Canon RF200-800 Review - Ultimate Lens or Too Many Compromises?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- Canon 200-800mm Full Lens Review after taking thousands of photos in the field. I address the common concerns regarding the f/9 aperture, depth of field and sharpness. I compare the lens to the Sigma 150-600C, the Sony 200-600 and more. I hope you found this video helpful. Cheers, Duade
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Chapters
00:00 Canon RF200-800 f/9
00:53 L Series Differences
02:38 Weight
03:22 Sirui SVM 165 Monopod
03:57 Lens Design
11:01 Focal Range
12:53 Heat Haze
14:53 Image Showcase
21:08 Extenders
23:03 Concerns with f/9
25:09 Low Light
27:54 Lack of Coatings
29:30 Loss of Focal Length
30:43 Lens Comparison
36:42 Sony 200-600 Comparison
37:37 Autofocus
39:38 Image Stabilisation
40:07 Which Camera?
41:06 Final Thoughts
43:01 User Images
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Music
As We Dream - Aerian - Epidemic Sound
There is ABSOLUTELY nobody who does a better job in reviews than you. I discovered your channel recently and watched all your more recent work. Great thanks!
Thanks William, you are too kind and I appreciate the kind words, Cheers, Duade
My biggest problem in life is that i have $15,000 tastes with a $100 budget lol
Couldn’t have said it better 😂
Yep
A non-biased and factual review that is very thorough. Well done!
Thank you, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade
This is the review I've been waiting for, brilliant, so comprehensive, youve covered everthing.Very well done, thanks a lot.
Thanks Andrew, my pleasure, glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade
I've had the lens for about a month, it is my first super telephoto.
At 800mm f9 is not a problem, in fact with large birds like ducks and geese, if I get close part of the subject will fall out of focus.
The lens is sharp and well made. I just wish it weighed less. It really is a borderline handhold lens. You can spend all day handholding it, and the weight will likely impact your enjoyment while shooting.
Typically when I am out shooting I wish I had bought the 100-500mm instead, but as soon as I get home I can't argue with the results I am getting with the 200-800mm.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, yes, it does get heavy all day in the field and there is no denying the joy of the 100-500 in terms of weight etc. I guess its all a trade off isnt it. Glad you have both to play with, Cheers, Duade
I am not a flatterer by any means and I don’t have anything to gain from it. Honestly, even though I don’t have a Canon RF mount camera, I watched your whole review. All the questions that had popped up in my head after hearing about this lens have been wonderfully answered and some more. To top it all, your articulation is so calming and honest sounding, that I feel kinda blessed listening to you. Keep up the good work! God bless!
Thank you so much for your comment, I really do appreciate the feedback and appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Take care and happy birding. Cheers, Duade
When you add in all of the negatives it makes me very happy that I'm using the RF800mm f11. It's super lightweight and enjoyable to carry, has great image quality and in any decent light the f11 is no issue. It also has excellent stabilization. I'm also always wanting that full 800mm and I have other zooms if I want to shoot at a shorter aperture. Thanks for the review and another great video as always! Best of luck to you!
The moment I’ve been waiting for!!!❤
I’m head over heels in love with my 200-800! The first warm day of winter was just yesterday in my part of the world and so far I was only able to capture swans and waterfowls. Can’t wait to see some action this spring
Great to hear, have fun out there, Cheers, Duade
Fascinating and well paced review. Many thanks! 🙏
We have been waiting for this from our fav guy! Thank you!
beautiful images and a thorough comparison, thank you Duade!!
I’ve been waiting for this review. Much appreciation from Southern California !
Thank you for your review Duade. I’m excited. Just waiting for them to come back in to stock in Australia. 😊
Great review mate. And with some beautiful photos from both you and all the others. Happy to see that it does so good in even difficult situations.
Wishing you and yours a great week/weekend, and looking forward to your next video.
Cheers, Bjoern
Great review, level of detail is amazing. Love the channel, really helped me as someone new to bird photography.
Thank you very much for this fantastic and comprehensive video. You have certainly helped me in my decision making process.
