Wetzlar Camera Auctions will try to sell the world’s longest AF lens in an auction, the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM. The original price of the lens was $90,000. It weighs over 36 pounds (16.5k) and nearly 3′ long. Read more about this rare piece of glass.

The longest AF lens in the world

According to Canon, the EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM is the longest lens in the world with full autofocus capability. This is how Canon describes it: “This super-telephoto lens has the longest focal length of an interchangeable lens for AF SLR cameras at the time. Silent and fast AF is realized using a ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and rear focusing system. Extremely sharp, professional-quality images are realized through the use of two large-diameter artificial crystal fluorite lens elements that thoroughly eliminate the secondary spectrum. Although the optical design is the same as FD1200mm f/5.6L (prototype), this lens is optimized for the EF system with a nonlinear focus cam for moving the focusing lens group, a focus preset function for quick focusing at a predetermined point, and a power manual focusing with three focusing speeds. A one-touch revolving mechanism for quick switching between vertical and horizontal formats is possible”.

By the way, in case that lens is not long enough for you, and Extenders EF1.4X or EF2X transforms the lens into a manual focusing super-super-telephoto 1700mm f/8 or 2400mm f/11 lens.

Original price: $90,000

Canon made this lens available by special order only. A $10,000 deposit was required with the order and manufacturing would only start when several lenses were put on order. The lens is constructed of metal and painted in Canon’s signature white, which symbolizes L (=Luxury) and ideal color for thermal stability that is so important for those largest lenses. Sports Illustrated Magazine purchased two of those lenses back in the 1990s.

Structure and design of the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM

The lens top has a substantial carry handle and the fixed tripod mount below is nearly identical to the handle in size and shape, giving the design symmetry and balance. It weighs just over 36 pounds (16.5k). It is nearly 3′ long. The front opening is 9″ wide.

Specs

Here’re the apes and highlights of the EF 1200mm f/5.6 L:

• Marketed: July 1993
• Original Price: 9,800,000 yen (w/case and hood)
• Lens Construction (group): 10
• Lens Construction (element): 13
• No. of Diaphragm Blades: 8
• Minimum Aperture: 32
• Closest Focusing Distance (m): 14
• Maximum Magnification (x): 0.09
• Filter Diameter (mm) 48
• Maximum Diameter x Length (mm): 228 x 836
• Weight (g): 16,500

Wetzlar will try to sell it

The lens will be one of the most interesting items in the 2021 Wetzlar Camera Auctions. As stated by Wetzlar: “Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 L USM, 1997 – the world’s largest interchangeable SLR autofocus lens, in terms of both focal length and maximum aperture – available on special order only, each lens was produced after it was actually sold – the annual production volume was approximately two lenses, each lens took more than a year to be built, due to the time required growing its massive fluorite crystals – only very few specimens are known to exist today – offered for sale at our coming auction on October 09th, 2021 in Wetzlar!”.

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For how much they will sell it? Take a bet!