Catalyzes the conversion of 8'-apo-beta-carotenal to 13-apo-beta-carotenone and C12-dialdehyde. Has also weak activity with 4'-apo-beta-carotenal and gamma-carotene. all-trans-8'-apo-beta-carotenal + O2 = 13-apo-beta-carotenone + 2,6-dimethyldeca-2,4,6,8-tetraenedial Binds 1 Fe(2+) ion per subunit. kcat is 25 min(-1) with 8'-apo-beta-carotenal as substrate. kcat is 8.4 min(-1) with 4'-apo-beta-carotenal as substrate. kcat is 0.2 min(-1) with gamma-carotene as substrate. Optimum pH is 8.0. Optimum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius. Monomer. Belongs to the carotenoid oxygenase family.