Now, that's the way to do a review ! Not just the lens in isolation but how it compares to the competition in real world use. I have this lens and agree with everything you said.
I use the RF 100-500 for birding with my R7. It's an amazing lens. Lighter than the EF lenses I replaced, the twin focus motors are exquisitely responsive, the lens IS works well with the R7 IBIS, with useful macro capability, and the image quality that is simply stunning. As to the F7.1 aperture at maximum zoom, it is F6.3 up to 430 mm; moreover, modern sensors and de-noising software go a long way towards mitigating low-light issues. Worth. Every. Penny. if you can swing it.
Hi Duade. Thanks for yet another great video, and thanks for using one of my images. The best review of the 100 - 500 I've seen anywhere. It's wonderful to see what results you've got from the 100 - 500 but also fantastic to see so many brilliant images from your members around the world, really inspiring. I'm so glad I bought my 100 - 500 and it seems that almost without exception everyone else who owns one thinks the same. Keep up the great work, thanks again and best wishes. John
@@Duade Hi Duade. A question if you don't mind. I've been having a look at the Alphagvrd lens vinyl skin product. It looks really good, precision cut and hopefully not too difficult to apply. Which colour/pattern did you go for? Was it Obsidian Camo? looks like it might be the best/most appropriate. Guess you ordered it from the US website? Thanks in advance and best wishes. John.
@@johnclark9499 G'day John, apologies for the delay, it is not too hard to apply but just takes time as its like a big jigsaw puzzle. I actually got mine from China and just waited the long time for it to arrive. I think mine was called Field Camo. Cheers, Duade
I rented a RF 100-500 for a week to try on my R7 and R6ii. It is a great lens but to me it isn't that big a jump from my 100-400Lii two nits to me are that it can't go below 300mm with a RF 1.4x (have one) and THE BIG ONE IS THE PRICE. If I didn't have the EF 100-400Lii already it would be a no brainer but even if I sell the 100-400 I would still have to dig up another almost $2,000 That is a tough nut to crack when on Social Security. I am keeping my 100-400Lii, more light f/5.6, virtually the same IQ at least to my eye, a full 100-400 with a EF 1.4Xiii, and the big one... is I already have it.
UPDATE: I still have and use my EF 100-400Lii with my 7Dii and 5DC, but Canon had a sale on refurb 100-500's for $1,899. I couldn't pass that up. So I now have a RF 100-500 with my R6ii and R7
@@JeffreyPadellthank you for the update ! Do you have any preference on which setup to use when on the field between your DSLR and mirrorless now ? From an ease of use/user experience standpoint
@@cjsmith I have to admit I bought a 100-500 from the Canon refurb store, $700 off and as I had mentioned the EF100-400Lii is very close to it and you have to decide if it is worth the extra cost. For me it was and now I only use my 100-400Lii with my 90D and 7Dii. I love the 100-500, very snappy focus and tack sharp with both the R7 and R6ii
Thanks again, Duade!! You always go to great lengths to explain and back up your comments, as not to just be another opinion, and it's SO APPRECIATED!!! I have the lens and shoot with the R5 purchased a couple of years ago. I had to wait 16 additional weeks for the RF100-500mm to be delivered and continued to use the EF100-400 II until then. The difference was noticeable! I use ES so the shutter count isn't realistic, but I've been through 150K pics in that time and the images, function/performance and portability of the RF100-500mm lens is outstanding. MANY THANKS AGAIN!!
Wonderful, thorough review. I've owned this lens since May 2021. I've used it on an R6, R5 and R7. It pretty much lives on my R5. I do have the RF 1.4x converter. I do hate losing the 100-300mm range. At 300-350mm with the extender, I could have just used the lens solo. So really, the extender is just useful at 400mm plus. I rarely use mine, opting to crop instead. But, all in all, I love this lens. I came to it from the 100-400mm IS USM II L. This lens worked great with the adapter but the extra 100mm to reach the birds is worth it. Thank you for your continued content, Duade.
Really helpful, especially the lens weight comparisons, I use an R7 and opted for the 24-240, 100-400, and 600 f11 as my lens choices, primarily for the weight. I get results that I am happy with which is great. I always remember Sir Chris Bonington saying that the best camera is the one you are prepared to carry.
@@onnonugteren2935 well.... I am dragging my rf85mm f1.2 around everywhere, with its 1kg weight, due to its very special look - also works great for sports and wild life.
In addition to my 100-500, I also have the 24-240 and I’m. A BIG fan of this lens. It’s my #1 go-to for street and travel photography owing to its convenient weight and size.
Fantastic review Duade and thank you for the honor being part of it. Actually after watching the video, I'm even happier to own this lens :D Great job, love your content
Thank you for another signature video. This is most complete video on the RF 100-500 and definitive resource on this lens! Well balanced review and earns a bookmark in many birder's browser library! Thanks for the mention and your inspiration... BRAVO my friend!
I think I’ve already commented this in another video of this channel, but it fits much better here so I’ll say it again: I use the R7 + RF 100-500mm combination and it’s opened a new world of possibilities to me. Combined they give you 800mm of reach in a very light and small package. That was unthinkable just a few years ago. The quality is extraordinary (just slightly above the big prime lenses and only noticeable when the images are looked at real size or 200%). This allows you to photograph without breaking the distance safety limit that many birds usually settle, and since you can hand hold it, taking good images of birds is definitely doable while just walking around. I could never do this before in my area since animals tend to be scared and alert and I just couldn’t get close enough unless I used a hide. The lens also allows to focus from a very short distance, which makes it very good for macro of big insects like butterflies, dragonflies or small frogs and reptiles. I don’t think this is pointed out enough. Since you can shoot at 100mm as well, it makes it a suitable lena for landscape photography too. The IS of the lens paired with the camera's works very good for images (15-30 FPS also helps, I’ve shot sharp images of small birds at 3200 ISO and 1/40th of a second handheld) and even for video, at least if you have stable hands. Overall the size and versatility of the RF 100-500 make it an all-terrain lens that has helped me to enjoy photography way more than before. And I really mean it, it feels so smooth and easy taking pictures with a small and light lens that you literally go out more. I was coming from an old 80D and the old trustworthy 400mm F 5.6, so the change has been massive.
The RF 100-500 was the first lens I purchased when I bought my first mirrorless camera. Many of my favorite bird images and one of my favorite human portraits was taken using this lens. The only downsides are ones that you've referred to: (1) inability to retract past 300mm with an extender installed, and (2) that small maximum aperture. A big prime, with its bigger aperture, gives me around an hour of extra shooting time per day (1/2 hour in the morning and 1/2 hour in the evening). The 100-500 takes me out of the game that extra hour per day. That said . . . there is no better bird stalking lens in the world than the RF 100-500. This is THE lens for hunting warblers in North America. The big prime doesn't have a chance.
Great work as always, Daude! I love my 100-500 but my Sony 200-600 is arriving today. I'm on the waiting list for the Nikon 180-600 as well. Might as well get the bird lens from every manufacturer. LOL
Thanks mate, have fun with the Sony, a great lens for the price. I am hoping to get my hands on the Nikon soon to test which should be fun. Cheers, Duade
That is a wonderful and (as usual) well-thought-out review. I love the 100-500 for all of the reasons you pointed out but especially for its weight and the great clarity it provides across the focal lengths. I hope new folks who come to your channel will have the patience to watch these reviews where you share your channel members' photos because they help drive home the quality of the equipment you are addressing.
Hi Duade, Excellent review as always and very helpful, haven’t made the move to mirrorless yet, waiting to see what the R5 Mk11 specs are, won’t be buying it if it doesn’t have a stacked sensor, so thinking of buying the Nikon Z8 because they also have a better selection of wildlife lenses now. If I stay with Canon, the 100-500mm Lens doesn’t feel enough of a step up from my 100-400mm Mk11 considering the extra cost involved. Nice problem to have as there is so much to choose from now. Look Forward to the next video, Love the out in the field wildlife photography stuff that you excel at, your enthusiasm inspires me to get out and have a go as much as possible. Regards Chris
R7 + 500mm gives you 800mm ( 1.6x) on APSC format. Great combination for wildlife! Now i have R7+ RF 100-400, which is great, but this is the next step for me.
As usual, an amazingly detailed, slick presentation, full of useful information for both new and existing users of the RF100-500 L lens. One trick that you appeared to have missed, Duade, when looking at cropping in to the image is that on the R5 you have the ability to use the lens with a crop factor similar to an APSC body, ie 1.6x. I use this so much that I have assigned the DOF button to change from full frame to 1.6x whenever I need to do so, which is quite often. It makes the lens far more flexible and you can quickly see what the subject looks like without cropping in post-processing. Similarly, when using the video function, you can use up to a 10x zoom equivalent, which enables you to capture amazing Wildlife footage. Thanks again for all the time you use to make your videos the best!
Thanks for sharing Nick, yes, if the subject is small the 1.6 can make it bigger helping you find it. I just often forget its on and when the subject comes too close I might clip a wing or miss something important. Cheers, Duade
I live in Brasil and own one of this lens. For birdwatching. It is an excellent piece of equipment , lightweight, sharp and precise. The only issue is that it could be a little faster. 7.1 is a little dark to take bird pictures inside our forests. When in open field it is incomparable, but in our darker forests, I prefer the 100-400. As the distances are shorter, I do not need great magnification.
Another great video! Keep them coming. Thanks for the mention!! Like you, I was dialed into the 500 f4 prime with a 1.4 which is a nice focal length for small birds, though it can be hard to find them when you get close. While it is frustrating that with the 1.4 on the zoom, you can't zoom out all the way, it does go far enough to make finding small birds much easier while zoomed out and then you can zoom in for the photo at 700mm giving you decent composition choices. Recently, I've been going out with 2, R5s. One with a 70 to 200 2.8 on a strap and the other with the 100 to 500 and a 1.4 on a cotton carrier. That has worked out pretty well. The photo submitted was with the 1.4. I was with a group of photographers the other day as the sun set on a foggy Maine evening a pretty little doe showed up. The group included Sony and Nikon shooters and the lenses you covered. I struggled with the 100 to 500 to get a sharp image but was able to change to the f2.8 and get nice sharp images at 1/100 of a second at f2.8 and 200 mm with an ISO of 800. In Maine it seems like we are either shooting at a small warbler or a moose 😂 you need a lot of versatility.
Thanks mate, great to hear it is working well and yes having that flexibility is great. The weight savings in the 100-500 and 70-200 is pretty incredible. Cheers, Duade
Just got my RF 100-500, got a great deal from a guy near my home, and the lens is in mint condition. I have been eyeing this lens for a couple of years now, I can't wait to get out and soot with it! Thanks for your video review!
Hi Duade Comprehensive and honest review. I have used the lens in combination with an R5 for the last 12 months almost exclusively. Exceptional quality and usability. Can handhold for flying shots all day with no discomfort. Cropping in post processing compensates in some degree for the 500mm limitation. Range is ideal in a hide setting when you can’t physically move. Finally this is a lens you will have with you all day and because of that you will capture more images. A heavy lens limits your options. This is a MAJOR advantage.
An awesome job Duade! Totally informative and such a detailed review covering all the bases. Coming through clearly was the incredible versatility of the lens, build quality with associated superb image quality, weight, price (unfortunately) and also limitations with using an extender. Many of us may never own a large prime such as your EF 500mm f/4 and to us this type of lens is our primary birding/wildlife lens. It is encouraging to see many superb images from members and yourself with the 1.4 extender (I am only waiting for more clarity on the variable extender before buying either to enhance my reach). Your engaging of the manual focus ring on occasion prior to auto focus was a lesson I have taken onboard. I especially enjoyed the beautiful tones and light with the Cisticola, Azure Kingfisher at f/11, R7 Turquoise Parrot, Grebe Habitat shot and Scarlet Robin at 1/20th. Overall a fantastic review Duade and thanks again for all your time and energy. We all learn and benefit from your work.
