Canon RF 100-400mm Review for Bird and Wildlife Photography

[@Gianni_Martino_Photography]

You are one of, maybe the best lens and camera reviewer. So non biased and honest about what we're dealing with. Very informative. Love it.

[@Duade]

Thanks Gianni, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@wildlifeartjm]

100% agree

[@victorthenotsogreat1975]

In few words he can explain straight to the point.

[@naserali4027]

@@Duade hi, how helpful would this lens be for discreet photography

[@slkknifelover]

Totally agree!!!

[@christopherwray83]

As a recent convert to Canon mirrorless from DSLR, I’m amazed at what’s now possible with lower-priced non-L lenses. I appreciate your in-depth, accurate, and revealing reviews, plus your incredible resources and RAW files. As a devoted follower, thank you so much for your dedication and meticulous craftsmanship!

[@Duade]

Thanks Christopher, I really appreciate the feedback and I am glad you found it helpful. Compared to the expensive L series lenses this one is great value. Cheers, Duade

[@kirchy510]

Now that’s how you do a KZbin review. I’m subscribing and I don’t even own a camera.

[@Duade]

Thank you, you are too kind. Good luck getting the camera, Cheers, Duade

[@andrewperk]

I just picked up the Canon R10 and this RF100-400 and I'm so pleased with it. Getting some nice shots with it.

[@eriksonmoses2524]

please share some! i have the r10 and im really considering this lens

[@MitchellN2002nl]

​@@eriksonmoses2524 its worth it. I have the r10 with this lens. Very sharp and ofcourse it will be a 640mm lens because of the crop factor of the r10. 💪🏻

[@Parroting_Australia234]

I like to think the reason you are such a popular bird photographer is because you show all sides of the art. The highs, the lows, the peaks and the valleys. Your overall attitude is extremely supportive and easy-going, and you just come across as a really nice person. Other channels never really talk about the joy in wildlife photography, and just getting out there and enjoying yourself. This particular approach of yours is very attractive for us budget photographers. All I'm saying is take it slow if you want, don't feel pressured into making videos, and maintain that glorious mindset that makes you so unique among birders. PS: I think that the magpie at 36:30 is saying, 'Damit Gary ya haven't reported in ages. Tell us how to get the big guy with the giant cannon-thing to stop sneaking up on us.'

[@MuneerAlawami]

You give good reviews and I like the way you show the raw files for us to understand actual photo. You also show the power of photo editing.

[@nallontrails]

Dear Duade, I loved the way you talk, didn't feel it was 40 minutes! R6, RF 16, RF50 and this - my dream upgrade!

[@Duade]

Thanks Nallon, I am glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@jdobe9461]

Thank you for the fair and practical review of this lens. Some reviewers immediately start comparing this lens to its most expensive L counterpart and then the rip it apart for not getting the same performance. You focused on the practicality of this lens and what it is good for. Again, thank you.

[@sarajcory7425]

Wonderful lens. Paired with my R5, I’m getting the bird pics of my dreams.

[@Duade]

Saraj, that is great to hear, Cheers, Duade

[@Tael71]

Two years late finding this... I have been on the fence about picking up this lens for my R6 body. I am more of a take memories while I am traveling type. Your review here was enough to push me over into the buy category. Thank you.

[@Duade]

My pleasure, it is a favourite of many just because of the size and weight, it is a really good macro style lens also. Cheers, Duade

[@dr_squirrel]

Thank you so much for such a throrough and detailed video. Can‘t begin to imagine how much work went into this. Kudos to the best review on this lens out there!!!

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, I appreciate the ongoing support, yes, this one took a little longer than anticipated. :-)

[@SeyedMostafaMeshkati]

This lens review was a course of wildlife photography itself! You explain so good and concise. Thanks.

[@Duade]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@novainvicta]

Thank you Duade for such a comprehensive and through review and test of the Canon RF 100-400mm f5.5-8 IS USM lens. I sold my EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM II lens because I found the weight & size was meaning I hardly used the lens any longer because as you get older your not as strong as you once were. I now have the R5 / R6 and can put either into a camera ruck sack along with a RF16mm f2.8, RF 50mm f1.8, RF24-105mm f4L IS USM, RF70-200mm f4L IS USM and the RF100-400mm f5.6-8 IS USM and hike with this without problem knowing I’m covered from 16mm to 400mm. Now I don’t need to carry the RF to EF adaptor and seeing your real world review I will add the RF 1.4X converter. I take a mix of Landscape & Wildlife whilst hiking and originally I was concerned the RF100-400mm would be compromised compared to my previous lens but your results and what I’ve taken so far do not bare that out so I’m more assured it was the right decision for me. Once again great review thank you.