Great review I have on on order in the UK, cannot wait for it to arrive
Great video Duade. Really like the butterfly shot.
A very well planned and well executed review for bird photography. Thanks!
Thanks for all the information. An excellent and very informative video.
Hey Duade, great and thorough review. I’ve had the lens since December and we were in the depth of a dark and gloomy British Columbia winter,so I didn’t expect too much from the lens…boy was I wrong. This lens gave me some of my best birds in flight shots (thanks for the bufflehead image you used Duade) and overall it was a revelation. Light, great autofocus,amazing reach, I am so pleased with this purchase. I know that some don’t like the non removable foot, but having nearly destroyed my 100-500mm when the lens foot detached from the lens, I know that I don’t need to worry about that with the 200-800mm and it does make a comfortable carry handle when on the move. The other negative others mention is the long throw on the zoom. Not much of an issue for me, as I rarely will zoom from 200 to 800 or back in one shot and the lens is normally at 800mm for small birds most of the time. The biggest Con I see is that I will not be using my 100-500mm as much or the 800mm F11! Thanks again Duade for all the great content you provide.
You situation sounds just like mine. I live in the Puget Sound area of Washington state and have had my lens since December 14th. I need to sell my RF800 f11, if there is any market for it. I think by starting out with this lens in the winter we have taken the biggest "limitation" most people think the lens has and dispelled that.
@@jeffolson4731 Absolutely, the F9 is not really an issue, especially coming from the F11 of the 800mm. I do still love my 100-500, as Duade suggests there are occasions when that is a better choice, but for the most part I think the 200-800mm will be my preferred lens.
wonderful once again, I simply enjoy listening to your thorough detailed analysis during my nature walks as I just did today. I currently only 100 to 500 and a 600 mm prime, but seriously considering getting this one to add to my tool bag to go along with my R5 and R6 .
Great review, thanks much!
Fantastic review Duade, really detailed and a good balance of the pros and cons of this lens. I ordered mine at end of February to go with my R5 and been advised by the retailer of stock likely coming end of March or early April at this stage. Seems like massive stock shortages of this lens everywhere at the moment. Can’t wait for it to arrive as your images look fantastic.
Jep, this lens will be a buy at some point for my R6! Thanks a lot for the review Duade!
Great review Duade! I would love to see a quick rundown of why you take the editing decision that you do and the overall thought process behind editing. Especially ones like @18:53, where I would have included the other gull on the right as I think it complements and balances the overall composition.
Rewatching b/c I just find your reviews super relaxing!!! Cheerful, informative content!❤❤
That is nice to hear, glad you are enjoying the review, Cheers, Duade
Excellent review, and I cant add anything else than what you've already said, Jan and yourself have summed this up perfectly, I got my 200-800 last week in Alberta, where the weather has been challenging for any photography, but I went out regardless and shot bald eagles out of the window of the car, heat haze central when its -20 outside and +20 inside! That being said, I was very impressed with the results in terrible overcast snow storm weather at extreme distance with the R5. I cant wait for spring and put this through its paces.
Thanks Dude. Looking forward to seeing you use the 200-800 for sports!
Thanks! Once again, and very thorough, informative and useful review. With some really inspiring shots, too!
Thanks for the support, I really apprecaite it, Cheers, Duade
Fantastic and comprehensive review. Great to see the comparison shots between different lenses. Clear concise and interesting video as always. Thanks Duade
Glad you enjoyed it!
My experience over the past two months is that the R5 with this lens is more reliable for in-focus shots than the R7 and 100-500. The only annoying thing is what Jan also had, which was jittery IS in video mode sometimes. It seems to happen at the beginning of videos, especially when my pulse is racing and that ever so slightly moves the camera back and forth against my face.