Thanks mate, my pleasure, I think you have to change a setting in the camera to get the MF to work in AF, on the R5 its Pink AF > 4 > Lens electronc MF > Disable after one shot. I use it quite a bit especially if it locks onto the background and you need to pull focus back. Yes, I think waiting for this new converter is a good idea. Cheers, Duade
Thank you, Duade. I have the lens, plus the 100-400, and an R7 and R5. I couldn't agree more with all of your comments. Very accurate summary for sure.
but isnt that super expensive, yet somewhat limited (because of only 500mm at the long end and 24mm at the wide end) My personal combo is mostly on APS-C R7 the (EF-S) 10-20mm 3.5 Sigma, the good old 17-55 2.8 EF-S Canon and either a 150-600C Sigma or a Canon RF 800 F11 as telezoom (240-960) or super compact and light supertele (1280mm+). Also depending on the needs sometimes i use a 100mm 2.8 or 50mm 2.8 Macro lens (all old, affordable EF glass) or if im in creative mood a 50 1.4 SMC Takumar vintage lens. But i got very lucky, i got the 10-20 sigma, 50 2.8 macro (sigma), SMC takumar etc for very cheap, only for those lenses i paid "much" and 2nd hand ofc: - 150-600C Sigma - 700€ - Canon RF 800 F11 - 750€ (with lens hood + arca swiss mount) - Canon 17-55 2.8 EF-S - 350€ (in nearly perfect condition, probably barely used and with 1 year warranty from the shop) The thing is... add a monopod to a affordable 150-600C Sigma instead of the overpriced 100-500L Canon and you are about as stable. Use a sturdy tripod and good head for it and the Sigma is especially for video great (R7s Autofocus make in photo mode a lot of troubles but is nearly perfect in video mode) I really would love the 100-500L as well, i even tested it once shortly at a seller of the RF 800 F11 i bought, but its price is hardly justified as good the lens is in overall (stabilizer, autofocus, sharpness, weight,...). Its for sure great for landscape photographers since you dont mind the slower aperture, but for the given price i would have wished at least 6.3, better 5.6 or 5 aperture and probably sticking to 100-400 (with 2x TC its anyways 200-800 then)
Yup, my R5 has the 100-500 attached 90% of the time. I also carry the RF10-20mm in the same bag. There is wide, and there is 10mm wiiide. Yes, if shooting something specific, eg lightning, fire works I might also take my RF 15-35mm F2.8, but I already tend to stop down to f4 for that. 10mm wide plus 500mm gets most jobs done, so the 15-35 seems to be left out of the bag now to keep the weight down. The 3rd lens I carry is the RF85mm f1.2 - this lens is tack sharp @ f1.2, and the look is amazing - I use it for closer sports - af is fast, eye tracking works great, just a stellar look. That lens has done very well for me. I seem to be taking this to functions now, with the 15-35 in my pocket. Why not the midrange ? Why dont I use my ef24-70 f2.8L iii ? Boring imo. Every one with a phone shoots that focal length. I like to shoot what phones cannot. Anyhow, the 35mm can be cropped in if needed and besides, nothing, and mean nothing will beat the look of the rf85mm f1.2 atm imo. I am looking forward to using the RF10-20mm on the dance floor in a couple of months - should be a hoot, f4 shouldnt be an issue as I have been flash filling on the dance floor for awhile now, and already stop down to f4 or smaller.
For landscapes, try a RF10-20mm. That lens does not leave my bag. I shot a full double rainbow (with some faint tripple patches) out in the country. Very intense. I used a 8mm fisheye that I defished. But, once you defish and crop retangular, you might only have a 10-12mm fov. The double bow just fit the final frame. I am looking forward for the next one, and will have the rf10-20mm ready.
Awesome video as always Duade. This is a dream lens to use with my R7, but here in Brazil is so expensive that there's no way (a price of a car). My option now is using my Sigma 150-600 mm and my Canon 70-300 mm L. For forest environments with low light I usually prefer to use the 70-300, because is f/5.6 and I found easier to found the birds than the Sigma. With this lens in the R7 is like if I use a 500 mm in a full frame (480 mm) and yes, many times I wish the 600 mm of my Sigma. I love all the members photos! Happy birding to everyone
I’ve been watching your videos the last two years. I haven’t really ever shot wildlife, mainly portrait, weddings etc but always wanted to and loved watching your videos. Finally bought this lens today, it was for a steal and I couldn’t resist, brand new after sale price and cash back €1,870. Looking forward to making use of it soon 😃 keep up the great content Duade 👍
Congrats, that is a ripper of a price, it is such a beautiful lens that will open up a new world for you. It is light enough to go in the backpack and gives you loads of reach for all sorts of photography. The shots from my latest video at the lake were all taken with it. Cheers, Duade th-cam.com/video/tD282Cbdw4A/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for a thorough review and for sharing your photos and photos of your subscribers. Always enjoy seeing what you and others are able to capture and the kit and photo info for each shot. I use the R7 with a Rf 100-400 and a rf 800. I tend to use the 800 more just because I like to get close shots of birds without disturbing them. There have been a few times where I was too close and the bird or animal was too big for the frame. But when I use the 100-400 sometimes I feel like it is too short. At times I have thought it would have been nice to just get the 100-500 and pay a little more, but after watching your review, I think I am happy with what I have and will keep making it work with the 100-400 and 800. Thanks again for the video! Appreciate your time and effort to educate others.
Great video. I have owned the 10-500 for over two years and I love it, both on my R5 and R7. It is a great piece of kit. I wish it had more reach and the fact that you have to zoom to 300 mm to use it with TC‘s is annoying. Also, like most RF lenses it is over priced
Agree... my biggest annoyance is losing 140-420 (R7) ability as Duade pointed out... its final size is all relative - the 600/4 or competitors' internal focusing 180/200-600 is not any smaller. My fingers are crossed on Canon's rumored variable 1, 1.4, 2x TC... it should nullify its engineering shortcoming.
Amazing lens. IQ is so high. Love shooting with it. Think its a steel for the price. Yes, we all wish it was faster but fortunately sensor tech is still improving making high iso less punishing. Also, software has improved with leaps and spades making it much easier to deal with noise.
As expensive as it is, it's my favorite lens that I have so far. I've gotten really into wildlife photography and I am partially into landscape, this lens covers both. I recently got the RF 1.4x TC for it and the lens actually holds up for sharpness on my R6, at F/10 it's not the fastest aperture, but with IBIS and IS I've gone as low as 1/30 handheld for bird stills and this lens on things as fast as chickadees, that's allowed me to use this throughout the whole day, even in darker rainier days (not so good for action). It was light enough to carry for about 6 hours per day when I was in Florida, even in the darker areas the denoise tools in lightroom helped these images have a more "natural" noise level. Canon needs some in-between like my previous main lens the Sigma 150-600, people tend to think this Canon lens is "crazy" in price, considering the jump from a 600 f/11 to this I can't blame them, the teleconverter is the same price, there's just no zoom in-between the two with the same level of reach. Even for flowers this lens works pretty great. Since I walk around a lot a light lens with reach is what I want, biggest issue for me is the control ring placement, all my other lenses have it near the front element.
Thank You Duade, I just purchased this lens after saving up and Canon had a wonderful sale. I put this on my Canon R7 yesterday AM and was itching to use it and received a call from a co-worker in the morning about a Bald Eagle in the trees on the campus I work at. This is the first Bald Eagle in the trees in the 9 years Ive have worked here and was happy to try my luck. I was able to get about 15 Images before it flew off but so much sharper then the Sigma 150 to 600 I was using till yesterday. Very Happy already.I almost purchased the 200 to 800 but weight was a concern with me.
Something I have found helpful when I need extra reach but don't have a 1.4x or the time to place one on my lens is just to switch to APS-C mode on my R5... it reduces the megapixels to 17 from 45 but it can be super helpful to get that extra reach and because the functionality is internal, it doesn't seem like there is any IQ loss. If you haven't tried this feature before, I highly recommend it!
It’s no different to cropping in post… you’re just doing it in camera and losing the flexibility of recomposing later on. I do have crop mode assigned to the mf function button, and do sometimes use it myself though… but mainly if the subject is very far away and focus struggles, I’ll click to 1.6x.. focus, then click back to full frame.
I switch to crop on the R5 if the subject is a bit far. 17 mp is fine for most applications imo. It’s not something I do a lot, but it’s a great option when you need it!
Currently I use my r7 with the 100-400 and the 800 f11, but I think you’ve convinced me my next lens should be the 100-500 with your review! Thank you for using one of my images, it’s really amazing as a beginner to see it on your channel, you’ve definitely helped me out with your videos, including my decision to get the R7.
Thanks for submitting your images and sharing your thoughts, the RF100-400 is a wonderful lens for the price that is for sure and so light. The 100-500 is a nice upgrade but at a premium price. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade ! One of the thing I just love about this lens is a 'one do it all' flexibility. Wildlife, macro and even landscape is possible. Also, this lens is sharp at any distance. It means that if you select 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 you don't have to worry about aperture. I had many lenses in the past but now I use the RF100-500 in 95% of my scenarios. I find the 500mm to be a good distance for me. I also use the 1.6 crop factor from the R5 body most of the time. Then cropping is already done by the camera. People seems to be afraid to use that feature but the RF 100-500 is that good ! Using a 1.6 crop factor is a no brainer for me. And finally, the weight makes all the difference in the world for me. Sincere cheers for this excellent video 🙂
Both you and Jan Wegener have shared very compelling images with this lens. My first worry was the f/7.1 at 500mm compared to the f/6.3 at a further 600mm with the competition. That doesn’t seem to be an issue as I look into it. Now the big problem for me is price compared to something like the Sony 200-600mm or the new Nikon 180-600mm, which looks VERY promising. If I did decide to shoot Nikon, this is what I would get. I really want to go with Canon, but my budget seems to be much happier with Sony and the options I would have with that system. If Canon opened up 3rd party support and Sigma released their 150-600 in an RF mount, or Canon released a similar lens to Sonys 200-600 within the next 6 months (highly unlikely), I would jump onto the Canon system no questions asked.
Thanks Daniel, yes, the price makes it tough that is for sure. I am going to test the Nikon 180-600 soon so I look forward to that. I suspect Nikon will release an APSC body soon which might go well with that lens. Cheers, Duade
I don’t shoot with Canon, but I still watch all your videos to the end. You often inspire me with your photos and with your members photos. Hoping to see you with an in the field video soon though!
Hi Duade. Great review. I have had this lens with the R5 for some years and love it. Awesome images sharp great autophocus and possible macro. More difficult backlit in forest but can get around with initial manual focus. Expensive but so worth it. Looking forward to using it with the R511. And light weight.
Another really informative video. I have had the RF100-500 for about 6 months now, using on the R5, it has really changed my bird photography with the high quality images and the ability to crop in with the pixel count of the R5. I am a bit disappointed in the Lens Collar as it only has the one screw thread and often works loose from the plate. Having seen the collar you're using in the video...I've placed the order..as well as for the camo lens cover - which looks great. I did discover that if you change the R5 setting from 1/3 exposure steps to 1/2 exposure steps, the max aperture of the RF100-500 at 500mm goes from f/7.1 to f/6.7...not a lot, I know...but sometimes every bit of extra light helps. Look forward to the next video! PS the image of the turquoise parrot was awesome. Im living in Bendigo now and will head out to Glenrowan at some point to have a look for some.