[@Duade]

Jeff, thanks for sharing your experience, it is always very helpful to hear from those that have had the lens long term. I agree the weight is incredible and the IQ for its price is fantastic. Cheers, Duade

[@imagineeverythingtwice]

i learned so much, so happy that you put the teleconverters in there. I had such questions about that but you answered everything and you were so thorough with everything that you talked about. Thank you so much it means a lot and it’s lovely to get this information from a professional that way you know it to shop for when you go for your lenses

[@dm51964]

Have been using this lens on a EOS R for the last 6 weeks in the UK and enjoying it, no weight, fairly sharp in most conditions, easy to carry all day and a truly great walk around lens.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your experience, that is exactly my experience and why it will be great for so many people. Cheers, Duade

[@philiprolenick4475]

I bought my first mirrorless Canon - the R7 - coming from an 80D, and this was the first RF lens I bought for it - I got it with the kit RF-S 18-150mm lens, as that was the only way to get it this summer. (I now carry the f/1.8 RF nifty-fifty in my vest pocket for low light and impromptu portrait shots,) I'm very happy with this combination, which has enabled me to start taking photos of birds in flight - though the seagulls I experimented with somewhat successfully have sought warmer quarters until next spring. The R7 surprised me by its tiny size - smaller even than my old Canon FL FT-QL film SLR that I used from 1968 until I went to Canon DSLRs almost 20 years ago. After two decades of seeing my cameras keep getting bigger and heavier, it's a pleasure having a rig that's actually smaller and lighter than my old film SLR. BTW, my Sigma EF 105mm f/2.8 is beautifully sharp on the R7.

[@Duade]

Thanks Philip, yes, the weight is just incredible and the detail is fantastic, Cheers, Duade

[@deryaner35]

You should be a Canon rep! After watching this video, I ordered the RF100-400 lens. The weight factor is important and I already own the 1.4 and 2x converters. Now I need a bigger camera bag!!!!

[@Duade]

Thanks, made me laugh, I am sure you will really enjoy the lens and it's a great option when you are trying to save on weight. Cheers, Duade

[@17an28]

Not even a minute in, and I could already tell that the video is very in-depth, well made, and high quality. Very well done👏🏼 you definitely should have more subscribers.

[@douglasfikes5753]

I was on the fence on this lens for a while and this review helped me make the right choice for me. This was the most informative, honest, and realistic review out there. So glad came across this and now I’m subscribed.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, you will love the lens for its price and size, have fun, Cheers, Duade

[@leocarlschmidt]

Thankyou Duade. What an excellent review. I am a South Australian now living in San Diego, and I loved seeing all the Aussie scenes. I was tossing up about getting a teleconverter, but now I think I may go for an 800 instead. Thanks again

[@pierrari458]

The R7 and this lens is an absolutely incredible value proposition for those looking to get into bird photography by the looks of it. And without cropping in camera and losing the megapixel count, and with the amazing sounding tracking features from the R3 though R10 (where the R and RP don't have that due to the processor being a little older and slower). I'm looking to get this in the future to pair with my R - which should give me what I'm looking for. I'm pretty new to photography with a 'proper' camera (basicallyj just used my Pixel phone for photos up until now...) so even though it doesn't go SUPER far, it should give me enough to work off without going for the 100-500m L series lens. Thanks for the review! I defiantly will be adding this to my kit down the line.

[@Duade]

Totally agree Pierre, this lens is very sharp and offers fantastic value for its cost. Paired with the R7/R10 should make for a great intro kit into wildlife. Cheers, Duade

[@vinjass]

This is exactly the combo I'm looking for after the R/ releases. It's been 10 years since I bought my first camera and I think the time has come for me to upgrade

[@TheGodX]

That f8 is a no-no

[@Duade]

@@TheGodX Hi Mansoor, please check out this gallery of photos from the RF100-400 all taken at f8 or higher. Cheers, Duade photos.duadepaton.com/KZbin/RF100-400-Review/

[@jss455]

I have just purchase the R7 and the 100-400 lens (@ $500) With this fantastic review (thanks, Duane!), I’m even more excited as it gave me new ways to think about how best to use this lens. Pierre, with the cropping of the R7 making this lens a 640mm, have you thought about moving to an extender? I think that the 1.4x might be a good option. Both in $$’s and having a 896mm for $400 more!

[@Randomperson19001]

I bought this lense for birdphotography. I was looking at buying more lenses for other things like macro. I’m happy to hear that it also does well in macro and landscape. It lets me wait and do my research for what other lenses I want for the future. Great review!

[@adamrochester7423]

Thank you so much Duade for this and all your videos.....you seem to have the ability to sum up complex technical subject really well....i rarely leave comments but your videos are brilliant!

[@Duade]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Adam, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@sajudevassy2900]

wow - duade - That was wholesome content right from lens comparison to pic comparison, it was great information coming in, cancelled a couple of meeting and was listening to this session.