Thanks for including my dovekie picture. That was such a great surprise. The surrounding area had been flooded by rains, worse than local residents had seen in decades. Multiple small flocks of dovekies found themselves somewhat inland in the local harbor. This little guy and his buddies kept swimming towards me and stayed for at least five minutes. I even got flight shots! The 200-800 really came through for me that day. With the 100-500 on the R5, I wouldn't have had as much reach, and with the R7 on the 200-800 I probably would have had more out-of-focus shots. They are so small, maybe the size of a soda can. Because of that, the 800mm gave me shots that needed little cropping to get the bird so large in the frame.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the lens so far, and yes I loved that shot, such a cool looking bird. Cheers, Duade
So, I am assuming you have a R5 and R5, with the 100-500 and 200-800. I have the same. On paper, the R7 with the 200-800 gives you the ultimate reach and the R5 with the 100-500 gives you the macro and close-up quality shots. What lens+body combo have you settled on/ recommend?
@eltonbartlett2913 I've been using r5 and 200-800 since late December as my main rig. Hopefully it will work for some macro when the butterflies and dragonflies arrive. I have not used the R7 or 100-500 at all since. For lower light situations I have an EF 600 F4 MK ii.
@@eltonbartlett2913 G'day, I currently use the R5 for the majority of shooting and I just change lenses when I need to. I will likely get the R5II so will have two cameras to use then. Cheers, Duade
Great review as always Duade. Just the right amount of detail and some really good comparison tests with the other lenses. Super helpful and entertaining, thank you so much. 😊
Great video as always Duade and a really useful review of the 200-800.
I have a Canon R5 and a Canon 100-500 which I use for wildlife photography, mainly birds and in particular small birds. I have a back up system which is a Canon R8 which I sometimes use this with a Canon 70-200 f2.8 for larger/closer subjects. I would like to take more images of wading birds and small birds further away. I am considering changing the R8 for an R7 to give me more reach and pairing the R7 with the new Canon 200-800. My question is, with the new 200-800, would you stick with the R8 and crop the image more or would you swap to an R7 which, as you know, has a greater FOV (1280) and a higher megapixel count which would also improve IQ when cropping. The downside I predict with the crop sensor is I believe it would give slightly less background separation and a slight reduction in image quality. What would your preferred set up be?
Ps. I don’t know if you have shot the R8 very much, but I find if I haven’t used the camera for a couple of minutes, It goes into sleep mode and when I wake it to take a shot, it has forgotten my setting (aperture/speed/ISO) which is very annoying (I’m using it in FV mode with auto ISO. Do you know if the Canon R7 also does this?
Fabulous review Duade. By far the best on TH-cam. My lens has been sitting with FedEx all week due to a “technical issue”, which is driving me nuts. I ended up getting rid of my R7 due to the autofocus issues you described and will be using this on my R5.
What an amazing review! Thank you so much!
My pleasure!
Absolutely great job sharing both a wealth of information, but was also very entertaining. I love watching your videos. I shoot with Nikon gear, but your info transcends brand in many ways.
Absolutely the most comprehensive and thorough review I've seen on this lens. Great job and thank you!!
Glad it was helpful!
Many thanks Duade for this excellent, in depth review. Just a wonderful job. I guess it comes down to what are you willing to sacrifice in terms of this lens. For me, I have one on order and I will use it in conjunction with the 100-500. Thanks again.
Fantastic review. So glad you like it because I bought one, and haven’t had a chance yet to get out and try it! Hopefully this weekend. I think for the money, and reach, Canon is offering something no one else is. I’m looking forward to trying it…as well, thank you for sharing all the photos throughout and at the end of this video - some great shots by all the photographers!
Hi Duade, thank you very much for sharing this thorough video. I'm very happy with mine and didn't think it bothered me any further with the zoom ring, it's not that often I need to zoom.
Fantastic review of the lens and additionally, great shots and video to augment the discussion! I added as a subscriber!
Awesome, thank you!
