Canon RF 200-800: Is it too heavy for hand-held shooting?

[@rickyboller]

I got my RF 200-800 two days ago and I am very excited. So far, I have no worse results than with the RF 100-500. With the 1.4 extender, it looks even faster and sharper for me than with the 100-500. I already love this lens. Greetings from Germany.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

It's a surprise release by Canon. A very solid lens, and not overly priced. Canon could have raised the price on this lens, but did not. I will get the 1.4 extender in the spring. Thanks for watching and enjoy your new lens Ricky.

[@richlondoner]

I'd like to see the 200-800 vs 800 detailed image comparison, but only at 800mm. As a birder and distant wildlife photographer I'm pretty much always at 800mm all the time (I have other lenses) because reach is king for me. Also as I'm not getting any younger, weight is a big issue and I like my 800mm as I can handhold it all day without issues, which was covered in the video and the new lens is slightly more than my old ef 100-400. When they eventually come out in the UK (maybe July time!) I think I'll need to rent one out, but in the meantime, I'd love to see that detailed image comparison and I'm sure a lot of 800 f/11 owners would do so too...

[@TooGood79]

I’m glad you like it Simon. It sounded tempting for me as well. I decided to just order the 24-105 2.8 and since I have the 100-500, instead of having a similar lens with more reach I’m just going to go all in and grab my 400 2.8 for sports. I have the 2x ext. so that will suffice when I want to hobby shoot wildlife. Your dedication to bringing us up to speed is paying off! Congrats on your new Corporate purchase. 🎉🙌🏾🤝🏾

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I likely will pick up the 24-104 f2.8 as well, but will wait to see what else comes out in 2024 Q1. I rally miss the 800 mm prime and this gives me that and more. While f2.8 is nice, I often put on the 50 f1.2 when I shoot in low light so I have that covered. Still... that's one nice purchase you have.

[@arnolttbromanskie9733]

Congratz, I hauled my copy today from my local dealer. Interesting was that they have some more in stock with no reservations, but the first disappointment is the missing lens bag. I use it as protection when I traveling. However, now I just wait for the dawn 😊

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Now I know who uses those ;) Ive never used a lens bag, but I do always use the hood ;) Congrats on getting your lens. I shot the moon last night and the stabilization is amazing I did not need to do it in post.

[@newdayinspirations5792]

Nice to see you out with your family in this review. I enjoyed your review and explanation of handholding and stabilizing by leaning on something or sitting on bench. I received my RF200-800 and went out yesterday for an hour. I handheld but used a beanbag shooting out my car window. It would have been better if I wasn't trying to zoom in and out or following birds walking in the water. I have new tripod and monopod but waiting for lens plate to mount to foot of lens. It was super sharp in photo and video mode. Seemed to lock onto birds in flight quickly. I used R7 and R5.

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

I don't mind waiting a while to see one physically to compare it to my Sigma 150-600C. I'm especially curious about the weight and weight distribution. I'm sure the RF lense will have better/faster AF and better image quality, but its a moot point for me at 2x the pricr tag if the improvement doesn't stack up against my Sigma.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I find the 200-800 is nicely balanced. With the R5 on, it rests nicely on its foot and feels good in the hand when shooting hand held.

[@ytr8989]

We’ll just wait and see. The R5 is the 45 MP camera, so maybe the R1 will simply be the R5 with a battery pack build in and a few improvements. Just doing the opposite of what Nikon did with the Z9 and Z8.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I like 45mp. 50 is nice too, but after that, I begin to wonder about more storage options ;)

[@bobminton320]

Nice videos. I have one of these on order to augment my Tamron 150-600mm. If the weight gets to be an issue, put an Arca plate on it and get a Kirk SS-1 strap. Total game changer for carrying heavy lens. I am an old man and can carry the Tamron, which I only shoot handheld for birds, for miles using the Kirk strap and a second cheap safety strap on the tripod screw hole on the camera body.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I want to get a rotator for astro ;)

[@JGZphotography]

Why not use a Canon 1.4x TC on your Tamron to get up to 840mm to f/9.0? I use this setup on my Sigma Sport 60-600mm.