[@Duade]

Thanks Saju, I am happy to hear you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@nilanjan160]

Good comparison. What was useful was showing the native difference in the background blur between F11 and the F6.3 from Sigma. That and the fact that low-light ISO will be a challenge for this 100-400mm f8 RF lens. The new lens is a fantastic option for enthusiasts in wildlife photography, especially when the light is good. In tougher situations, we have to keep the expectations grounded in the 100-400mm f8

[@gafurphotography6504]

I got my R7 before 2weeks and after watching this video for RF100-400 im 100% sure that this is the lens i need, thank you for this excellent explanation Gafur from Norway

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, I hope you enjoy the lens, Cheers, Duade

[@sarajcory7425]

Great review! This was my first lens with my R5. I've been a birder for years. This lens has given me next level shots.

[@Duade]

Saraj, that is great to hear, I am yet to hear from anyone who doesn't like this lens. Cheers, Duade

[@middleclass-014]

17:00 this is my favorite photo in this video. Great shot and story.

[@Duade]

Yes the Kangaroos are always a highlight. Cheers, Duade

[@DeputyNordburg]

Great review! I bought one of these lenses last week as a little brother to my 200-400 IS F4. Fantastic for what it costs, a 1/4 of the 100-500 RF! It lives in a small three lens kit that stays in my car so I always have a camera. The macro ability is plus, and this is a lens I can hand to a friend or child when shooting my bigger lens.

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, that is a great use of the lens, when something is happening, and you need a lens/camera quick. And yes, I might start to get my niece and nephew into taking photos soon. Cheers, Duade

[@DeputyNordburg]

@@Duade Duade, I have an idea for a video. Canon shooters have a wealth of older big white lenses available used. When you can't afford a new 400mm f2.8, 600mm f4, or a 1200mm RF for $20K!!... You can go and buy a 5-20 year old version. But when you connect that to a high MP camera like an R5 do extenders make sense? And if so, EF or RF extender? Essentially you could test one or more big white lenses to see what produced the best results. EF extender then adapter, Adapter then RF extender, or just the adapter and crop (and maybe upscale). Keep up the great work! Gary Galah rules!

[@Duade]

@@DeputyNordburg G'day mate, sounds like a great video, unfortunately I have no idea if I will ever get the opportunity to try the big whites, Canon Australia does not get that much gear unfortunately. But if I do I will try to get hold of an older version. Cheers, Duade

[@american_document2626]

Trying to do a bit of a frankin build and see how it does. I got the canon m200 with the ef adapter and now the tamron 18-400mm lens. Should be fun testing it out.

[@craiglewis7568]

Great review Duade! Thanks for the tip about the manual focus over-ride, I wasn't aware of that one and I have several RF lenses! Enjoying your videos very much and they inspire me to get out there, take photographs, learn and have fun. Cheers.

[@Duade]

Craig, yes that comes in handy with the background lock, simply turn the focus ring to bring the subject back so the camera can see it then engage eye AF. Cheers, Duade

[@Hummingbirder1]

13:14 "Moon-moody" or Moody Moon. Yup, nice shot, it kinda looks a little like the sun, being all yellow and orange. I guess it was during that short period of the full moon, when still low on the horizon and looking like a gold coin. I have seen that quite a few times, but never with a camera on hand so I'm mostly used to moon-shots being all white-grey-blue-blackish in colour tone.

[@Duade]

Yes, that was exactly it, the sun had not long gone down and the moon was a bright gold colour. Cheers, Duade

[@rflsms]

Great great video, thanks for your time and effort! It really is amazing what you can get with these lenses! It is really good to see nice alternatives to those very expensive lenses :)

[@donnalyon2145]

As always you give such understandable and pertinent information. One of my favorite go-to persons for photography questions. Also love that you put such emphasis on the artistic aspects of photographing birds. Thank you for a great review. I’ve just purchased this lens and you’ve managed to answer all of my questions 😊

[@Duade]

Thanks Donna, I appreciate the feedback and wish you will with your new lens. Cheers, DUade

[@ironicstan]

I'm not sure if I just watched a lens review or just had a photography lesson. Either way, fantastic! I don't have an RF camera, but the information you provided about how to use this lens is so detailed and explained so well. Thanks!

[@Duade]

Andy, that is great to hear, I am glad you found it helpful. Cheers, Duade

[@MihaiSavuCom]

If you look closely at 16:50 at the green background, one can see there are 3 branches for each branch, one to the left and one to the right of the real one. This is visible especially on the right side of the picture. The lens performs awful with lit objects in the background if they are not really far away. I noticed the same bothering behaviour on the RF 800 F11 lens.

