extenders 

To help get you even closer to the subject, attach either the optional Canon Extender RF1.4x or Extender  RF2x to the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM. Expand effective telephoto power to 1680mm at f/11 with the  Extender RF1.4x, or to effective 2400mm at f/16 using the Extender RF2x. Canon RF tele extenders  transform the lens into an incredibly powerful telephoto combination for wildlife or sports photography and  more.  

Customizable Electronic Focus Ring, with Manual Focus Capability during SERVO AF

Featuring a customizable electronic manual focus ring on the lens barrel, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM  allows you to select from three different speed levels to adjust manual focus to your desired preference.  Adjusted with a 3-position, Manual Focus Speed switch on the lens barrel, Mode 1 provides the “fastest”  setting — minimal rotation of the manual focus ring results in significant shifts in actual focus. The Mode 2  and 3 settings add sensitivity, allowing finer focus control as the ring is rotated. The RF1200mm F8 L IS  USM therefore allows the user to select a preference for quick, rapid manual focus changes, or fine  manual focus adjustments. Additionally, manual focus is still possible while autofocus is engaged, letting  you fine tune focus adjustments to suit your shooting preferences.  

Two Focus Presets Available — Instantly Return to One or Two Memorized Focus Distances

Quickly select between one or two memorized focus distances, with focus presets. Especially useful for  fixed-position sports photography, you can focus upon and memorize two separate focus distances. Then,  with a simple twist of the playback ring, immediately jump back to one or the other. A sports photographer,  for example, could easily pre-focus on the midfield line and the goal with the ability to rapidly move focus  back to either position with a slight turn of the playback ring on the lens barrel.  

9-blade Circular Aperture for Beautiful, Soft Backgrounds 

Thanks to its 9-blade, circular aperture, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM is capable of gorgeous bokeh,  achieving evocative out-of-focus areas and soft backgrounds. Delivering more rounded background blur,  the 9-blade circular aperture helps create intimacy and intensity in background and foreground bokeh for  both photos and videos.  

Durable L-series Construction with Dust- and Water-resistant Design, Fluorine Coating on Front  Element for Easy Cleaning 

Built to L series lens specifications, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM features a highly durable design for  excellent performance even in inclement weather conditions. It delivers a dust- and water-resistant  construction with seals around the mount, switches, rings and more. To help maintain a clean lens, even  after multiple lens changes in sub-optimal conditions, the RF1200mm F8 L IS USM has a specially  designed fluorine coating on its front and rear surfaces. The coating helps to prevent water, oil, and other  surface residue like fingerprints from sticking to the lens, which facilitates quick and easy wiping, without  the use of solvents.