A complete review, well done!!!
there is NO way you just uploaded this. because of your channel i got a new R7 some days ago and paired it with the RF50 1.8 and Rf 100-400 to see where this will get me. after shooting almost nonstop even in cloudy rainy weather i am hooked and want the 200-800 so bad because i cant reach any wildlife here. as soon as i sneak up they shut up and run.
cheers from china again mate! panda
gonna watch now! 🤗🙌🙏
done watching. this review is far better than ANY advertisement canon could ever make! i am sold and get this asap!
fun fact: i dont know why people are annoyed about the non removable tripod mount. it will not bother me and i get the long dual screw mount with a new tripod.
also coming from nikon P950 with insane noise even at ISO 800 plus very high F stops and now owning the Rf100-400 where i am stuck at f9.0 also this will not bother me as well. i learn to shoot only in good light and dont get all the action. if people want a wide open lens with insane quality just spend 1000$ more to get a L shell! canon needs to safe money somewhere and i will appreciate this lens very much for what it is! thanks duade
@@cloudpandarism2627 it comes in handy if you can remove the foot and replace it with a 3rd party foot that is better designed...that's why people are annoyed.
You can get close to birds if you watch their behaviour, not look at them directly and try and get close by zigzagging slowly.
Waiting for them to come to you if see them following a path is also possible.
@@RedmilesShark All great tips and I would add getting low to ground or trying to appear small is helpful. Or hiding in a blind, a car, or just some natural brush
@@RedmilesSharkI would add crouching and keeping your body as low as possible. I've taken some nice pictures of small birds at an open field with a 300m ff equivalent m43 lens
What a great review you have done! Thank you. I am looking at this 200-800 lens. I have some telephotos that I can play with for a while. All the details you have mentioned are helpful. I might not buy this lens soon, but I enjoy the review. When I make the decision to get one, I have quite a good idea what I am going to get.
Thanks Duade!Thanks Duade!
Excellent, detailed review.
As your usual prerogative you were able to highlight the various pros and cons of this excellent lens.
HI
Another great review, Duade. I appreciate the more balanced review. The inclusion of your members’ photos makes this review stand out. Thank you for this thorough review.
My pleasure mate, Cheers, Duade
I only just started back into photography recently and have been catching up on your videos. All the praise is well deserved. And for the first time, I became a member of a TH-cam channel. Truly worthwhile. You really have a knack.
Thank you so much for the support and becoming a member, I really appreciate it, good luck with your photography, we are so lucky to have this amazing hobby. Cheers, Duade
I love the 200-800. Was using the Sigma 150-600 sport and found the upgrade worth every cent. One surprising thing that I found was that the Sigma lens was draining the camera battery while the camera was turned off, whereas the Canon lens doesn’t do that. I had mistakenly thought that it was normal for the R5 to have the battery drain while being turned off.
Duade, I need to commend you on your reviews. I have watched literally every youtube review on this lens to date, and no one comes close to doing this justice (with exception of Jan - he is also excellent). You cover all the burning questions with real life trialling and testing, and provide a conclusive (and non-bias) opinion on all of them. I am picking mine up next week so will be interesting to see my experience vs my 100-500! thanks for the video! great stuff.
Just watched your video and you have convinced me I want this lens!!!! I currently use the Sigma 150-600mm. Thank you!!
Fantastic in-depth review Duade. Well worth the watch. Time to start saving…
Thanks mate, yes, a nice lens to add to the collection, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for a very well balanced review
Duane, the master reviewer. 🙌🏼👏🏼
Thanks for the review Duade. Just ordered the lens through your affiliate link! Can’t wait for it to get here
Great review! You have been my mentor since I started birding around two years ago. At the time I could only afford the R6 and the RF 100-400, but have gotten some amazing shots following your advice. I've been thinking of upgrading to this lens but have been waiting for a good, full review. Given that my R6 has fewer pixels than other cameras and I can't crop as much without losing detail, I think the reach of this would better serve me than saving for the RF 100-500.
As always, a great in depth review! I just wish I could get my hands on one. I've been on a wait list here in the states since January! I'm thinking they will hit the stores as we get closer to the Paris Olympics which is when the R1 and R5 MkII are supposed to be released.
Just purchased the canon 200-800 , love it it’s fantastic , cheers
Another masterpiece and very thorough coverage Duade! Thanks for all your hard work on this! I have both 200-800 and 100-500+1.4x combinations but the minimum focal length of 420mm on the 100-500+1.4x has trapped me many times. Like you said, you have to have both lenses! My biggest cons - unremoveable foot, no fluorine coating.