[@SolamenteVees]

This combined with the new R7 could make for a formidable kit. (640mm effective focal length)

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, for its price it could be a wonderful combo, I look forward to trying it out, Cheers, Duade

[@ThroughJermainesLens]

Loved the review! Thank you!! I am still unsure if I should get it or not, but this helped with giving me clear infomation! Subbing for sure!

[@wolfgangklein5549]

What a fantastic review! The amount of work you took for this is amazing. Thanks, thanks, thanks!

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, thanks for the comment, Cheers, Duade

[@wolfgangklein5549]

@@Duade Got this lens from my wive, so I don't have to carry the havy Sigma around. What a good light lens.

[@Duade]

@@wolfgangklein5549 Great to hear, I will have to remember your advice, the next lens I want, I will buy it for my wife :-) Cheers, Duade

[@catalyst_6]

Your reviews are the best. You seem to cover every question I have about gear. Excellent. Thank you.

[@Duade]

That is great to hear, glad it helped, Cheers, Duade

[@robertklein5398]

This is my favorite lens since 3 month. And my rf70-200f4. I have the same experience like you with this beautiful lens. Nice video and thanks 📷📷👍

[@Duade]

Robert, great to hear you have been enjoying the lens, I am yet to try the 70-200 f4 but I am sure it is excellent. Cheers, Duade

[@watchthis6246]

Just ordered this lens ($550) and then watched this video, which has very informative and helpful content. It gave me reason consider getting an R7 instead of the RF 800 lens for the longer reach shots, when I’m ready to take that step, and it answered additional questions. Love all the photo ops you have on your property!

[@adrian_div_photography]

well done Duade! this is clearly the best review i have seen on this lens to date. so thorough and good to see real world testing - not scientific jargon with no actual proof! :) Even though I ended up purchasing the RF100-500 after watching Yours & Jan Wegener's other videos (with no regrets i might add), i did seriously consider this RF100-400 as a potential option. Looks like a very good and economical answer for a lot of people. Great work mate.

[@Duade]

Adrian, thanks for the feedback, yes, the RF100-500 is superior if one can afford it but this lens does offer great value for those starting out or wanting an affordable telephoto lens. Cheers, Duade

[@lhuddyness]

Having just bought the R7 body and am waiting for the 100-400mm lens to arrive, I was excited to watch this video. After seeing what it's capable of, I'm so glad I ordered one. Having the 640mm reach with the APS-C sensor is going to mean I don't need to worry too much about buying yet another lens for a while. That makes a difference when you're an amateur enthusiast. So, heartfelt thanks from me for this and all your videos. Be safe and well.

[@Duade]

Have fun with the lens when it arrives, Cheers, Duade

[@lampyman101]

I have the Eos R that lens and the 2x tele. As a beginner in photography I've found it a lovely combination, sometimes a bit of a fight with the high f value but with such a nice stabilisation I've managed to get some great shots. Yeah, that tele is bloody expensive though, shame Canon seem to be acting against 3rd party makers. Thank you for your wonderful, inspiring and informative videos. I love photographing birds and night time photography (including astrophotography). My fave pic so far was a red crested grebe that had just surfaced with a fish in its beak. I was so excited when I got home and realised I had unknowingly got that shot.

[@Duade]

Wonderful, always a bonus to get those shots, congrats on the lens. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@stevej7139]

I have that lens on my EOS R7 and love it, I have been out doing nature and landscape photos so the f8 issue isn't a problem.

[@dogflirt]

YO!! Thank you! These were exactly the things I needed to know about. I was stuck between this one, & the 400 5.6 and the sigma 150-600 - - - but after SEEING the photos for myself, I feel much better about getting this 100-400 RF - It holds up REALLY well. Better than expected actually. Thank you again for such detailed comparison.

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, wonderful lens for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@carlhasselgren6918]

I am not a wildlife or bird photographer, but you are one of the best reviewers out there and give very honest reviews. I have just bought the RF 100 - 400 to replace a Sigma 150 - 600 and what a difference in weight and am very happy with the change. In regards to shooting in the crop mode on full frame R series cameras, although I would not do this all the time, I find that with the resizing software nowadays such as Topaz and On1, this is not such an issue as it once was. This means that the RF 100 - 400 then goes up to 640mm. Keep up the good work.

[@MowersFamilyFarm]

What's the image quality like on the 100-400 using the crop mode on an r series? I just got an Eos R and can't decide between the heavy sigma 150-600 or this 100-400 🫣 I've tried using a sigma 100-200 with a 1.4x converter and it's weight it nearly 2000g like that 150-600 🫣 they are heavyhh

[@carlhasselgren6918]

@@MowersFamilyFarm Obviously at 7.8 mp on a R6, you are not going to be blowing it up to poster size straight out of the camera but is acceptable for normal viewing. I use Topaz Photo AI for resizing and get very good results. As I said in my original post, I traded my Sigma 150-600 in on the 100-400 as although this lens gave very good results, it was just too heavy to be carting around as you really needed to take a tripod too.