Great show Duade, don’t own the 100-500, wish I did. I use the 3P rule when evaluating new lenses, price, price and price and this lens has to many Ps. I do own EF 100-400 v II with a 1.4 converter which I use on my R6 mark II and the RF 100-400 and RF 800 F11 which I use on my R7 and like all of them for different reasons and applications. I also use the other 3P rule with these lenses,practice, practice, practice. Cheers 👀👀
Really good review that Duade, brings the price more in context against the other brands. I just wish I could afford this lens, it’s defiantly the one to buy. However the images from other users were incredible 👏
Very interesting analysis Duade and good you were able to discuss this lens from an independent owner's perspective. Loved all the photo examples as always 😎
Great video Duade, My RF 100-500 is my main work horse for sure. I have several choices for wildlife including a first gen 600f4 IS which cannot be hand held for any length of time (beautiful images though). I highly recommend the 100-500 if you can afford one. I have had only one concern with the lens regarding an internal collar being dislodged. You can see this collar in your video when you were explaining the extender limitations when zooming. It seems to me that this collars purpose is to prevent contact between lens rear element and extender. On one occasion on my lens this collar somehow became misaligned slightly preventing me to zoom to the wide end of the lens. I was able to gently pop the collar back in place and the lens has had no issue since. Has anyone else had this issue or know the actual purpose of this collar. I would like to congratulate your members and yourself on all of the superb images that you shared in this video. All of the images are stunning. Thanks again, Scott
Thank you so much for your Channel learning to use my R5 and wanting a better lense for wildlife. After watch your channel i'm now saving for the 100 -500
Hey from Finland! I couldn't take it anymore and I just ordered this lens even though I couldn't afford it. I will give all my other lenses in exchange because nature photography has taken my heart. I just turned 50 and already bought myself an R7 for my birthday and now the lens of my dreams, couldn`t ask for more, I´m super happy!🥳
This is the lens that stays attached to my camera about 80% or more of the time. I have captured everything from insect macros to multi-frame stitched together panoramas using the RF 100-500 lens. It is light enough to carry on long hikes through rugged terrain and small enough to take out on my kayak into otherwise unreachable locations. It truly has no equal.
Duade, your videos are just so enjoyable to me even though I love shooting high school and collegiate sports which is my primary interest for the last four years. I am not kidding, you have a gift of communication and it is my belief that if you so desired, you would have no difficulty in transitioning to TV broadcasting or hosting a talk show. I mean photographing is much more fun than daily work in a TV studio, I'm just saying that is how good your communication skills are.in my opinion. On another note, since I've been watching you for quite some time now, one of the most important bits of information you've taught budding bird and natural photogs is that a newbie doesn't absolutely need a 2.8 lens to capture fantistic images, while that is all I heard from the "pros" years ago, like " you must have a fast glass lens to get sharp photos is lower light scenarios to which there is some truth. I have a 400mm 2.8 lens I purchased for "under the lights" sports like soccer , American football and baseball . I mean this lens is a boat anchor, no hand holding here. I'm 73 years old and that isn't even a possibility. In community high schools near me, the lights just aren't that great, so yes , the widest aperture is almost a necessity for motion stopping shutter speeds around 1500-2000 and reasonable iso's. What I've done to get around the weight issue is that for daytime games, I purchased the new lighter Nikon 400mm 4.5 S lens for Z mount, what a difference. I can actually hand hold it which helps me get better shots. I think I remember a year ago when Canon put out a statement that they forbid any company like Tamron or Sigma ,that makes a lens for use on a Canon body. If so, that would require Canon owners to purchase more expensive Canon lens ( although maybe better) rather than a Sony, Sigma, etc. Your photos are amazing!! Well Duade , its getting late here in Florida, 1 am, and this is a long comment so I'll say thanks for your teaching videos . My best to you and yours. Ted
G'day Ted, my apologies for the delay in responding to your comment and thanks for the support, I really appreciate it and you are too kind. Sounds like you have a lot of experience with sports and great to hear the 400 4.5 is doing well, I would love to try that lens and the 800 6.3. Thanks again and have fun out there. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade and many commenters; this is very helpful! I got an R7 when it was released and the RF 100-400. Thinking about increasing reach or aperture, I’d been eyeing the 100-500. But a couple things have me considering a jump to M4/3 - (1) the cost of Canon lenses and (2) the lack of crop-sensor specific lenses (with the associated weight & cost penalty of FF lenses). Before committing to really expensive glass in the Canon world, I recently got an OM-1 with its 100-400 for comparison. I’m still on the fence, but there’s lots to love in the OM system. Just the pro capture is almost worth a switch. Anyway, this review was really great and gives me much food for thought; thanks!
Thanks Jack, I have the same kit, the 100-400 unfortunately is a little inconsistent in terms of sharpness for me on the OM-1, I love the camera though, great piece of kit. I am getting the 300 f4 to try and will do a video on that in the future. Cheers, Duade
The RF 100 - 500 is a great lens, imo, if you can find it at a discount. Paid 2550 € for mine brand new, which feels more than fair. The weather sealing alone is worth a lot to me. Basically sold all my non-L RF lenses recently, since I didn't get much use out of them anyways, due to the lack of them being rain proof. The AF and the IS also work exeptionally well on the 100-500, and it's super sharp. You can easily shoot videos handheld at 500mm with it, it's fun to carry aroung compared to internal zooms or fixed apertures, and so much more. Again, a great lens! ^^ Also, very nice pictures, thanks for sharing!
Good detailed video! I have the Nikon 100-400. It fills the same niche, almost the same cost. I like the "inner balance" feature of the Nikon. It will never creep, only extends about half as much and stays balanced on a gimbal at all focal lengths. It also has the lens function buttons (I use them to focus preset) . It also is 1/3rd stop brighter through most of the focal length range. However, that extra 100mm of the Canon is really innovative. Either way, both are superb, versatile lenses for the times when a big prime is to unwieldy. They also complement a mid range zoom really well for landscapes.
The 100-500 is an awesome lens, but the fact that Nikon just came out with a 180-600 5.6-6.3 for less than $2,000.00 shows what is possible. It is faster (at the long at....the end that counts), and 100mm longer (again, the end you are buying the lens for), all for a thousand dollars less! Sony, Tamron, Sigma all have similar lenses, but with Canon, if you want 600mm for under two grand, you have to settle for an f11! Come on Canon!
@@nordic5490 What he said was that with the 1.4 teleconverter and in the 800mm zoom range, he had to stop down from f9 to f11 for sharpness. To reach 800mm with the Canon RF 100-500 lens, you must use a 2x teleconverter. And not much choice to shoot at anything lower than f11
The autofocus speed of this lens and the R6 II is unbelievably fast to acquire and hold focus. I love the size and overall build quality too. That said, I bought a used ef 500 f4 IS II for the shallow depth of field and haven’t taken it off of my camera yet. I see the 100-500 as a fantastic events or travel lens now.
Love all those member images. Great contributions that's for sure. I'm always a big gear review junkie, but I really enjoy the way you share insights and give a sense of how the gear does and doesn't assist in the way you work for bird and wildlife photography. It is helpful.
Awesome lens review. I’ve recently purchased an R7 and shoot sports and everything else. You’ve made my mind up. I’ve got to get a 100-500. It’ll go perfectly withy my EF 24-105 F4. Cheers
Great review! This was my favorite Canon lens before I moved over to OM/Olympus. Great lens that is almost as sharp as my 300mm F4 Pro Olympus lens. If Canon ever makes a crop sensor body that I like then I may buy another one.
I own this lens and actually shoot motorsports by trade, and I'll be honest, this is in my bag each, and every time I have an event to do. The versatility that this lens provides is bar-none some of the best I've had. As you've stated the higher aperture isn't actually much if an issue, especially for individuals like myself that normally do longer "Shutter drag" images in daylight. If I need to reach out much further (Which is seldom due to race track sizes), I do have access to the RF 600 f11 and the RF 800 f11. But yes, overall, I adore this lens and deem it absolutely worth it!
Another great video Duade, thank you. Some cracking images. I have been using the 100-500 for nature and sport and echo your comments. Shooting mainly sport, I have had some good results, but find that the long throw from 100-500 can be limiting. My 70-200 is 1/4 of a turn from 200 down to 70, whereas the 100-500 is closer to 1/2 a turn than a quarter. It doesn't seem much, but a number of times, with a footballer coming towards me, I have run out of room, chopping off heads or feet as I needed two twisting actions and was too slow - I also got wrist ache. I think it is just familiarity and practice, turning my wrist further over so I can do the full zoom in one turn, should sort out the problem. Also as I have a 24-70 and 70-200 for close and semi distant shots, I have a gap in a vital part of the zoom range between 70 and 100 (useful for many sports) if I swap out the 70-200 for the 100-500. However, having the full range from 24-500 in two bodies is great. Even better if I had a 24-105 f2.8 (f4 would do). I have shot floodlit football matches, with some images taken at 25,600 ISO, on an R5 and got acceptable results, but Duade is right, good light is critical for top quality shots. As to the images in the video, the bearded tit is just beautiful (among many).
Duade, thanks again for a great video. After I bought my R5, I saved for a couple of years until I had the $$ in 2022 to buy the 100-500, and OMG. I carry this lens everywhere. It’s the one I have attached to the R5 at all times. I usually walk with a 15-35, the 100 macro, and the 100-500 which ends being the one I mostly use for wildlife and landscape. I have been reluctant to buy the 1.4x since I wasn’t sure about quality degradation. However, the samples shown make me think that it’s worth the investment, even if I can only use the 300-500 range. It’s definitely less that purchasing the 600 f/4 for which I would have to save for a long time. Again, thanks! I wish I had known about sharing photos with the group. I think I have a couple which I like very much.
I'm pretty sure if you make the investment, you'll wonder why you waited so long! Yes, the lack of retractability is a bummer as all users have testified to, but there is no IQ degradation with proper camera settings. I leave the 1.4x attached most of the time. My fun is birds of prey fishing and the extra reach makes the needed difference at 150+ meters.
Hello Duade. Eind december 2022 bought the R6M2 with the RF 24-105 mm F4 and the RF 100-500MM 4.5-7.1 L. Mostly I use the 100-500MM for wildlife and birds in flight. Must see I now can make foto's with this lens I never could make before with my Nikon P1000. This lens is expensive, at this moment in The Netherlands € 3299,00, but gives a very sharp image. Also this weekens my friend, who also had the R6M2 with the RF 100-500MM, remember me on the possibility for using the digital converter in the R6M2. Set now a the T-button for it. This next to the back button focus and eyetracking. Must see this also is quit useful. This works only undrr the JPEG-setting. This can be found in the English usermanual on page 172 - 175. Thanks for your great revieuws. Keep on following. Greating Leo Lengton
Great detailed review Duade! Thank you for sharing. Love seeing everyone's amazing images, they're so inspiring! This lens has been on my wish list for awhile now too,, I hope to try it on my R7 one day. The price is the only thing stopping me haha!
Thanks, yes, it is fantastic, but that price is very high, I hope some will start popping up second hand soon which may make them more affordable. Cheers, Duade
In really enjoyed watching this which gives a valuable and balanced opinion, thank you. I'm not really into bird or wildlife photography but I find your channel generally helpful for my landscape work. Having recently been with other landscape photographers who have this lens I have just taken delivery of mine and like them, and you, I am amazed at the quality and potential of this lens, even from the few shots I've taken as soon as I unpacked it. Yes, it is expensive but somehow I don't think I'm going to regret purchasing it.
What a fantastic and incredibly in depth review. I’m going to get the 100-500, I don’t like paying out so much money, but it looks great. I’ll pair it with an R7.
Superb video, the members pictures are excellent I'm new to bird photography and it shows how far I gave to go, however the videos are making a huge difference keep them coming
Thanks Harry, yes, it takes time and many hours in the field. But if you look back at your first images I am sure you will see progress. Have fun out there, Cheers, Duade
Congrats Duade for this instructive video. I just love this lens ! When I watch the nice pictures taken by your members it makes me appreciate how good my pictures are with R5 + RF 100-500. I am glad to see people having such good results with this 'little gem' 🙂
Great review….just love your honest assessments of the gear you review. Think I might get this lens. Quick question…I went to the site you had linked for the camo vinyl cover…which style do you have for yours? Just love it!