Thanks mate, totally agree, nice to have both options, Cheers, Duade
Excellent review als always. Even if the viewer is not a wildlife photographers you get many important information of Duade review. Great job. Keeps does reviews coming.
Do you use Nikon equipment especially? Especially the Nikon Z 180 - 600 mm?
Thanks Duade, you give the most thorough reviews on youtube. I always enjoy them. I've had this lens on order for sometime. This review has confirmed in my mind that it is a good decision. Info on the next ship date in the US are sketchy at best. Do you have any info from your contacts?
Very good review, thx a lot !
Despite the f/9 aperture, the images you and other members shared are fantastic! The focal length range is exceptional for wildlife photography!
Thank you for an excellent video. Do you think that the lack of repellent layer on the lens would make it sensible to put on a protective filer glass to make cleaning easier, or will that reduce the image quality too much? My brand new waiting for me at home now, so it would be nice to know before I start using it.
Great video as always Duade! You hit the nail square on the head with your review. Spot on and thorough points on the pros and cons; noting some of the obscure "features" like the control ring and lens foot limitations, not to mention some great info on the comparisons with other lenses.
I've owned the lens now since the beginning of the year and while the number of sessions with it were limited so far, I've come out of them with some great images. It's absolutely a blast to use and the reach and flexibility has opened up the opportunity for many different styles of shots. Having the ability to change composition to fit the subject is unparalleled, 200mm to 800mm is truly remarkable in one lens. My main takeaways are to be aware of the limitations and to work with them. The max aperture of f/9 in terms of DOF and blurred backgrounds is usable, and the mirrorless bodies and de-noise programs these days can keep up with the ISO needed in low light situations. The lens is exactly what you would want and expect from something in its price range!
Thanks for including my image in the review, certainly made my day! Cheers!
Thanks for your great comment and sharing your image and thoughts, very helpful to others. Great to hear you have got lots of nice shots and I am sure you will get plenty more in 2024. Cheers, Duade
I want one. Saw someone out in the wild with one, it's recognizable. My primary need is something with more reach than the 100-400 that doesn't require a loan to purchase. I think the 600 and 800 f11 primes are tempting but too restrictive. The 70-200 f4 + 200-800 seems like a logical pair for the great outdoors.
I can't wait to send you an image. However I've been on backorder for this lens for 2 1/2 months. Come on Canon!
I've been waiting on backorder for 5 months, it could be a while yet
Sorry to hear that, I believe it is sold out everywhere in the world, I have asked Canon Australia for an update on availability and I am waiting a response. Cheers, Duade
@@Kryxtal looks like canada was sent the worlds supply! lol
Awesome video @@Duade, very much appreciated. I also have one on backorder in Western Australia with no real idea of when I may see it. If you do get a response from Canon I would love to hear it if you don't mind.
Thanks again mate and keep up the great work.
Really helpful! I'm waffling between the 100-500 and the 200-800. I can say that I've quite decided, but I am far better informed. Thank you!
Hi Duade, realy nice video :-) Can you pleas tell which lensfoot you use on the Sony 200-600.
Hi Duade, what a WONDERFUL review you just posted! I own the R7 and the 100-500. Now that there is a 200-800 I like to switch back to FF. I am waiting for the R5 MkII but perhaps the R5 Mk I will be sufficient and much cheaper. Nevertheless, 200-800 paired with the R7 would be great too. Thank you for the lovely pictures again!
Amazing detailed review as always Duade...Thank you very much...!!! 😊🙏🏻🙌🏻🇮🇳
another great review....I wish they came up with that lens 5-6 years ago when i could afford it..
Awesome review, I’ve been looking forwards to seeing this video! I have a canon EF 100-400 LII and a new R5 - i tried it with a 2x extender and it surprisingly is not terrible but I think this lens will be my next upgrade. I shoot lots of things but the little songbirds are closest to my heart. One day i’ll swap out my EF100-400 with the newer Rf100-500, but I think this lens makes more sense for me right now, especially since my older 100-400 still takes lovely shots with the Ef-Rf converter. Thanks for your insights Duade! You do such an excellent job with your videos!