[@mayhamilton6652]

Great video. It looks like such a versatile lens. I loved your landscape photos! You have a real eye for it. I'm still on my 5DMK4 but I love seeing the options out there for if I'm ever able to upgrade so thank you. Meant to add the stick insect was clearly a fan too and wanted involved. Made me smile!

[@Duade]

Thanks May, yes that stick insect was a real highlight lol. The 5d4 is a wonderful camera that takes beautiful shots. When you feel the time is right it upgrade I am sure there will be plenty of option. Cheers, Duade

[@jayengee]

I have an EOS R7 and the RF100-400, RF100-500 and RF800. I recently had some focussing issues with the RF100-400 as it was hunting and not getting sharp distance shots. I sent it off for repair and was quoted 500GBP for a rear lens assembly. However, they found no fault and sent it to Canon for them to check. Canon found no fault either. I collected it today and Canon had tried to reproduce the fault but suggested that if it is a high shutter speed then Stabilization should be turned off.

[@Duade]

Thanks, sorry to hear about your issues, it could be that the subject is just too far away for the 400mm so when you crop it loses detail? You would have to do a test of a toy bird or similar and take a shot at 400mm on the 100-400 and 400mm on the 100-500 and compare the two to see the difference. Cheers, Duade

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

Superb review buddy!!! Great footage, pics and info and well presented as always 😉👍🏼👌

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, Duade

[@garyolson3315]

I got a great deal on the RP and R50, Canon refurbished. The R50 is small enough with its 18-150 to carry it along with the RP and RF 400mm. Having great fun on the cheap. Thanks for the review!

[@Duade]

Congrats and my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@gthomas1333]

Duade! Just got on to your channel, mate. Thanks for your great videos. I have been shooting for a while, been to some photo workshops, and shot in Australia in the end 2019. You are a fantastic teacher and have the more humility than any wildlife photographer Ive run across, on line or in person. It is good for the rest of us to hear that every picture you get isn't perfect! Great explanations and formats. Thanks again for your super content! Cheers! P.S. Equipment reviews rock as well!

[@Duade]

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment, great to hear you are into photogrpahy and enjoying the channel. Cheers, Duade

[@johnf-kelsey5343]

I agree Mr G, Great guy, at last some one whom says it how it is.

[@MattHalpain]

I recently upgraded to the Canon R100 from a Canon 5D Mark III, and Rebel T7. I really love my R100. I was amazed how light my R100 is. Currently I use a 100mm EF lens via the mount adapter. And I also use a EF 24-105mm zoom lens. Both the 100mm and 24-105mm lenses are heavier than the body of the R100. Even using EF lenses on my RF mount of the R100, the auto focus is so much better than my 5D Mark III, and T7. I am a budget hobby photographer. I value this review of this RF 100-400 budget lens. You live in a beautiful area rich with wild life. I live in WA state Puget Sound area.I mainly shoot flower n foliage photos.

[@edw777]

I have been so excited for this because I need to find a good zoom for my mirrorless body

[@Duade]

That is great to hear, I hope it helped, Cheers, Duade

[@stevehohner6978]

Great review Duade! I've been using Canon gear for over 50 years now, and switching from my 5D's and 7D's to my first mirrorless Canon I just bought. I purchased the R7 plus the RF 100 - 400 f4.5-8 a few days ago after watching your reviews on both pieces of gear. I'm looking forward to get goingvwith the gear. I was leary of buying Canon glass that was not L quality, but from what I see here on this review, this lens looks like it will give me the versatility that I don't have with my Canon EF L prime lenses. I'm also looking forward to trying my L EF glass with the R7 as well. Keep up the excellent work with your videos. I really enjoy them and have learned allot. Wildlife photography is my main interest, although I also enjoy many other fields of interest as well. Cheers!

[@Duade]

Thanks Steve, yes this lens is surprisingly sharp for a non l lens, its just one of those lenses you can have in your kit bag for when you need reach or just going for a walk. Have fun with it, Cheers, Duade

[@mangothing1604]

Based on your honest and informative reviews, I took the plunge to trade in my D500 + 200-500 kit for the R7 + the 100-400. And WOW!!! What a difference! Not so much in the quality of the photos - I am still the weakest link there. But the convenience and portability. I can now carry a birding kit on long hikes (3+ hours) in just one hand with just a Peak Design wrist strap - a total of 1.3kg vs 3.1kg. I carry them in a 3L dry sack if it starts raining. The bird detection on the R7 is fantastic, and the lens is more than sharp enough for me.