Thanks for another excellent, comprehensive, well-thought through and super helpful video Duade 🙏 I've recently decided to switch from Fuji to Canon for my birding and wildlife and I think I've read and watched every review I could find about this lens! But your (and Jan's) practical insights about its real-world performance in the field have been more valuable than just reading specs on paper and looking at test charts. I made the most of a recent sale and am rapt to now have this lens in my kit! I think the important message here is that while it's an incredible lens, it's definitely not perfect. You've helped me to temper expectations and I think I can live with some of the inconveniences, which IMO are far outweighed by the positive trade-offs. It's early days yet but I think I love it already! 🙂📸
Hi, Duade! I have this lens and the first time that I downloaded the files to my computer I was amazed by the sharpness. It´s just so good! I´m a guide at Pantanal, Brazil. And I like to have a light lens when I´m leading a tour. It´s just easier to do everything. And It´s perfect for mammals, Though the auto focus suffers a bit, specially with jaguars. It tracks birds much better. I just love the 100-500! The only thing that Canon needs to do is to make an adapter for the teleconverters, so we could use the hole range.
So what exactly makes this premium? I've seen a lot of comparisons between this lens and the Sony 200-600 and can't say that the optical quality is that much better, if at all. At the same time you got 100mm less and you're gonna be shooting at a higher ISO. So, sure it's their "L-Line" but what does that mean in the real world, other than it being overpriced?
Another thorough, thoughtful review. This lens is my go-to walkaround lens, but most of my photography is around the golden hours either close to dawn or dusk. Not only is the light less harsh, but the birds are often more active. As a consequence, I find myself reaching for a faster lens. Still, it’s nice to have that portability and versatility of a zoom. If Canon could only change physics and give us an internal zoom, 100-600 f4 weighing 2 kilos - for $2000 US…
Exactly, wildlife is generally more active in lower light times. f7.1 may be fine for high ISO, but the AF systems also have less light to work with compared to f5.6 or f4 lenses. The autofocus on my R5 with a 100-400 II at f5.6 sometimes to focus on wildlife in lower light, where my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 Sport has no problem in the same scene. With less light available the AF gets confused between branches and birds so it hunts more.
Thanks mate, totally agree with you, I think we are just very lucky to have both a prime and a zoom. Having the flexibility is key. Lets hope for something unique in the future. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade for a thorough review with great comparisons. I have had this lens for two years with R5 and R6 bodies, and you hit the nail on the head - it is so versatile. Its ability to capture great bird in flight images and wider angle shots is much appreciated. My only dislike is the flawed design in regard to using teleconverters. Cheers.
Hi Duade, greetings from the UK. I purchased this lens after watching your review, even thou i already own the rf 100-400 & rf 800. We dont get knowhere near the sun that you do, but this lens is everything you say. I am so glad i whatched the review. keep up the good work.
Coming from a 50D and 70-200mm 2.8 L buying an R6mkII and RF100-500mm late last year was like dying and going to heaven with the exception of what a PITA it is to shoot Clog video at ISO 800 and 24 / 30 fps with a VND filters on the front of the lens. I solved that problem by getting a EF-RF converter with VND conveniently at the base of the lens - something Canon could have built into the mirrorless camera DESIGNED TO SHOOT PRO QUALITY VIDEO, but then we wouldn’t be motivated to replace the same EF focal lengths with RF glass - and use my EF lenses when shooting video. The 100-500mm is wonderful “walking around” lens for birds and small reptiles and mammals. I equipped mine with a Kirk foot and bayonet swivel and a long strap that lets me hang it upside down, balanced horizontally just below belt level when not in use securing it with my hand. For greater reach I added the 800mm f/11, also with cleverly designed Kirk foot which allows tripod mounting in portrait mode and a Kirk Swivel and cross shoulder strap so I could carry in along. Finding that unbalanced and swapping lens in the field a PITA I solved both problems by recently purchasing another R6mkII body when their price dropped to $2k 😂💸 I started out as a college PJ in 1971 with a pair of Nikon F bodies with 35mm and 85mm attached, hung over each shoulder via a 1” key ring on the right side instead of a two-point neck strap and carrying the two R6MkII bodies with Kirk feet on the 100-500mm and 800mm lens the attachment point for the crossed-shoulder straps feels remarkably similar and well balanced, more so than just carrying one body. The dual body set-up will also give me the option to have one set-up for stills and the other for videos or carry the 100-500mm and 24-70mm or 24-70 and 10-22mm EF-S which still works in crop mode on the R6mkII, switching modes automatically.
I acquired this lens almost by accident. I had prepared my wife for a 4K USD investment in a used EF 600 f4 prime. She texted me a link to the 100-500 which I knew about but had not considered. I did a day of research and got it the next. For 3.5 K USD I ended up with a lens and extender that I can use for both sports and wildlife and can take anywhere. The 600 is not great for sports and let's face it, is not portable. I can attest to how sharp it is. I have the EF 300 f 2.8 IS L which produces stunning results. I dare say the 100-500 is just as sharp. Thank goodness she pointed to this lens. It goes everywhere.
I decided to get the R7 and the rf100 - 500mm lens as with one son and family in NZ and the other in Australia, it was impossible to travel with my 7D Mkii and f4 600mm prime. I could only really travel with my 300mm f2.8 prime lens coupled with a 1.4 extender. So far I have enjoyed the new camera and lens, thanks to videos like yours where I have managed to learn from authors like yourself which has saved me much time. I am looking forward to my first travel adventure with the combo this summer, hopefully with a 1.4 extender in my bag as well.
I recently turned 80. My last twenty years of photography was all done underwater. Physically I can no longer do that and have sold all of my equipment. I am now looking for a new camera to do wildlife and birds. I’ve been watching TH-cam for several weeks trying to decide what to get. This video made it clear. Thank you! My question is, should I get an R7 or an R5? Impossible question, but just your opinion. I am now hooked on your channel.
After this review, I think I would buy this lens and the R7 body, if I could afford to do so. Thanks, Duade, for this in depth review and comparison. And, oh yeah, what amazing images, yours, and those of the members you shared.
I use it almost more for macro at 500mm than for e.g. birds. It's an awesome can-do-all lens. I still miss a good F4 / F2.8 bokeh, though, but you can't have it all (light and cheap doesn't exist in an F4 500mm lens, especially not in combination with this close focus).
Nice review Duade :) I have one question... I own this lens with an R5. I wanted more reach so... What's better: Buy the RF 1.4X extender for 500$ or buy an R7 for 1000$, so you have those 160-800mm reach in one body with 32mpx? I do macro and extreme macro as well with the RF 100mm macro so the R7 would be nice as my second body :) Greetings.
Duade, thanks for such a great review. As a Canon user, this lens paired with my R5 has been on my radar. I just wish the reach was a little more without use of the extender. The extender limitations is such a bummer as I frequently like to step down do some landscape shots as I go on walks for my bird photography photos. I have held back based on that aspect and the price is a pretty big investment. I currently own the Sigma 150-600 mm and use a teleconverter and it does the job, so I have been putting off buying a newer lens to go with my R5. Would love a 200-600 or 150-600 from Canon, but don't see that on the horizon. or them opening up more 3rd party lenses with better price points. But for now I use my Sigma, and do the best with it. I believe based on your review and others that the RF100-500mm f7.1 is a very good lens. I love the weight aspect, auto focus features, and it does take sharp pictures with the R5 and that almost overrides the extender and price, but for now I am waiting.
Thanks Bruce, the weight and size is the big difference to the Sigma. I think the Sigma for its price delivers excellent IQ. Yes, the extender is an issue, its possible this new extender from Canon coming may solve this issue, not sure but I hope so. Cheers, DUade
I could not afford the 100-500, I bought the EF 100-400Lii at less than half the price, yesterday I was using it with a 2x to get out of reach butterflies, fantastic quality. What is seriously annoying is the firmware fudge Canon has written in so you struggle with third party lenses. I use lenses like the Sigma 150-600 and 120-300 f2.8 on my 5D4 and sometimes wonder why I went mirrorless. Only with the DSLR the focus is sometimes a little out on larger birds, c'est la vie.
I had it too, i got it for a "too good to be true" price but since this expensive lens was still not in my budget (as RF 800 F11 + Sigma 150-600C owner) i sold it with profit later. But it was really great and i liked it, a good and somewhat "affordable" solution between RF 100-500 and the SIgma 150-600C or S, and the 100-400II is definately nearly as good as the 100-500L RF. I made the switch to mirrorless exactly because i was done with DSLR autofocus and older DSLR lenses (like a ancient 75-300 IS USM Canon). Mirrorless upped the autofocus so heavily and im very impressed with the RF 800 F11 autofocus, the only thing is at 800mm depth of field is so small, even a very very slight misfocus literally destroys the image quality/sharpness. Its much easier and a misfocus is so much more forgivable on anything up to 500 or 600mm.
I don’t think it’s a “firmware fudge” by Canon, if anything it’s simply because the 3rd party lenses’ own focus motors and firmware aren’t optimised for the RF mount and AF.
Nice video with these comparisons, Duade. No question that the 100-500 takes sharp pictures, and is a great option for the Canon system. One thing that I found inconsistent in the video was Tomas' image of the frog with dragonfly. It says that it was taken with the R5 and 100-500, but also says that it was shot at 500mm at f/6.3! Doesn't add up! I wonder if he had a prime on at the time, and forgot...
I feel like you misrepresented the Sony 200-600 G in your comparison. The Sony G lenses are their professional level lenses (a naming system they bought from Minolta). The 200-600 G is on par with this Canon RF100-500 in regard to "professional build". Yes, sony added a new "super professional" tier a few years back (the G Master series), but the differences in build and quality between the Sony G series is negligible and certainly on par with the variation in the "quality" of the L series lenses from Canon.
Excellent coverage Duade you did on this 100-500 Rf lens . Iam using theR7 with the 100-500 Rf . And Iam looking for extra reach should I buy a 1.4 X or a RF 800 11f lens . What are your thoughts Duade?
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Now, that's the way to do a review ! Not just the lens in isolation but how it compares to the competition in real world use. I have this lens and agree with everything you said.
I use the RF 100-500 for birding with my R7. It's an amazing lens. Lighter than the EF lenses I replaced, the twin focus motors are exquisitely responsive, the lens IS works well with the R7 IBIS, with useful macro capability, and the image quality that is simply stunning. As to the F7.1 aperture at maximum zoom, it is F6.3 up to 430 mm; moreover, modern sensors and de-noising software go a long way towards mitigating low-light issues. Worth. Every. Penny. if you can swing it.
Hi Duade. Thanks for yet another great video, and thanks for using one of my images. The best review of the 100 - 500 I've seen anywhere. It's wonderful to see what results you've got from the 100 - 500 but also fantastic to see so many brilliant images from your members around the world, really inspiring. I'm so glad I bought my 100 - 500 and it seems that almost without exception everyone else who owns one thinks the same. Keep up the great work, thanks again and best wishes. John
Thanks John, totally agree, seems universally loved by owners, thanks again for your image and recent emails. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Hi Duade. A question if you don't mind. I've been having a look at the Alphagvrd lens vinyl skin product. It looks really good, precision cut and hopefully not too difficult to apply. Which colour/pattern did you go for? Was it Obsidian Camo? looks like it might be the best/most appropriate. Guess you ordered it from the US website? Thanks in advance and best wishes. John.
@@johnclark9499 G'day John, apologies for the delay, it is not too hard to apply but just takes time as its like a big jigsaw puzzle. I actually got mine from China and just waited the long time for it to arrive. I think mine was called Field Camo. Cheers, Duade
I rented a RF 100-500 for a week to try on my R7 and R6ii. It is a great lens but to me it isn't that big a jump from my 100-400Lii two nits to me are that it can't go below 300mm with a RF 1.4x (have one) and THE BIG ONE IS THE PRICE. If I didn't have the EF 100-400Lii already it would be a no brainer but even if I sell the 100-400 I would still have to dig up another almost $2,000 That is a tough nut to crack when on Social Security. I am keeping my 100-400Lii, more light f/5.6, virtually the same IQ at least to my eye, a full 100-400 with a EF 1.4Xiii, and the big one... is I already have it.
