Canon's L-series FD extreme tele — the New FD 800mm f/5.6L with low-dispersion optics.
The Canon New FD 800mm f/5.6L was introduced in 1981 as the New FD, L-series version of Canon's very long 800mm supertelephoto. As an L lens it used low-dispersion optics for improved colour correction and stood among the longest professional telephotos in the FD range.
This is a manual-focus Canon FD lens with a fixed 800mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/5.6. It belongs to Canon's L series, using specialised low-dispersion optics to control chromatic aberration, and is a large tripod-mounted supertelephoto in the New FD styling with focus and aperture set manually.
An 800mm f/5.6 gives extreme reach for very distant wildlife and sport, filling the frame with far subjects and compressing perspective heavily, while the L-grade correction keeps colour fringing low at this focal length. The enormous magnification makes a sturdy tripod and careful technique essential for sharp results.
On the used market the New FD 800mm f/5.6L is a rare and expensive professional supertelephoto, so condition and completeness are important. Inspect the large elements for haze, fungus, scratches and separation, confirm smooth aperture and focus operation, and check the tripod foot, hood and drop-in filter holder. It can be adapted to mirrorless with an optics-free FD adapter, though it needs very stable support.