[@robertkelly28]

Wow. This is the most thorough review of a lens I’ve ever seen. Not a lens I’m in the market for but still found it interesting. Congratulations

[@Duade]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@MiguelGomes2023]

I have waited all week for your video

[@Duade]

Miguel, I hope the wait was worth it, Cheers, Duade

[@MiguelGomes2023]

@@Duade it is always worth it. You put so much effort in your videos, and it translates in high quality, rich in information and Tests vídeos. As tech guy I just love it!

[@hovercroft]

Great review. Answered a lot of the questions that I couldn’t find the answers for elsewhere. This paired with the 800 f/11 would be a great combination.

[@matthewsantos9011]

Can’t wait to get this lens for my R10! I see lots of people put this lens down because it’s not as “good” as it’s L series counterparts, but for me, it looks to be a great value for the money (especially since I’ll be getting an extra reach). Cheers 👍🏼

[@Duade]

Thanks Matthew, it is amazing for its price, the IQ is excellent, you will have a lot of fun with it I am sure, Cheers, Duade

[@chuckthurmond]

I'm considering the R10 with this lens. Let us know how it goes with yours. This lens is on sale for $499 right now and I'm wanting to buy this combo.

[@daviesmia]

I have this on my R7 and got an Osprey with fish in talons on my first outing with it...good stuff

[@Feniche17]

this is a killer review Duade, it’s easily the most useful I’ve seen on the lens. I was really holding out to see the wide open sharpness compared with its competition and you did that + Thx for asking what your viewers wanted to see beforehand, you answered nearly all my requests! My current 100-400 is the tamron, but it’s ~1300g and maybe it’s my copy but it is SOFT wide open, so the f6.3 is irrelevant for birding and I shoot at f11 for best results… needless to say, this Canon looks like it would be perfect in my bag with the 800

[@BrentODell]

I'm moving to Canon from Sony, and I've been using the Sigma 100-400 DG DN. My lens is also a little soft wide open, so I already tend to shoot at f/8. It's also larger and heavier than this RF lens, although it's got weather sealing, which is a point for the Sigma. Overall, this budget Canon lens seems like a great value, and I'm looking forward to checking one out.

[@Feniche17]

@@BrentODell Yeah, build will be better on the sig/tam 100-400’s but I was/am disappointed with the tamron wide open as far as I’m concerned it starts at f8.. that said the 100-400 tamron has good enough AF that it helps a lot, but this native one I’m sure per Duade and others is a significant upgrade to the AF

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, I am glad you found it helpful, I agree it makes a great partner to the 800 f11. Cheers, Duade

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers, Duade

[@Marcus2233]

My tamron 100-400 is soft as butter, close up image quality is even worse when iv used it for flower photography, I had the 70-300 is ii nano usm before it and that was far better lens but 100mm less, im like you looking at this lens and getting rid of the tamron, think the lack of weather sealing is worth losing for the better iq and lighter weight

[@og7650]

Díky!

[@Duade]

Thank you so much, Cheers, DUade

[@larry.mathewson]

Great cross comparisons with multiple lens options. I am also waiting to see what the Tamron RF version lenses will do when available.

[@Duade]

Larry, yes I am also waiting for the zooms from Sigma and Tamron, I am sure they will be great. The Tamron 150-500 for Sony is excellent. Cheers, Duade

[@jeffjohnson4742]

Thanks! GREAT, FAIR, REVIEW!

[@Duade]

Thanks Jeff, I really appreciate the support, Cheers, Duade

[@cooloox]

Hi Duade, great review, just for starters! I have this lens and the RP and it performs amazingly well. The AF is very fast and accurate and even tracks very well. The image stabilisation is the best I've used on my RP and the lens seems even sharper on the RP (probably due to having a lot less MP to resolve than the R5).

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your experience, great to hear it works well on the RP. Cheers, Duade

[@Flburr99]

Great review. Just picked this lens up refurbished from canon on sale for 399 USD! Can't wait to try it out!

[@kevins8575]

I really like my teleconverter, but it really is more expensive than it should be. If I had the 100-400, I might just buy the 800mm f/11 for only a bit more cash than the extender. Also, I very much like your photos that show more context; scenery, vegetation, etc. Looking forward to seeing your images when you get hold of the Rf1200!

[@Duade]

Kevin, thanks for the feedback, I agree the converters are very expensive. Lol I can't see me trying the RF1200 any time soon, not that I would say no :-)

[@hunglemed]

best review of this lens, true & real review on the field

[@arthurleung7083]

Amazing review, Duade! Very thorough and helpful for people like myself thinking about the different options while considering the jump to the RF system for bird photography. Really appreciate all the effort you've spent in making this review, cheers!

[@Duade]

Arthur it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@danielx555]

I just bought one of these and I'm going to go on a trip. These tips are really helpful.