UPDATE: I still have and use my EF 100-400Lii with my 7Dii and 5DC, but Canon had a sale on refurb 100-500's for $1,899. I couldn't pass that up. So I now have a RF 100-500 with my R6ii and R7
@@JeffreyPadellthank you for the update ! Do you have any preference on which setup to use when on the field between your DSLR and mirrorless now ? From an ease of use/user experience standpoint
@@JeffreyPadellRecommend the Canon RF 200-800mm lens 🤙
@@cjsmith I have to admit I bought a 100-500 from the Canon refurb store, $700 off and as I had mentioned the EF100-400Lii is very close to it and you have to decide if it is worth the extra cost. For me it was and now I only use my 100-400Lii with my 90D and 7Dii. I love the 100-500, very snappy focus and tack sharp with both the R7 and R6ii
Thanks again, Duade!! You always go to great lengths to explain and back up your comments, as not to just be another opinion, and it's SO APPRECIATED!!! I have the lens and shoot with the R5 purchased a couple of years ago. I had to wait 16 additional weeks for the RF100-500mm to be delivered and continued to use the EF100-400 II until then. The difference was noticeable! I use ES so the shutter count isn't realistic, but I've been through 150K pics in that time and the images, function/performance and portability of the RF100-500mm lens is outstanding.
MANY THANKS AGAIN!!
Wonderful, thorough review. I've owned this lens since May 2021. I've used it on an R6, R5 and R7. It pretty much lives on my R5. I do have the RF 1.4x converter. I do hate losing the 100-300mm range. At 300-350mm with the extender, I could have just used the lens solo. So really, the extender is just useful at 400mm plus. I rarely use mine, opting to crop instead. But, all in all, I love this lens. I came to it from the 100-400mm IS USM II L. This lens worked great with the adapter but the extra 100mm to reach the birds is worth it. Thank you for your continued content, Duade.
Really helpful, especially the lens weight comparisons, I use an R7 and opted for the 24-240, 100-400, and 600 f11 as my lens choices, primarily for the weight. I get results that I am happy with which is great. I always remember Sir Chris Bonington saying that the best camera is the one you are prepared to carry.
Exactly. 🙂 Only even better for the weight and price is instead the 24-240: the new 1.8 50 and the RF 2.8 16 to my opinion.
@@onnonugteren2935 well.... I am dragging my rf85mm f1.2 around everywhere, with its 1kg weight, due to its very special look - also works great for sports and wild life.
Hi Keith- Is the 24-240 what you’d use if you were on vacation and being touristy?
@@kimdavies968 Yes, I would certainly take it for its versatility.
In addition to my 100-500, I also have the 24-240 and I’m. A BIG fan of this lens. It’s my #1 go-to for street and travel photography owing to its convenient weight and size.
Fantastic review Duade and thank you for the honor being part of it. Actually after watching the video, I'm even happier to own this lens :D Great job, love your content
Thanks mate, images were stunning, really shows just how good it is, Cheers, Duade
It was a great photo, congratulations.
Just watching your review of the Canon100-500L, what is the make of the Camo set attached to this lens, it looks very neat, Cheers
Thank you for another signature video. This is most complete video on the RF 100-500 and definitive resource on this lens! Well balanced review and earns a bookmark in many birder's browser library! Thanks for the mention and your inspiration... BRAVO my friend!
My pleasure mate, thanks for the images, Cheers, Duade
I think I’ve already commented this in another video of this channel, but it fits much better here so I’ll say it again:
I use the R7 + RF 100-500mm combination and it’s opened a new world of possibilities to me. Combined they give you 800mm of reach in a very light and small package. That was unthinkable just a few years ago. The quality is extraordinary (just slightly above the big prime lenses and only noticeable when the images are looked at real size or 200%). This allows you to photograph without breaking the distance safety limit that many birds usually settle, and since you can hand hold it, taking good images of birds is definitely doable while just walking around. I could never do this before in my area since animals tend to be scared and alert and I just couldn’t get close enough unless I used a hide.
The lens also allows to focus from a very short distance, which makes it very good for macro of big insects like butterflies, dragonflies or small frogs and reptiles. I don’t think this is pointed out enough.
Since you can shoot at 100mm as well, it makes it a suitable lena for landscape photography too.
The IS of the lens paired with the camera's works very good for images (15-30 FPS also helps, I’ve shot sharp images of small birds at 3200 ISO and 1/40th of a second handheld) and even for video, at least if you have stable hands.
Overall the size and versatility of the RF 100-500 make it an all-terrain lens that has helped me to enjoy photography way more than before. And I really mean it, it feels so smooth and easy taking pictures with a small and light lens that you literally go out more.
I was coming from an old 80D and the old trustworthy 400mm F 5.6, so the change has been massive.
its not 800mm of reaxh
@@pegerparameta9339500 mm x 1.6 = 800mm.
@@pegerparameta9339it is 500 x 1.6
The RF 100-500 was the first lens I purchased when I bought my first mirrorless camera. Many of my favorite bird images and one of my favorite human portraits was taken using this lens. The only downsides are ones that you've referred to: (1) inability to retract past 300mm with an extender installed, and (2) that small maximum aperture. A big prime, with its bigger aperture, gives me around an hour of extra shooting time per day (1/2 hour in the morning and 1/2 hour in the evening). The 100-500 takes me out of the game that extra hour per day. That said . . . there is no better bird stalking lens in the world than the RF 100-500. This is THE lens for hunting warblers in North America. The big prime doesn't have a chance.
I have R7 and this lense and really been pleased. I really like your video and have learned a lot watching them.
Great work as always, Daude! I love my 100-500 but my Sony 200-600 is arriving today. I'm on the waiting list for the Nikon 180-600 as well. Might as well get the bird lens from every manufacturer. LOL
Thanks mate, have fun with the Sony, a great lens for the price. I am hoping to get my hands on the Nikon soon to test which should be fun. Cheers, Duade
That is a wonderful and (as usual) well-thought-out review. I love the 100-500 for all of the reasons you pointed out but especially for its weight and the great clarity it provides across the focal lengths. I hope new folks who come to your channel will have the patience to watch these reviews where you share your channel members' photos because they help drive home the quality of the equipment you are addressing.
Thanks for your comment, yes, it is always great to see what others can do with the lenses. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, Excellent review as always and very helpful, haven’t made the move to mirrorless yet, waiting to see what the R5 Mk11 specs are, won’t be buying it if it doesn’t have a stacked sensor, so thinking of buying the Nikon Z8 because they also have a better selection of wildlife lenses now. If I stay with Canon, the 100-500mm Lens doesn’t feel enough of a step up from my 100-400mm Mk11 considering the extra cost involved. Nice problem to have as there is so much to choose from now. Look Forward to the next video, Love the out in the field wildlife photography stuff that you excel at, your enthusiasm inspires me to get out and have a go as much as possible. Regards Chris
R7 + 500mm gives you 800mm ( 1.6x) on APSC format. Great combination for wildlife! Now i have R7+ RF 100-400, which is great, but this is the next step for me.
As usual, an amazingly detailed, slick presentation, full of useful information for both new and existing users of the RF100-500 L lens. One trick that you appeared to have missed, Duade, when looking at cropping in to the image is that on the R5 you have the ability to use the lens with a crop factor similar to an APSC body, ie 1.6x. I use this so much that I have assigned the DOF button to change from full frame to 1.6x whenever I need to do so, which is quite often. It makes the lens far more flexible and you can quickly see what the subject looks like without cropping in post-processing. Similarly, when using the video function, you can use up to a 10x zoom equivalent, which enables you to capture amazing Wildlife footage. Thanks again for all the time you use to make your videos the best!
Thanks for sharing Nick, yes, if the subject is small the 1.6 can make it bigger helping you find it. I just often forget its on and when the subject comes too close I might clip a wing or miss something important. Cheers, Duade
I live in Brasil and own one of this lens. For birdwatching. It is an excellent piece of equipment , lightweight, sharp and precise. The only issue is that it could be a little faster. 7.1 is a little dark to take bird pictures inside our forests. When in open field it is incomparable, but in our darker forests, I prefer the 100-400. As the distances are shorter, I do not need great magnification.
Another great video! Keep them coming. Thanks for the mention!! Like you, I was dialed into the 500 f4 prime with a 1.4 which is a nice focal length for small birds, though it can be hard to find them when you get close. While it is frustrating that with the 1.4 on the zoom, you can't zoom out all the way, it does go far enough to make finding small birds much easier while zoomed out and then you can zoom in for the photo at 700mm giving you decent composition choices.
Recently, I've been going out with 2, R5s. One with a 70 to 200 2.8 on a strap and the other with the 100 to 500 and a 1.4 on a cotton carrier. That has worked out pretty well. The photo submitted was with the 1.4.
I was with a group of photographers the other day as the sun set on a foggy Maine evening a pretty little doe showed up. The group included Sony and Nikon shooters and the lenses you covered. I struggled with the 100 to 500 to get a sharp image but was able to change to the f2.8 and get nice sharp images at 1/100 of a second at f2.8 and 200 mm with an ISO of 800. In Maine it seems like we are either shooting at a small warbler or a moose 😂 you need a lot of versatility.
Thanks mate, great to hear it is working well and yes having that flexibility is great. The weight savings in the 100-500 and 70-200 is pretty incredible. Cheers, Duade
Just got my RF 100-500, got a great deal from a guy near my home, and the lens is in mint condition. I have been eyeing this lens for a couple of years now, I can't wait to get out and soot with it! Thanks for your video review!
Hi Duade
Comprehensive and honest review.
I have used the lens in combination with an R5 for the last 12 months almost exclusively. Exceptional quality and usability. Can handhold for flying shots all day with no discomfort. Cropping in post processing compensates in some degree for the 500mm limitation. Range is ideal in a hide setting when you can’t physically move. Finally this is a lens you will have with you all day and because of that you will capture more images. A heavy lens limits your options. This is a MAJOR advantage.
An awesome job Duade! Totally informative and such a detailed review covering all the bases. Coming through clearly was the incredible versatility of the lens, build quality with associated superb image quality, weight, price (unfortunately) and also limitations with using an extender. Many of us may never own a large prime such as your EF 500mm f/4 and to us this type of lens is our primary birding/wildlife lens. It is encouraging to see many superb images from members and yourself with the 1.4 extender (I am only waiting for more clarity on the variable extender before buying either to enhance my reach). Your engaging of the manual focus ring on occasion prior to auto focus was a lesson I have taken onboard. I especially enjoyed the beautiful tones and light with the Cisticola, Azure Kingfisher at f/11, R7 Turquoise Parrot, Grebe Habitat shot and Scarlet Robin at 1/20th. Overall a fantastic review Duade and thanks again for all your time and energy. We all learn and benefit from your work.
Thanks mate, my pleasure, I think you have to change a setting in the camera to get the MF to work in AF, on the R5 its Pink AF > 4 > Lens electronc MF > Disable after one shot. I use it quite a bit especially if it locks onto the background and you need to pull focus back. Yes, I think waiting for this new converter is a good idea. Cheers, Duade
The RF 100-500 is on sale at $2699 USD on Canon USA and Amazon USA right now. Thanks for the great videos, Duade!
Thank you, Duade. I have the lens, plus the 100-400, and an R7 and R5. I couldn't agree more with all of your comments. Very accurate summary for sure.
Thanks John, great kit you have, lots of versatility. Cheers, Duade
Love when reviewers actually have a lot of experience with their gear and have discovered quirks and stuff that short term reviewers miss. Great work!
I appreciate that!
Agree
As a landscape photographer my personal fav combo is the r5 with the 24-105 f4 and this 100-500 those 2 lenses are what i take 90% of the time.
but isnt that super expensive, yet somewhat limited (because of only 500mm at the long end and 24mm at the wide end)
My personal combo is mostly on APS-C R7 the (EF-S) 10-20mm 3.5 Sigma, the good old 17-55 2.8 EF-S Canon and either a 150-600C Sigma or a Canon RF 800 F11 as telezoom (240-960) or super compact and light supertele (1280mm+).
Also depending on the needs sometimes i use a 100mm 2.8 or 50mm 2.8 Macro lens (all old, affordable EF glass) or if im in creative mood a 50 1.4 SMC Takumar vintage lens.