Cheers! Jessie - Alberta Canada
Thanks Jessie, yes, I think the EF100-400 is a great lens and works very well on the R5 so you have that focal range covered. The 200-800 will be a nice addition to that lens for sure. Have fun, Cheers, DUade
Great and accurate review Duade. I have been shooting with this lens for about a month and love it more and more everyday. I have it on my R5 and it is super sharp. The weight is a bit of a problem for long stays in the field, but i use it with a Black Rapid strap for birds in flight and a monopod for other times. The issues you mention about the zoom throw are quite accurate, but you get used to it. and really who goes from 200 to 800 all the time. Mostly it is adjusting the focal length from 500-800 or the like so the issue becomes less of a problem. I was using my EF 100-400 with a 1.4x converter and wondered if this would just be more stuff and similar to what I have. Not even close. Great lens and you can get great photos.
Hi Duade. Absolutely brilliant review, thank you. I think you've covered pretty well everything anyone could need to know about this lens. Yes some limitations but so many fantastic images from you and many of your subscribers. Still don't know if I'll get one as I'm lucky enough to have the RF100 - 500 and the 1.4 extender already. Also a part of me thinking about the R52 which won't be too far away now - can't afford/justify both any time soon. Sorry for being slow to comment - we've been away for a few days and only just had a chance to sit down and watch. Thanks again. John
Thanks John, I think the R52 will be a great update and with the rumoured stacked sensor and AF upgrades I think that and your current kit will work very well. Cheers, Duade
Awesome review. My experiences with the 200-800 on my R8 has been fairly limited, but now that Spring is coming to Canada, I was able to get out to one of my favourite trails and capture some images of a great blue heron fishing. Very, very happy! It's a bit heavy to hold up for a long period of time (like when you're waiting for the heron to strike at a fish!) but it's certainly doable. Interestingly, the combined weight of the R8 and the 200-800, while technically heavier than my 7DII and EF 100-400 (Mark I), they feel almost the same, subjectively. Of course, the weight at the lens end is heavier...but again, still readily hand holdable. I'm VERY pleased with it, so far!
hi duade, thank great review like all the others have said. I am like you using R5 matched with 500 f4 prime and 1.4 converter which I use hand held for birding. I also use the rf 100 - 500 for aircraft photography. now that you have the 200-800 what is your new go to combination for birding? I am debating whether to get this lens but then I will be forced to make a choice before each outing..which lens combo will I take!
Amazing review, let's hope Canon takes these reviews and does better with a v2 if they continue to improve on this glass.
Thanks, yes, I would love it if the sent me a preproduction lens so I could give my honest feedback during the design phase. But overall a great addition to the RF lineup. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for another great review. Still waiting for my back-ordered 200-800 to arrive. I am wondering, since you're hand-holding the lens most of the time, have you tried rotating the lens foot to the top of the lens. It seems to me one would be better able to make a longer rotational throw of the zoom ring that way. Cheers for another clearly conducted review.
Great video Duade! I have an RF 100-500 + 1.4TC and a RF 800 on a R6mk2 and I'm so tempted by this lens as it will basically do everything both of those lenses do in a single package. I shoot birds in the UK so low light performance is a concern plus I tend to shoot a lot of smaller birds in woodland. I just can't quite make my mind up whether to get this lens and sell both the others! As concise and informative as your video is, the choice between the two options is so close it's still really hard to make a decision. I think I'm going to stick with what I have for now.
Thank you. What a great review. I am coming from 7DII 100-400mII. I am a birder 100% so younhave convinced me to buy the 200-800mm plus R5.
Another great review! Thanks so much for the comparison with the RF 100-500 w 1.4 ex, and the RF 800 f11, my kit is the R6 mkII and RF 100-500 + 1.4 extender. I like the convenience and ease of carrying the 1.4 ex with the 100-500. Noticing how the 800 f11 lenses are starting to show up used now I’ll probably pop for one and experiment with the 1.4ex on bright days. Sounds like the new 200-400 is super, but not worth replacing my 100-500 w option of 1.4. Thanks again for the wonderful review!