[@msyuan1124]

Nobody gives better real-world, in-depth reviews. While I have my share of Canon “Big Whites”, it’s great that you review lenses within easier reach of more people. I’m sure the new 800 f5.6L and the 1200 f8L lenses are great, but reviews of those lenses are a lot less relevant to me. Thank you, sir!

[@Duade]

Mark, thanks for the feedback, yes, I would love to try those big primes but they are out of reach of most people so these more affordable lenses are more relevant. In saying that I won't say no to testing the big whites ;-)

[@DmitryBrodsky007]

Thank you for this awesome video. Picked up this lens recently to put on my R8 (such a light and small combo) and these two work together perfectly.

[@DarkGiratina96]

Great review! It's fantastic to have such in-depth reviews so focused in bird photography. Thank you so much! I'm really looking forward to that budget R body. If they put the Eye-AF in that (and it's within my budget), it might be a great choice to move away from the sometimes frustrating AF of the 1200D I use!

[@Duade]

It is my pleasure, yes, I agree we really need a R8, R9 that has eye tracking and is affordable. Cheers, Duade

[@rogerbarnett8412]

@@Duade I had the original Eye AF Canon... the prosumer version of the EOS 2, the A2E.. only 3 focus points and didn't work consistently. Love my R5, but a working EyeAF would surely help as it often takes a while to lock on to a small bird's eye....

[@mvp_kryptonite]

@Tano, it might already be here. The Canon R10! APC C for added reach in a compact package

[@BrentODell]

Awesome video, thank you for spending so much time and effort on this. I'm in the process of switching to Canon RF, and I'm a bit conflicted about long lenses. On the one hand, while I know that the 100-500 L is a superior lens, and I would certainly feel better having weather sealing, the price difference is SO large. I could buy this 100-400, the 800/11 for things that are more distant, and still have about $1000 USD in my pocket.

[@Duade]

Brent, great point and it does make it difficult that is for sure. I hope to get the RF800 and do a proper review. Cheers, Duade

[@John_Hudson_922]

what body did you go with?

[@BrentODell]

@@John_Hudson_922 I just ordered the R6 literally a few minutes ago, should have it on Monday :) I think I'm going to rent both the 100-400 and 100-500 and see if I think the different is worth the money.

[@John_Hudson_922]

@@BrentODell I wish there was something between the R6 and R5 - something like the A7r3

[@BrentODell]

@@John_Hudson_922 The A7r3 is actually what I'm coming from, so there will soon be another used copy on the market :) The thing with the R5/6 is they have fairly high video specs and high burst rate/buffer size, and for people who don't need those features, they can seem a little over priced. For me, they're just about perfect. I was planning to save up for the R5, but after looking at my images and how many pixels I really NEED, I decided 20 is plenty, and went for the R6 instead.

[@samueldaniel7399]

First I thought it will be long boring video before I start watching. Once again I was wrong as usuall. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge with us . Very very helpful, since I am shopping around for this exact lens. God bless you sir. Long live explorer...

[@edw777]

amazing shots

[@Duade]

Thank you, Cheers, Duade

[@ElizabethM-mv9ev]

Thank you so much for such an amazing review! I am on month four of waiting for the 200-800 to ship to me and I was really not liking the idea of having to spend the money to rent the RF 100-500 for my backup camera for a trip, when I already spent money on a new lens that isn’t even here. (I got the R7 specifically to extend the lenses for wildlife for this trip). This review was sooo helpful and I’m confident in my decision to spend less money and rent the 100-400 instead. Thank you thank you!

[@edw777]

Would you recommend this or the 400mm 5.6 to pair with the rp?

[@cooloox]

@bolide The 100-400mm works perfectly with the RP and seems sharper on the RP due to having a lot less MP to resolve than the R5. AF for both capturing static subjects and tracking moving subjects is great. AF is fast and silent and the IS is amazingly stable. A prime will be sharper and allow a lower ISO, but the zoom is far more versatile.

[@edw777]

cooloox I know what lens Im getting then.

[@toonfishbrot]

The question is also, do you already have an RP? BC if you don't and are thinking about getting one for shooting wildlife, you might be better off with a DSLR like the 7D and e.g. a 100-400L II for a similar price and likely much better AF performance, since the RP (from what I heard) isn't ideal for wildlife.

[@edw777]

toonfishbrot I do landcape photography mainly but thinking of having a go at some wildlife, and having a long tele is helpful for landscape anyways

[@toonfishbrot]

@@edw777 Definitely, on a fullframe that lens is really versatile. Do you already shoot on a RF-camera?