But i got very lucky, i got the 10-20 sigma, 50 2.8 macro (sigma), SMC takumar etc for very cheap, only for those lenses i paid "much" and 2nd hand ofc:
- 150-600C Sigma - 700€
- Canon RF 800 F11 - 750€ (with lens hood + arca swiss mount)
- Canon 17-55 2.8 EF-S - 350€ (in nearly perfect condition, probably barely used and with 1 year warranty from the shop)
The thing is... add a monopod to a affordable 150-600C Sigma instead of the overpriced 100-500L Canon and you are about as stable. Use a sturdy tripod and good head for it and the Sigma is especially for video great (R7s Autofocus make in photo mode a lot of troubles but is nearly perfect in video mode)
I really would love the 100-500L as well, i even tested it once shortly at a seller of the RF 800 F11 i bought, but its price is hardly justified as good the lens is in overall (stabilizer, autofocus, sharpness, weight,...). Its for sure great for landscape photographers since you dont mind the slower aperture, but for the given price i would have wished at least 6.3, better 5.6 or 5 aperture and probably sticking to 100-400 (with 2x TC its anyways 200-800 then)
Yup, my R5 has the 100-500 attached 90% of the time. I also carry the RF10-20mm in the same bag. There is wide, and there is 10mm wiiide.
Yes, if shooting something specific, eg lightning, fire works I might also take my RF 15-35mm F2.8, but I already tend to stop down to f4 for that.
10mm wide plus 500mm gets most jobs done, so the 15-35 seems to be left out of the bag now to keep the weight down.
The 3rd lens I carry is the RF85mm f1.2 - this lens is tack sharp @ f1.2, and the look is amazing - I use it for closer sports - af is fast, eye tracking works great, just a stellar look. That lens has done very well for me. I seem to be taking this to functions now, with the 15-35 in my pocket.
Why not the midrange ? Why dont I use my ef24-70 f2.8L iii ? Boring imo. Every one with a phone shoots that focal length. I like to shoot what phones cannot. Anyhow, the 35mm can be cropped in if needed and besides, nothing, and mean nothing will beat the look of the rf85mm f1.2 atm imo.
I am looking forward to using the RF10-20mm on the dance floor in a couple of months - should be a hoot, f4 shouldnt be an issue as I have been flash filling on the dance floor for awhile now, and already stop down to f4 or smaller.
For landscapes, try a RF10-20mm. That lens does not leave my bag.
I shot a full double rainbow (with some faint tripple patches) out in the country. Very intense. I used a 8mm fisheye that I defished. But, once you defish and crop retangular, you might only have a 10-12mm fov. The double bow just fit the final frame.
I am looking forward for the next one, and will have the rf10-20mm ready.
Awesome video as always Duade. This is a dream lens to use with my R7, but here in Brazil is so expensive that there's no way (a price of a car). My option now is using my Sigma 150-600 mm and my Canon 70-300 mm L. For forest environments with low light I usually prefer to use the 70-300, because is f/5.6 and I found easier to found the birds than the Sigma. With this lens in the R7 is like if I use a 500 mm in a full frame (480 mm) and yes, many times I wish the 600 mm of my Sigma. I love all the members photos! Happy birding to everyone
Thanks mate, all great points and yes, the cost in overseas markets is very very high. Glad to hear the 70-300 is working well for you. Cheers, Duade
I’ve been watching your videos the last two years. I haven’t really ever shot wildlife, mainly portrait, weddings etc but always wanted to and loved watching your videos. Finally bought this lens today, it was for a steal and I couldn’t resist, brand new after sale price and cash back €1,870. Looking forward to making use of it soon 😃 keep up the great content Duade 👍
Congrats, that is a ripper of a price, it is such a beautiful lens that will open up a new world for you. It is light enough to go in the backpack and gives you loads of reach for all sorts of photography. The shots from my latest video at the lake were all taken with it. Cheers, Duade th-cam.com/video/tD282Cbdw4A/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for a thorough review and for sharing your photos and photos of your subscribers. Always enjoy seeing what you and others are able to capture and the kit and photo info for each shot. I use the R7 with a Rf 100-400 and a rf 800. I tend to use the 800 more just because I like to get close shots of birds without disturbing them. There have been a few times where I was too close and the bird or animal was too big for the frame. But when I use the 100-400 sometimes I feel like it is too short. At times I have thought it would have been nice to just get the 100-500 and pay a little more, but after watching your review, I think I am happy with what I have and will keep making it work with the 100-400 and 800. Thanks again for the video! Appreciate your time and effort to educate others.
Great video. I have owned the 10-500 for over two years and I love it, both on my R5 and R7. It is a great piece of kit. I wish it had more reach and the fact that you have to zoom to 300 mm to use it with TC‘s is annoying. Also, like most RF lenses it is over priced
Agree... my biggest annoyance is losing 140-420 (R7) ability as Duade pointed out... its final size is all relative - the 600/4 or competitors' internal focusing 180/200-600 is not any smaller. My fingers are crossed on Canon's rumored variable 1, 1.4, 2x TC... it should nullify its engineering shortcoming.
Amazing lens. IQ is so high. Love shooting with it. Think its a steel for the price. Yes, we all wish it was faster but fortunately sensor tech is still improving making high iso less punishing. Also, software has improved with leaps and spades making it much easier to deal with noise.
As expensive as it is, it's my favorite lens that I have so far. I've gotten really into wildlife photography and I am partially into landscape, this lens covers both. I recently got the RF 1.4x TC for it and the lens actually holds up for sharpness on my R6, at F/10 it's not the fastest aperture, but with IBIS and IS I've gone as low as 1/30 handheld for bird stills and this lens on things as fast as chickadees, that's allowed me to use this throughout the whole day, even in darker rainier days (not so good for action).
It was light enough to carry for about 6 hours per day when I was in Florida, even in the darker areas the denoise tools in lightroom helped these images have a more "natural" noise level.
Canon needs some in-between like my previous main lens the Sigma 150-600, people tend to think this Canon lens is "crazy" in price, considering the jump from a 600 f/11 to this I can't blame them, the teleconverter is the same price, there's just no zoom in-between the two with the same level of reach.
Even for flowers this lens works pretty great.
Since I walk around a lot a light lens with reach is what I want, biggest issue for me is the control ring placement, all my other lenses have it near the front element.
Thank You Duade, I just purchased this lens after saving up and Canon had a wonderful sale. I put this on my Canon R7 yesterday AM and was itching to use it and received a call from a co-worker in the morning about a Bald Eagle in the trees on the campus I work at. This is the first Bald Eagle in the trees in the 9 years Ive have worked here and was happy to try my luck. I was able to get about 15 Images before it flew off but so much sharper then the Sigma 150 to 600 I was using till yesterday. Very Happy already.I almost purchased the 200 to 800 but weight was a concern with me.
Something I have found helpful when I need extra reach but don't have a 1.4x or the time to place one on my lens is just to switch to APS-C mode on my R5... it reduces the megapixels to 17 from 45 but it can be super helpful to get that extra reach and because the functionality is internal, it doesn't seem like there is any IQ loss. If you haven't tried this feature before, I highly recommend it!
It’s no different to cropping in post… you’re just doing it in camera and losing the flexibility of recomposing later on.
I do have crop mode assigned to the mf function button, and do sometimes use it myself though… but mainly if the subject is very far away and focus struggles, I’ll click to 1.6x.. focus, then click back to full frame.
I switch to crop on the R5 if the subject is a bit far. 17 mp is fine for most applications imo. It’s not something I do a lot, but it’s a great option when you need it!
Currently I use my r7 with the 100-400 and the 800 f11, but I think you’ve convinced me my next lens should be the 100-500 with your review! Thank you for using one of my images, it’s really amazing as a beginner to see it on your channel, you’ve definitely helped me out with your videos, including my decision to get the R7.
Thanks for submitting your images and sharing your thoughts, the RF100-400 is a wonderful lens for the price that is for sure and so light. The 100-500 is a nice upgrade but at a premium price. Cheers, Duade
I was targetting r7 and 100-400 +800
What makes 100-500 more interesting?
I thought it was inferrior with minimal image clarity advantage.
Hi Duade ! One of the thing I just love about this lens is a 'one do it all' flexibility. Wildlife, macro and even landscape is possible. Also, this lens is sharp at any distance. It means that if you select 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 you don't have to worry about aperture. I had many lenses in the past but now I use the RF100-500 in 95% of my scenarios. I find the 500mm to be a good distance for me. I also use the 1.6 crop factor from the R5 body most of the time. Then cropping is already done by the camera. People seems to be afraid to use that feature but the RF 100-500 is that good ! Using a 1.6 crop factor is a no brainer for me. And finally, the weight makes all the difference in the world for me. Sincere cheers for this excellent video 🙂
Both you and Jan Wegener have shared very compelling images with this lens. My first worry was the f/7.1 at 500mm compared to the f/6.3 at a further 600mm with the competition. That doesn’t seem to be an issue as I look into it. Now the big problem for me is price compared to something like the Sony 200-600mm or the new Nikon 180-600mm, which looks VERY promising. If I did decide to shoot Nikon, this is what I would get.
I really want to go with Canon, but my budget seems to be much happier with Sony and the options I would have with that system. If Canon opened up 3rd party support and Sigma released their 150-600 in an RF mount, or Canon released a similar lens to Sonys 200-600 within the next 6 months (highly unlikely), I would jump onto the Canon system no questions asked.
Thanks Daniel, yes, the price makes it tough that is for sure. I am going to test the Nikon 180-600 soon so I look forward to that. I suspect Nikon will release an APSC body soon which might go well with that lens. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for everything. You have helped me on my journey with bird/wildlife photography.
Great to hear mate, it was a lovely shot, Cheers, Duade
I don’t shoot with Canon, but I still watch all your videos to the end. You often inspire me with your photos and with your members photos. Hoping to see you with an in the field video soon though!
Hi Duade. Great review. I have had this lens with the R5 for some years and love it. Awesome images sharp great autophocus and possible macro. More difficult backlit in forest but can get around with initial manual focus. Expensive but so worth it. Looking forward to using it with the R511. And light weight.
Excellent review, especially because you use real examples and photos taken in the field! Congratulations!
New to wildlife photography here! Your videos are very helpful and entertaining!
Another really informative video. I have had the RF100-500 for about 6 months now, using on the R5, it has really changed my bird photography with the high quality images and the ability to crop in with the pixel count of the R5. I am a bit disappointed in the Lens Collar as it only has the one screw thread and often works loose from the plate. Having seen the collar you're using in the video...I've placed the order..as well as for the camo lens cover - which looks great. I did discover that if you change the R5 setting from 1/3 exposure steps to 1/2 exposure steps, the max aperture of the RF100-500 at 500mm goes from f/7.1 to f/6.7...not a lot, I know...but sometimes every bit of extra light helps. Look forward to the next video! PS the image of the turquoise parrot was awesome. Im living in Bendigo now and will head out to Glenrowan at some point to have a look for some.
Great show Duade, don’t own the 100-500, wish I did. I use the 3P rule when evaluating new lenses, price, price and price and this lens has to many Ps. I do own EF 100-400 v II with a 1.4 converter which I use on my R6 mark II and the RF 100-400 and RF 800 F11 which I use on my R7 and like all of them for different reasons and applications. I also use the other 3P rule with these lenses,practice, practice, practice. Cheers 👀👀
Really good review that Duade, brings the price more in context against the other brands. I just wish I could afford this lens, it’s defiantly the one to buy. However the images from other users were incredible 👏
Thanks mate, yes, these premium lenses continue to climb in price, especially in overseas markets. Cheers, Duade
Very interesting analysis Duade and good you were able to discuss this lens from an independent owner's perspective. Loved all the photo examples as always 😎
Thanks for the comment, yes, pros and cons after using for a few years. I loved the photos submitted, such a talented community. Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade,
My RF 100-500 is my main work horse for sure. I have several choices for wildlife including a first gen 600f4 IS which cannot be hand held for any length of time (beautiful images though). I highly recommend the 100-500 if you can afford one. I have had only one concern with the lens regarding an internal collar being dislodged. You can see this collar in your video when you were explaining the extender limitations when zooming. It seems to me that this collars purpose is to prevent contact between lens rear element and extender. On one occasion on my lens this collar somehow became misaligned slightly preventing me to zoom to the wide end of the lens. I was able to gently pop the collar back in place and the lens has had no issue since. Has anyone else had this issue or know the actual purpose of this collar. I would like to congratulate your members and yourself on all of the superb images that you shared in this video. All of the images are stunning.