Thanks Bill, the 100-500 is a beautiful lens that is a joy to use, the 800 f11 does work well on the R6II, just be aware of that 6m MFD which can cause issues if the subject comes close. Have fun, Cheers, Duade
Very comprehensive review and aligns pretty well with my experience.
I shoot with the R5, and both R6 versions. Instead of getting the R7 (which I think has a poor bus and focus design), so on occasions when I would want that capacity, I use the 1.6x crop mode in the R5 to be able to see a smaller FoV when shooting - the reduction in MP capacity from 45 to 17-ish is fine for my purposes. The focus in that mode is great, as always.
I shoot almost exclusively hand-held, and do weights to be able to handle this and similar configurations - at 71, it's a good thing to do anyway, this just gives me a good incentive to do it!
Like you, I am frustrated by the fixed tripod mount, it would save me a bit of bulk and weight and make hand-holding the lens a lot more comfortable. If the collar had the clicks at 90deg that would be good, as would having a Swiss Arca plate built-in.
No issues with focus (compared to my RF 100-500 and Sigma 60-600 lenses). I don't use teleconverters, so no opinion there. So far, I have had great images with the lens and certainly the focal range is awesome, especially in crop mode.
Glad they included the lens hood. I got a high quality protect filter for the lens - not cheap but I prefer protection from both the hood and a filter for my expensive front elements.
Why, oh WHY in NZ, do they want $229NZ for the soft lens case??? That's ridiculous... I use the inner cardboard box the lens came in with the plastic bag for storage.
Brilliant review. Very helpful. I own the R5 with 100-500 with 1.4x. I also have 500 f4. Very tempted to add this lens to my arsenal. Thanks again for being so thorough.
Glad it was helpful!
I just put the first few hundred images through this lens using the R7 and I can only say it has been night and day when compared to the Sigma 150-600mm I previously used. The amount of keepers has risen by at least three- to fourfold. The lens is tack sharp, throughout the entire focal range. Couldn't be happier really, as I really was frustrated with the Sigma, when it worked it was superb, but it has been a real struggle sometimes. Thanks for a great review and sharing your experience Duade, it is what convinced me to pick up this lens.
Awesome to hear! The sigma has really been letting me down on the R7 so I can't wait to get this lens! (currently on pre-order in the UK for £2,300 or around $2,900 so I'll be looking to get one second hand eventually)
Really great video!
Nice video...wonder how one can attach a Peak design slide to carry this lens so as to get relief from constantly having to carry the heavy lens (2 KG)....thanks.
Great review, as always. I just wish the lens was available. I ordered mine in December and have yet to see it ship.
Nicely done, Duade! Thanks again for another very informative & comprehensive review :) Really do appreciate all the time & effort you put into these. I believe that those looking at these items find your insights invaluable when trying to decide what to spend their money on. I often especially like all the image comparisons you take the time to take & share - tells a great deal of the story.
Glad that lens works well for you so far & hope it will be a valued piece of kit for yrs to come. I am still waiting on mine from Canon (after 4 months), with no indication of when they might send one my way. Canon's customer service is quite poor in my experience, here in the US. They share virtually no information about most all things when trying to deal with them - from direct sales to service. Do hope my copy is a good one, if I ever do receive one. The flexibility & extended reach, with solid IQ, are things I am hoping it can achieve.
May you enjoy your coming sessions @ the end of summer there & thanks again for all the valuable information regarding the 200-800mm lens. Best regards ~ Chris
Thanks Chris, sorry to hear about the delay, that is unfortunate and poor from Canon re letting your know what is going on, hopefully not too much longer. Cheers, Duade
Awesome review, I agree with all the points you make about the lens. I love my 200-800 paired with my R3. One interesting thing I noticed when I zoom in to 800mm I can dial the aperture wider than f9. My R3 display shows the aperture as follows= F8.0 4/8 Not sure what it means but I wonder if anyone else has seen this.