[@stuartcarlton7939]

Another encouraging review. It looks like I won't get mine for several weeks, earliest mid January but not holding my breath! I am not sure there are any in UK at all yet!

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I saw a few more ship out from B&H, but it looks like you might very well misses a Christmas delivery.

[@cathco9]

Good morning, Simon. The review I've been looking for. Thank you!

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Good morning Cathy. It very liberating. I love the 800 f11, but this is the perfect upgrade to it. It addresses all the issue with the exception of not being an L series.

[@johnclay7644]

informative news Thanks Simon.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks John

[@charlesnetzler2262]

I had the 800mm but really didn't like the quality on it especially shooting backlit. Hoping the 200-800mm quality is much better or on par to the 100-400mm

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I loved the 100-400. I almost got it but ended up going with the 100-500 instead. The 100-500 is definitely better than the 200-800, but the 100-500 is an L series. Wish I still had the 100-400 around to compare against.

[@PartisanZoya1941]

Thanks for that comparison between the RF 800 mm f11 (which i have) and the new RF 200-800 mm. If I was a dedicated wildlife photographer I would aspire to that telephoto zoom lens. My next photograpy purchase is likely to be the Panasonic Lumix S1 Mark Il (or whatever its designation will be)😊. Then the Canon RF 24 -105 mm F 2.8 for XMas / December 2024 🤞 Thanks again for your informative comparison.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Some nice purchases for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@siljuholtet]

Got mine yesterday. I ordered it before it came out and Stjørdal foto in Norway sendt me the first lens they got. They are the best in Norway. Have tested it against the 100-500 and the 800 f11. This is a keeper. Main advantages is the 800 mm reach and that is a zoomlens. Why by a 150 to 600 if you can get at 200-800? It is very sharp. The balance control is fantastic. Works better with the R5 than The R7. This because the R5 has a better picture quality an almost no rollin shutter. This will be my main birding lens. With a tripod or even better with a gimbal, this lens will be THE lens for video people who shoot wildlife. Not to mention the price. I have sold the 500f4 II , it is not much sharper and the new cameras can tolerate higher iso. And, at 800 mm the background isolation ( bokee ) is super. I mainly shoot birds.

[@scottrogers2831]

200-800 looks to be a very useful tool to have in the arsenal.

[@przybylskipawel]

Pity that in Poland it costs an equivalent of 2840USD whereas 800mm f11 costs an equivalent of 1080USD. This price is insane given what you can get using 200-600mm f6.3 lens with 1.4x TC

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

That's a huge premium. The 800 f1 isn't too bad, but the 200-800? I paid about C$2800...

[@markwilliamburright8160]

Still waiting for Adarama to ship my lens even though I pre-ordered it on your link on Nov 3rd. Hope it isn't on back order to much longer.

[@WernerBirdNature]

Hi Simon, thanks for this update .. but maybe it would be better when you can give it a different title than yesterday's 200-800 video ;-) I guess getting this lens makes more sense than getting a RF2x for the 100-500. And I might even stop using the RF1.4x on it, and just swap lenses once 500mm isn't enough .. then add 1.4x when even 800mm is getting short. Over here we also had a sudden splash of unexpected sunlight .. but I had gardening stuff awaiting me instead of birding or watching youtubes

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I would not recommend the 2X extender. Go with the 1.4. The 2X extender reduces the quality significantly.

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker Meaning indirectly you're confirming I better order the 200-800 instead of the 2x

[@Hodenkat]

Looking forward to reviews. Will most likely not be buying the 200-800 as I'm still waiting for Canon to allow 3rd party makers into the RF mount system. The 100-500? Not unless I can get somebody to kick-in half for free.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Why not get the EF 100-400?