Thanks again,
Scott
One of the best if not the best review of this lens that I have seen, job well done Duade!
Thanks 👍
Another incredibly detailed and brilliant review, Duade!!!
My pleasure Brendan, thanks again for the support, Cheers, Duade
Thank you so much for your Channel learning to use my R5 and wanting a better lense for wildlife. After watch your channel i'm now saving for the 100 -500
Hey from Finland!
I couldn't take it anymore and I just ordered this lens even though I couldn't afford it.
I will give all my other lenses in exchange because nature photography has taken my heart.
I just turned 50 and already bought myself an R7 for my birthday and now the lens of my dreams, couldn`t ask for more, I´m super happy!🥳
Hope you enjoy it!
This is the lens that stays attached to my camera about 80% or more of the time. I have captured everything from insect macros to multi-frame stitched together panoramas using the RF 100-500 lens. It is light enough to carry on long hikes through rugged terrain and small enough to take out on my kayak into otherwise unreachable locations. It truly has no equal.
Great to hear mate, yes, it is a fantastic all-around camera. Cheers, Duade
Duade, your videos are just so enjoyable to me even though I love shooting high school and collegiate sports which is my primary interest for the last four years. I am not kidding, you have a gift of communication and it is my belief that if you so desired, you would have no difficulty in transitioning to TV broadcasting or hosting a talk show. I mean photographing is much more fun than daily work in a TV studio, I'm just saying that is how good your communication skills are.in my opinion. On another note, since I've been watching you for quite some time now, one of the most important bits of information you've taught budding bird and natural photogs is that a newbie doesn't absolutely need a 2.8 lens to capture fantistic images, while that is all I heard from the "pros" years ago, like " you must have a fast glass lens to get sharp photos is lower light scenarios to which there is some truth. I have a 400mm 2.8 lens I purchased for "under the lights" sports like soccer , American football and baseball . I mean this lens is a boat anchor, no hand holding here. I'm 73 years old and that isn't even a possibility. In community high schools near me, the lights just aren't that great, so yes , the widest aperture is almost a necessity for motion stopping shutter speeds around 1500-2000 and reasonable iso's. What I've done to get around the weight issue is that for daytime games, I purchased the new lighter Nikon 400mm 4.5 S lens for Z mount, what a difference. I can actually hand hold it which helps me get better shots. I think I remember a year ago when Canon put out a statement that they forbid any company like Tamron or Sigma ,that makes a lens for use on a Canon body. If so, that would require Canon owners to purchase more expensive Canon lens ( although maybe better) rather than a Sony, Sigma, etc. Your photos are amazing!!
Well Duade , its getting late here in Florida, 1 am, and this is a long comment so I'll say thanks for your teaching videos . My best to you and yours. Ted
G'day Ted, my apologies for the delay in responding to your comment and thanks for the support, I really appreciate it and you are too kind. Sounds like you have a lot of experience with sports and great to hear the 400 4.5 is doing well, I would love to try that lens and the 800 6.3. Thanks again and have fun out there. Cheers, Duade
Very well said Duade. If someone looking for Canon 100-500mm lens review, this is it.
Amazing review. Your professional experience is evident from beginning to end. Thanks.
Thanks Duade and many commenters; this is very helpful! I got an R7 when it was released and the RF 100-400. Thinking about increasing reach or aperture, I’d been eyeing the 100-500. But a couple things have me considering a jump to M4/3 - (1) the cost of Canon lenses and (2) the lack of crop-sensor specific lenses (with the associated weight & cost penalty of FF lenses).
Before committing to really expensive glass in the Canon world, I recently got an OM-1 with its 100-400 for comparison. I’m still on the fence, but there’s lots to love in the OM system. Just the pro capture is almost worth a switch. Anyway, this review was really great and gives me much food for thought; thanks!
Thanks Jack, I have the same kit, the 100-400 unfortunately is a little inconsistent in terms of sharpness for me on the OM-1, I love the camera though, great piece of kit. I am getting the 300 f4 to try and will do a video on that in the future. Cheers, Duade
The RF 100 - 500 is a great lens, imo, if you can find it at a discount. Paid 2550 € for mine brand new, which feels more than fair. The weather sealing alone is worth a lot to me. Basically sold all my non-L RF lenses recently, since I didn't get much use out of them anyways, due to the lack of them being rain proof. The AF and the IS also work exeptionally well on the 100-500, and it's super sharp. You can easily shoot videos handheld at 500mm with it, it's fun to carry aroung compared to internal zooms or fixed apertures, and so much more. Again, a great lens! ^^ Also, very nice pictures, thanks for sharing!
Good detailed video!
I have the Nikon 100-400. It fills the same niche, almost the same cost. I like the "inner balance" feature of the Nikon. It will never creep, only extends about half as much and stays balanced on a gimbal at all focal lengths. It also has the lens function buttons (I use them to focus preset) . It also is 1/3rd stop brighter through most of the focal length range. However, that extra 100mm of the Canon is really innovative.
Either way, both are superb, versatile lenses for the times when a big prime is to unwieldy.
They also complement a mid range zoom really well for landscapes.
The 100-500 is an awesome lens, but the fact that Nikon just came out with a 180-600 5.6-6.3 for less than $2,000.00 shows what is possible. It is faster (at the long at....the end that counts), and 100mm longer (again, the end you are buying the lens for), all for a thousand dollars less! Sony, Tamron, Sigma all have similar lenses, but with Canon, if you want 600mm for under two grand, you have to settle for an f11! Come on Canon!
Nope Jan Wegener says you have to stop the Nikon 180-600 down a bit, e.g. f11 before it becomes tack sharp. Thus it is priced correctly.
@@nordic5490 What he said was that with the 1.4 teleconverter and in the 800mm zoom range, he had to stop down from f9 to f11 for sharpness.
To reach 800mm with the Canon RF 100-500 lens, you must use a 2x teleconverter. And not much choice to shoot at anything lower than f11
Thanks. I really like the Canon 100-500. I like how light weight it is and the image quality.
Excellent in-depth review. I always learn new things from you, thank you!
The autofocus speed of this lens and the R6 II is unbelievably fast to acquire and hold focus. I love the size and overall build quality too. That said, I bought a used ef 500 f4 IS II for the shallow depth of field and haven’t taken it off of my camera yet. I see the 100-500 as a fantastic events or travel lens now.
Love all those member images. Great contributions that's for sure. I'm always a big gear review junkie, but I really enjoy the way you share insights and give a sense of how the gear does and doesn't assist in the way you work for bird and wildlife photography. It is helpful.
Awesome lens review. I’ve recently purchased an R7 and shoot sports and everything else. You’ve made my mind up. I’ve got to get a 100-500. It’ll go perfectly withy my EF 24-105 F4. Cheers
Nice and fair review Duade. I just love this lens ! My favorite by a mile 😊
Great review! This was my favorite Canon lens before I moved over to OM/Olympus. Great lens that is almost as sharp as my 300mm F4 Pro Olympus lens. If Canon ever makes a crop sensor body that I like then I may buy another one.
Thanks mate, exciting news on the Olympus front, I just snagged a second hand 300 f4 so I can’t wait to try it. Cheers, Duade 👍
@@Duade Try and get the 1.4x converter as it works really well with the 300 f4 and gets you out to 840mm FF equiv field of view at f5.6.
@@stevemurnan1702 Thanks mate, will be sure to try the 1.4, Cheers, Duade
I own this lens and actually shoot motorsports by trade, and I'll be honest, this is in my bag each, and every time I have an event to do. The versatility that this lens provides is bar-none some of the best I've had. As you've stated the higher aperture isn't actually much if an issue, especially for individuals like myself that normally do longer "Shutter drag" images in daylight. If I need to reach out much further (Which is seldom due to race track sizes), I do have access to the RF 600 f11 and the RF 800 f11. But yes, overall, I adore this lens and deem it absolutely worth it!
Duade has helped me so much about cameras, lenses and wildlife photography, thanks Duade
Happy to help!
Another great video Duade, thank you. Some cracking images. I have been using the 100-500 for nature and sport and echo your comments. Shooting mainly sport, I have had some good results, but find that the long throw from 100-500 can be limiting. My 70-200 is 1/4 of a turn from 200 down to 70, whereas the 100-500 is closer to 1/2 a turn than a quarter. It doesn't seem much, but a number of times, with a footballer coming towards me, I have run out of room, chopping off heads or feet as I needed two twisting actions and was too slow - I also got wrist ache. I think it is just familiarity and practice, turning my wrist further over so I can do the full zoom in one turn, should sort out the problem. Also as I have a 24-70 and 70-200 for close and semi distant shots, I have a gap in a vital part of the zoom range between 70 and 100 (useful for many sports) if I swap out the 70-200 for the 100-500. However, having the full range from 24-500 in two bodies is great. Even better if I had a 24-105 f2.8 (f4 would do). I have shot floodlit football matches, with some images taken at 25,600 ISO, on an R5 and got acceptable results, but Duade is right, good light is critical for top quality shots. As to the images in the video, the bearded tit is just beautiful (among many).
Thanks for sharing your images and your experience, the 24-105 is a lovely lens and I use it to film myself out in the field. Cheers, Duade
Duade, thanks again for a great video. After I bought my R5, I saved for a couple of years until I had the $$ in 2022 to buy the 100-500, and OMG. I carry this lens everywhere. It’s the one I have attached to the R5 at all times. I usually walk with a 15-35, the 100 macro, and the 100-500 which ends being the one I mostly use for wildlife and landscape. I have been reluctant to buy the 1.4x since I wasn’t sure about quality degradation. However, the samples shown make me think that it’s worth the investment, even if I can only use the 300-500 range. It’s definitely less that purchasing the 600 f/4 for which I would have to save for a long time. Again, thanks! I wish I had known about sharing photos with the group. I think I have a couple which I like very much.
I am glad to hear you enjoy the lens and sharing your feedback, feel free to email me at duade.paton@gmail.com Cheers, Duade
I'm pretty sure if you make the investment, you'll wonder why you waited so long! Yes, the lack of retractability is a bummer as all users have testified to, but there is no IQ degradation with proper camera settings. I leave the 1.4x attached most of the time. My fun is birds of prey fishing and the extra reach makes the needed difference at 150+ meters.
Hello Duade. Eind december 2022 bought the R6M2 with the RF 24-105 mm F4 and the RF 100-500MM 4.5-7.1 L. Mostly I use the 100-500MM for wildlife and birds in flight. Must see I now can make foto's with this lens I never could make before with my Nikon P1000. This lens is expensive, at this moment in The Netherlands € 3299,00, but gives a very sharp image. Also this weekens my friend, who also had the R6M2 with the RF 100-500MM, remember me on the possibility for using the digital converter in the R6M2. Set now a the T-button for it. This next to the back button focus and eyetracking. Must see this also is quit useful. This works only undrr the JPEG-setting. This can be found in the English usermanual on page 172 - 175. Thanks for your great revieuws. Keep on following. Greating Leo Lengton
Great detailed review Duade! Thank you for sharing. Love seeing everyone's amazing images, they're so inspiring! This lens has been on my wish list for awhile now too,, I hope to try it on my R7 one day. The price is the only thing stopping me haha!
Thanks, yes, it is fantastic, but that price is very high, I hope some will start popping up second hand soon which may make them more affordable. Cheers, Duade
In really enjoyed watching this which gives a valuable and balanced opinion, thank you. I'm not really into bird or wildlife photography but I find your channel generally helpful for my landscape work. Having recently been with other landscape photographers who have this lens I have just taken delivery of mine and like them, and you, I am amazed at the quality and potential of this lens, even from the few shots I've taken as soon as I unpacked it. Yes, it is expensive but somehow I don't think I'm going to regret purchasing it.
