Canon CLI-8M Magenta Ink Tank

The ink works well. No problems. But as you know all printer inks are a real rip-off.

Have been using Canon 8 ink in my Canon Pixma iP520 photo printer for over 3 years. I sell prints from this printer.

I teach digital photography and recommend printer manufacturer's inks to assure quality results. "Compatible ink" means ink cartridge will work in that printer. Quality varies considerably.

I use the CLI-8Y Yellow Ink Tank for my Canon IP4200. All my ink tanks typically get used up at almost the same rate on the Canon IP4200 so I usually just order the Canon CLI-8 4-Color Multipack Ink Tanks package, which consists of: Magenta CLI-8M (this ink tank), Cyan CLI-8C, Yellow CLI-8Y, and CLI-8Bk Black.

*If you need all 4 colors, the Canon CLI-8 4-Color Multipack Ink Tanks is a much better deal.*

Quality
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The CLI-8 ink tanks produce pleasing tones and true-to-life colors for photos. I find that the high quality photo prints rival those from the photo lab.

Compatibility
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The CLI-8C, CLI-8M, CLI-8Y, and CLI-8Bk Ink Tanks are compatible with the Canon IP and MP Inkjets. DO NOT confuse these ink tanks with the closely-named CLI-8P ink tank series: CLI-8PC and CLI-8PM - these ink tanks are NOT NECESSARILY compatible with your printer. If you have a 5-tank printer, chances are the CLI-8PC and CLI-8PM aren't compatible with your printer!

Value
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I stint on ink and print my documents almost exclusive in grayscale at the DRAFT quality mode (my Canon IP4200 printer uses the CLI-8 color cartridges even though I don't print in color). I can get about a full ream's worth of paper (double-sided) on 1 cartridge. However, with higher quality printer, the color ink cartridges get consumed much more quickly.

It is evident from the reviews that the price of ink is a major concern for most people. You should ideally use only genuine Canon ink cartridges but if you're strapped for cash, you can purchase the cheaper generic versions (non-OEM) of the CLI-8 cartridges.

- CLI-8 4-Pack
- CLI-8 Magenta <-- non-OEM equivalent of this cartridge (Canon CLI-8M)
- CLI-8 Cyan
- CLI-8 Yellow
- CLI-8 Black

I have not verified that they do in fact work as claimed so try them at your own risk!

Bottom Line
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The Canon CLI-8C/M/Y/BK ink cartridges may be expensive, but they deliver consistently high quality text and photo prints.

We are 100% impressed with our Canon MX850 printer, and this Magenta ink purchase for it. The ink cartridges last down to the smallest drop, no waste, the best printer and ink we have purchased. We highly recommend the printer and its accompanying inks. You will use the printer so much that you will buy the affordable inks, as each color is needed, not all at once. Excellent product.

OEM ink - The Best there is...what more is there to say?!?!?! It costs a bit more but is still the best, easiest to use, longest lasting ink available.