[@Hodenkat]

Not much better price unless I go with used. I wonder if the 100-500 will drop slightly more when the 200-800 comes into full production? Perhaps a used 100-500 will come my way!@@OrdinaryFilmmaker

[@lewabulafia7135]

Thanks for the video. I would love to see a comparison of this lens with the Canon RF 100-500, especially in lower light situations. BTW, in the lower 48 we call those white birds “TrumpetER” swans😉

[@JGZphotography]

Do your own tests. You can experiment with low-light situations on any lens, even with a 1.2 to 4.0, regardless of the mm focal length. Change the f/stop to 11. The the exposure results now depend on the ratios set for ISO (noise tolerences) and shutter speed (motion blurs). Depending on the camera model and its sensor size also will reveal a differnece. Shoot in RAW for true results, as camera JPG outout suppresses noise and compresses file size. Once you get your hands on the RF 200-800mm on YOUR camera, the photo exposure results will be identical in low light. Now focus sharpness might differ with your lens, if compared to the improved focus speed and quality of RF lens - I know this for a fact.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I'll wait for the spring to do that. I just don't have a lot of opportunities to make the comparison worth while in winter.

[@rockutron9000]

Very intriguing lens. Seems like the zoom to rule them all at that price point.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Yes, I think this is why it is selling so very well.

[@jakedurham1327]

What body were you shooting with? The R5? I might have missed you saying which body you shot it with but I was just curious most videos I’ve seen of this lens have been with the R6 or the R7

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Yes, the R5. I always shoot with the R5.

[@jakedurham1327]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker oh alright that’s what I figured just thought I’d ask to verify that thank you for all your awesome videos I love watching all your videos keep up the great work with all the content thank you again

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks. I appreciate that Jake.

[@jakedurham1327]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker no problem! Look forward in seeing some more R5 RF 200-800 videos mines on back order unfortunately I ordered from canon USA around November 20th or so hopefully I won’t have to wait to horribly long to get mine 🙃😅

[@PillsGrabber]

Love your channel! As another Toronto resident and 200-800 owner-to-be I was wondering if you have any favourite spots for birds in the GTA. Any suggestions?

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

I like Rouge Urban National Park and Scarborough Bluffs. East Point Park that is nestled in between those 2 is actually a bird sanctuary. But all 3 are migration points for birds. You can also run into Great Blue Herons around Evergreen Brickworks along with the occasional red tail hawk and owls, not to mention the deer that live along the Don. I also like Milne Dam and conservation area. I think parking there is free on weekdays. I've seen great egrets there.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I am often tied to my area. One thing I have learned to do was to take advantage of my surroundings. I have a lot of trails close by and use them. We even have eagles and falcons near our drainage ponds. Niagara escarpment is also a great spot. Most wildlife shots I take on this channel are in the Newmarket / Aurora area.

[@checkarpeat]

3:44 an rf 8000 f 11 would be very impressive ;)

[@DJBastor]

hm should I sell my rf 800 f11 :(? dunno of this is worth.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I would. You should still be able to get some good money for it.

[@DJBastor]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker I also can sell my ef 100-400 ii

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Hmmm... You might regret that. I would keep the 100-400 unless you end up later getting the 100-500.

[@DJBastor]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker OK. on travel trips I use my r6ii and ef 24-70mm 2.8ii and the 100-400mm ii

[@brianmoore581]

I assume the little red puffy jacket facing away from us is your kid? Your wife is beautiful. Do you speak any of her language? (Assuming she speaks anything other than English.) My wife was born in the Philippines (but I met her in America). We have two kids, 15 and 13. I know a few words in Filipino/Tagalog. Anyway, just saying we have some things in common, more than just photography.

[@mousbleu]

I've seen that the IBIS is worse than the 100-500mm.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Yes, it is, but that can eb expected: heavier and not l series, but the focus was on the 800 f11 despite wanting to compare it to the 100-500.

[@larsmikphotography8549]

You can't use the word WORSE when you talk about IBIS on the RF 100-500mm. It can't be better ;-)

[@mousbleu]

@@larsmikphotography8549 explain why

[@larsmikphotography8549]

@@mousbleu The IBIS on the RF100-500 are top level, so you should say not so perfect than the 100-500 about the 200-800 mm..

[@cheungching9430]

you can try put 2x on the 100-500, zoom to 800, and make the comparision.

[@bolleolympus]

It's a DUSTPUMP!!!

[@marc6652]

2 times less heavy and expensive, for same results : G9 II + 100-400 Panasonic. If you're a REAL / GREAT / photographer, you don't use a M4/3 of course are you ? 😂