What a fantastic and incredibly in depth review. I’m going to get the 100-500, I don’t like paying out so much money, but it looks great. I’ll pair it with an R7.
Superb video, the members pictures are excellent I'm new to bird photography and it shows how far I gave to go, however the videos are making a huge difference keep them coming
Thanks Harry, yes, it takes time and many hours in the field. But if you look back at your first images I am sure you will see progress. Have fun out there, Cheers, Duade
300-800 f/5.6-8 would be a dream lens!
I would buy that in a heartbeat. Canon please read this. Cheers, Duade
Congrats Duade for this instructive video. I just love this lens ! When I watch the nice pictures taken by your members it makes me appreciate how good my pictures are with R5 + RF 100-500. I am glad to see people having such good results with this 'little gem' 🙂
Thanks a lot!
Great review….just love your honest assessments of the gear you review. Think I might get this lens. Quick question…I went to the site you had linked for the camo vinyl cover…which style do you have for yours? Just love it!
Thanks for another excellent, comprehensive, well-thought through and super helpful video Duade 🙏 I've recently decided to switch from Fuji to Canon for my birding and wildlife and I think I've read and watched every review I could find about this lens! But your (and Jan's) practical insights about its real-world performance in the field have been more valuable than just reading specs on paper and looking at test charts. I made the most of a recent sale and am rapt to now have this lens in my kit! I think the important message here is that while it's an incredible lens, it's definitely not perfect. You've helped me to temper expectations and I think I can live with some of the inconveniences, which IMO are far outweighed by the positive trade-offs. It's early days yet but I think I love it already! 🙂📸
Hi, Duade! I have this lens and the first time that I downloaded the files to my computer I was amazed by the sharpness. It´s just so good! I´m a guide at Pantanal, Brazil. And I like to have a light lens when I´m leading a tour. It´s just easier to do everything. And It´s perfect for mammals, Though the auto focus suffers a bit, specially with jaguars. It tracks birds much better. I just love the 100-500! The only thing that Canon needs to do is to make an adapter for the teleconverters, so we could use the hole range.
So what exactly makes this premium? I've seen a lot of comparisons between this lens and the Sony 200-600 and can't say that the optical quality is that much better, if at all. At the same time you got 100mm less and you're gonna be shooting at a higher ISO. So, sure it's their "L-Line" but what does that mean in the real world, other than it being overpriced?
Another thorough, thoughtful review. This lens is my go-to walkaround lens, but most of my photography is around the golden hours either close to dawn or dusk. Not only is the light less harsh, but the birds are often more active. As a consequence, I find myself reaching for a faster lens. Still, it’s nice to have that portability and versatility of a zoom. If Canon could only change physics and give us an internal zoom, 100-600 f4 weighing 2 kilos - for $2000 US…
Exactly, wildlife is generally more active in lower light times. f7.1 may be fine for high ISO, but the AF systems also have less light to work with compared to f5.6 or f4 lenses. The autofocus on my R5 with a 100-400 II at f5.6 sometimes to focus on wildlife in lower light, where my Sigma 70-200 f2.8 Sport has no problem in the same scene. With less light available the AF gets confused between branches and birds so it hunts more.
Thanks mate, totally agree with you, I think we are just very lucky to have both a prime and a zoom. Having the flexibility is key. Lets hope for something unique in the future. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Duade for a thorough review with great comparisons. I have had this lens for two years with R5 and R6 bodies, and you hit the nail on the head - it is so versatile. Its ability to capture great bird in flight images and wider angle shots is much appreciated. My only dislike is the flawed design in regard to using teleconverters. Cheers.
Hi Duade, greetings from the UK. I purchased this lens after watching your review, even thou i already own the rf 100-400 & rf 800. We dont get knowhere near the sun that you do, but this lens is everything you say. I am so glad i whatched the review. keep up the good work.
I am from Hong Kong and have followed you for a long time. I also use R5+100-500. Your review is great.
Awesome! Thank you!
Coming from a 50D and 70-200mm 2.8 L buying an R6mkII and RF100-500mm late last year was like dying and going to heaven with the exception of what a PITA it is to shoot Clog video at ISO 800 and 24 / 30 fps with a VND filters on the front of the lens. I solved that problem by getting a EF-RF converter with VND conveniently at the base of the lens - something Canon could have built into the mirrorless camera DESIGNED TO SHOOT PRO QUALITY VIDEO, but then we wouldn’t be motivated to replace the same EF focal lengths with RF glass - and use my EF lenses when shooting video.
The 100-500mm is wonderful “walking around” lens for birds and small reptiles and mammals. I equipped mine with a Kirk foot and bayonet swivel and a long strap that lets me hang it upside down, balanced horizontally just below belt level when not in use securing it with my hand.
For greater reach I added the 800mm f/11, also with cleverly designed Kirk foot which allows tripod mounting in portrait mode and a Kirk Swivel and cross shoulder strap so I could carry in along. Finding that unbalanced and swapping lens in the field a PITA I solved both problems by recently purchasing another R6mkII body when their price dropped to $2k 😂💸
I started out as a college PJ in 1971 with a pair of Nikon F bodies with 35mm and 85mm attached, hung over each shoulder via a 1” key ring on the right side instead of a two-point neck strap and carrying the two R6MkII bodies with Kirk feet on the 100-500mm and 800mm lens the attachment point for the crossed-shoulder straps feels remarkably similar and well balanced, more so than just carrying one body. The dual body set-up will also give me the option to have one set-up for stills and the other for videos or carry the 100-500mm and 24-70mm or 24-70 and 10-22mm EF-S which still works in crop mode on the R6mkII, switching modes automatically.
Another great informative video! Thanks a lot Duade! Always to learn something!👍
I acquired this lens almost by accident. I had prepared my wife for a 4K USD investment in a used EF 600 f4 prime. She texted me a link to the 100-500 which I knew about but had not considered. I did a day of research and got it the next. For 3.5 K USD I ended up with a lens and extender that I can use for both sports and wildlife and can take anywhere. The 600 is not great for sports and let's face it, is not portable. I can attest to how sharp it is. I have the EF 300 f 2.8 IS L which produces stunning results. I dare say the 100-500 is just as sharp. Thank goodness she pointed to this lens. It goes everywhere.
What a great story and what an amazing wife and great to hear the lens is working well for you. Cheers, Duade
I decided to get the R7 and the rf100 - 500mm lens as with one son and family in NZ and the other in Australia, it was impossible to travel with my 7D Mkii and f4 600mm prime. I could only really travel with my 300mm f2.8 prime lens coupled with a 1.4 extender. So far I have enjoyed the new camera and lens, thanks to videos like yours where I have managed to learn from authors like yourself which has saved me much time. I am looking forward to my first travel adventure with the combo this summer, hopefully with a 1.4 extender in my bag as well.
My iPhone 15 can easily do 100mm shots now. I'll take the 200-600 or the 200-800.
Have the 100-500 now.
I recently turned 80. My last twenty years of photography was all done underwater. Physically I can no longer do that and have sold all of my equipment. I am now looking for a new camera to do wildlife and birds. I’ve been watching TH-cam for several weeks trying to decide what to get. This video made it clear. Thank you! My question is, should I get an R7 or an R5? Impossible question, but just your opinion.
I am now hooked on your channel.
After this review, I think I would buy this lens and the R7 body, if I could afford to do so. Thanks, Duade, for this in depth review and comparison. And, oh yeah, what amazing images, yours, and those of the members you shared.
The rolling shutter issue in the r7 is quite severe
Thanks mate, yes, a good combo for the price. Cheers, Duade
Yep, unfortunately for high speed action EFCS or Mechanical is advised. Cheers, Duade
I use it almost more for macro at 500mm than for e.g. birds. It's an awesome can-do-all lens. I still miss a good F4 / F2.8 bokeh, though, but you can't have it all (light and cheap doesn't exist in an F4 500mm lens, especially not in combination with this close focus).
Nice review Duade :) I have one question... I own this lens with an R5. I wanted more reach so... What's better: Buy the RF 1.4X extender for 500$ or buy an R7 for 1000$, so you have those 160-800mm reach in one body with 32mpx? I do macro and extreme macro as well with the RF 100mm macro so the R7 would be nice as my second body :) Greetings.
Duade, thanks for such a great review. As a Canon user, this lens paired with my R5 has been on my radar. I just wish the reach was a little more without use of the extender. The extender limitations is such a bummer as I frequently like to step down do some landscape shots as I go on walks for my bird photography photos. I have held back based on that aspect and the price is a pretty big investment. I currently own the Sigma 150-600 mm and use a teleconverter and it does the job, so I have been putting off buying a newer lens to go with my R5. Would love a 200-600 or 150-600 from Canon, but don't see that on the horizon. or them opening up more 3rd party lenses with better price points. But for now I use my Sigma, and do the best with it. I believe based on your review and others that the RF100-500mm f7.1 is a very good lens. I love the weight aspect, auto focus features, and it does take sharp pictures with the R5 and that almost overrides the extender and price, but for now I am waiting.
Thanks Bruce, the weight and size is the big difference to the Sigma. I think the Sigma for its price delivers excellent IQ. Yes, the extender is an issue, its possible this new extender from Canon coming may solve this issue, not sure but I hope so. Cheers, DUade
I could not afford the 100-500, I bought the EF 100-400Lii at less than half the price, yesterday I was using it with a 2x to get out of reach butterflies, fantastic quality. What is seriously annoying is the firmware fudge Canon has written in so you struggle with third party lenses. I use lenses like the Sigma 150-600 and 120-300 f2.8 on my 5D4 and sometimes wonder why I went mirrorless. Only with the DSLR the focus is sometimes a little out on larger birds, c'est la vie.
I had it too, i got it for a "too good to be true" price but since this expensive lens was still not in my budget (as RF 800 F11 + Sigma 150-600C owner) i sold it with profit later.
But it was really great and i liked it, a good and somewhat "affordable" solution between RF 100-500 and the SIgma 150-600C or S, and the 100-400II is definately nearly as good as the 100-500L RF.
I made the switch to mirrorless exactly because i was done with DSLR autofocus and older DSLR lenses (like a ancient 75-300 IS USM Canon). Mirrorless upped the autofocus so heavily and im very impressed with the RF 800 F11 autofocus, the only thing is at 800mm depth of field is so small, even a very very slight misfocus literally destroys the image quality/sharpness. Its much easier and a misfocus is so much more forgivable on anything up to 500 or 600mm.
I don’t think it’s a “firmware fudge” by Canon, if anything it’s simply because the 3rd party lenses’ own focus motors and firmware aren’t optimised for the RF mount and AF.
Nice video with these comparisons, Duade. No question that the 100-500 takes sharp pictures, and is a great option for the Canon system. One thing that I found inconsistent in the video was Tomas' image of the frog with dragonfly. It says that it was taken with the R5 and 100-500, but also says that it was shot at 500mm at f/6.3! Doesn't add up! I wonder if he had a prime on at the time, and forgot...
Gday, that was an error in my part, it was not at 500mm so he was able to use 6.3. Sorry about that. Cheers, Duade 👍
I feel like you misrepresented the Sony 200-600 G in your comparison. The Sony G lenses are their professional level lenses (a naming system they bought from Minolta). The 200-600 G is on par with this Canon RF100-500 in regard to "professional build". Yes, sony added a new "super professional" tier a few years back (the G Master series), but the differences in build and quality between the Sony G series is negligible and certainly on par with the variation in the "quality" of the L series lenses from Canon.
Thanks for the clarification, I was not aware of this, I agree the 200-600 is great quality for the price. Cheers, Duade
Excellent coverage Duade you did on this 100-500 Rf lens . Iam using theR7 with the 100-500 Rf . And Iam looking for extra reach should I buy a 1.4 X or a RF 800 11f lens . What are your thoughts Duade?
I think the 1.4 would be a good option, 700 f/10 is very close to 800 f11 and means you only need the one lens. Good luck, Cheers, Duade