Great conclusion! Would love your take on the sigma 500 5.6 for Sony. I personally sold my 200-600 to preorder it, I’m a bit nervous tbh, but very excited.
Hi Duade, absolutely superb review, certainly the best I have seen about the lens, I know from when we met you thought it was winner and obviously the review backs that up. Some of the photos on the review are stunning from you and members. Out of interest will you be doing a review of the new Sirui monopod and head I liked the look of that especially if I do go for the R5 ii this lens, and it can take the weight.
Thanks Mate, yes, it performs well for its price, the f9 is a bit of a weakness but the range is great. Yes, I will try and use the monopod in a future video. Cheers, Duade
Fantastic review Duade :) I rented this lens for a week, and I absolutely LOVED it :) In fact, I have decided that I will eventually buy it... But not right now, because 1) the price, 2) the lack of availability 3) so much overlap with my 100-400 + 1.4 TC and my 'beloved' 800 F11. In the end, the only thing this lens can do that my current two lenses can't > is all the same stuff, in a single lens, which admittedly, is big, but at a cost of $2K and an extra 2 lbs. I know everybody's uses are different, but for my shooting, most of the negatives you mentioned are never a problem. Oh, and I "always" use a tripod > even with my 800 F11. Weight has almost nothing to do with it. Oh, and also for myself, a straight 800mm is almost never long enough, but its great on the R7 for an equivalent of 1280mm :) Felt pretty normal to me though, after 200K shots with the 800 F11.
Terrific review. One thing to mention is availability. I've had one on order in the U.S. for 3 months and no sign of it coming. I was hoping to use it in Alaska in July, but I fear it will not arrive in time.
I know Duade was specific in his lens comparisons and referred to specific RF lenses. But I think the EF 100 - 400 should not be forgotten. It is an exceptional lens, works great with an adapter and can be used well with a 1.4 TC. It’s an option plus with an R7 gives significant reach and even more with a 1.4 TC. Where budget is an issue these lenses are good value used.
Thank you, Sir...! I've ordered my 200-800 lens FIVE MONTHS AGO and I am still waiting. (fuggin' Canon) I got to the point where I was on the fence as to keep the order or not. I already own the 100-500 and recently purchased an R7 - which makes my 500mm an 800mm. After watching this video I have decided to stick it out and keep the order.
G'day Dave, sorry to hear about the delay, that is very frustrating indeed, we are sold out down here also. Canon must not have anticipated the demand for the lens which is poor from them. Cheers, Duade
Tony Austin from Canada, GREAT capture on the Bufflehead Duck. Nice shot ! 39:10
An absolutely comprehensive and excellent review! Thank you Duade. Though it did miss one comparison. I shoot mainly with the R7 and the 100-500 lens. An equivalent field of view with a slightly darker equivalent f stop. Slightly worse light and camera focus against slightly better lens quality. I do have the R5 so the 200-800 is an expensive tempting prospect. It’s that or wait for the R7 mk ii. In either case a very 1st world problem!
Hey Duade,
Another great and informative video! I currently have the r6ii and rf 100-400 until deciding on which lens to get for more reach.
After watching this and using my current set up, I think I am going to hold out for either
1) Canon to release a new r7ii and pair it with the 100-500. (crop sensor, so decent reach) so long as they fix the current r7 issues.
2) Hold out for 3rd partly lens like sigma to make telephoto rf lenses up to 600 with a better f/.
3) Go back to nikon for their great lenses if they bring out a decent affordable new body.
Also learned from this video that a prime 800 has better/bigger reach than a telephoto 800. I always though 800mm meant 800mm regardless. So thanks for that too!
The af bird in flight examples you showed also didn't look the sharpest which again encourages me to hold out and get the rf 100 500.
Love from the UK!
Great review! I am new to wildlife photography and i currently use rf 100-400 and am going for an upgrade. I was looking at rf-800 f11 but with this one coming out i was wondering if it is worth the extra 1000$? It’s mostly the weather proofing that makes it interesting for me.