[@stans6582]

Duade...........WHAT VIDEO.......... i can't image how work went it to this presentation, thanks for all you do

[@Duade]

Stan, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@jsimes1]

What a fantastic breakdown! Holy smokes! It's amazing the choices we are getting. And the range in prices is amazing! This lens is so versatile for the price compared to the two RF behemoths that were released yesterday. Lets see do I want to spend less than $1,000 or do I want to spend $12,000 or $19,000 🤔 Even if I was filthy rich I would have a hard time justifying a $19,000 camera lens ... 😁

[@Duade]

Joe, yes the difference really is crazy, the fact Canon can make wonderful budget lenses makes me wish they did a 150-600 themselves based on this lens. Cheers, Duade

[@rogerbarnett8412]

Ummm, $19,999 for that big 1200... but it surely is light!

[@rolib6108]

You clearly havent used a lens thats worth several thousand dollars.

[@Meierjohnny]

Danke!

[@Duade]

Thanks you for the support, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@mohammadgoudarzi1680]

Got my R6 recently with RF100-400, it was absolutely convenient and light, but as I was looking for more reach finally purchased the Sigma 150-600 C. The shots with the Sigma look amazing. Except for the weight which is definitely a tradeoff, I am so happy with the images I can take these days. Thanks a lot for the comprehensive videos for comparison. Awesome video👌🙏🏻

[@Duade]

Mohammad, congrats on both lenses, they really do offer different value that is for sure and nice to have both options. Cheers, Duade

[@pauledbrown]

You can add the rf 1.4 extender for a similar focal length

[@emix1010]

The AF of my Tamron 100-400 EF mount does not play well with my R6 (got it in June), when I expected it to perform better than on a DSLR. It tends to freeze and become completely unresponsive, requiring to turn the camera off then on again to recover AF, for some time. It also needs compensation on my 90D, but then it’s still a bit imprecise once in a while, either front or back focusing. Its days are numbered.

[@Duade]

Eric, the RF100-400 is excellent on the canon Mirrorless bodies and is so light its crazy. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@darknstormyimages]

Looking forward to hear your views as I own this lens 👌

[@Duade]

I hope you enjoyed it, feel free to share your thoughts on anything I may have missed. Cheers, Duade

[@22arijitsen]

Thank You Duade, Finally i have decided to go with R7+ RF100-400. Will keep watching your videos to learn more about photography.

[@Duade]

Congrats Arijit, I hope you enjoy, Cheers, Duade

[@unaitxo]

Your wife is right, you should take more landscapey pictures ;)

[@Duade]

Lol, yes maybe I should. Cheers, Duade

[@NathanBuildsRobots]

11:56 this is not a Jewel Spider. It is actually a Gold Skulltula. They are quite rare, with only 100 known to exist.

[@Duade]

Thanks Nathan, glad you found that spider interesting, it might be worth a few bob then lol? Cheers, Duade

[@omerbinyounos]

The best review 👌 I have seen so far about this lens. Excellent quality and details.

[@Duade]

Thanks Omer, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Cheers, Duade 👍

[@petermason9612]

Thanks

[@Duade]

Thanks Peter, I really appreciate the support, Cheers, Duade

[@biancadupont2931]

Thanks!

[@Duade]

Thanks Bianca, I appreciate the support, I hope you enjoy the lens if you pick it up, Cheers, Duade

[@alonsohernandezbermudez975]

Excelent review, everything that someone needs to know about the lens, Amazon video Duade cheers from Costa Rica

[@Duade]

Alonso, thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@erkkisiekkinen286]

Thank You for good review ,I have had this lens since last september. I have using it with R6 as a lighter option beside my RF 100-500mm. I has been a very good lens on winter feeding places where you can stay near the small birds.With R6 IQ is very good on bright days. Now I got my R10 and been using it with RF 100-500 ,and the autofocus is fantastic with that reasonably cheap body ,good BIF photos also.AF may be even better than in R6. Now I begin to test R10 with this rf 100- 400mm and I get 1,6 more reach with aps- c body.Of course this combo is for bright conditions. Although R10 tolerates reasonably well high ISOs as a crop body.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Cheers, Duade

[@mikejduk]

At 15:30 where you display the settings for camera and lens, for the stick insect capture, you have an 'L' after the 'IS'. As far as I can see, the RF 100 - 400mm, that you're reviewing here, isn't in the 'L' series! I would like to know what the device is that you have on your camera! Thank you for your video, you've alerted me to the Macro capabilities of this lens I probably wouldn't have considered.

[@marksuchomelsr6698]

Hi Duade, I own both the EF 100-400 v2, and the RF 100-400. I use the RF 100-400 when I'm traveling on short plane trips when size and weight are a concern. I carry my R5 camera, a wide zoom, the Rf 100-400 and a 1.4 Ext. I was really surprised at how well this lens works and the Image quality is fantastic. I will never sell my EF 100-400 but the weight is always a concern when traveling.

[@Decoii]

This was my first RF lens for my R7. Thank you for the in depth review

[@DOMOVOISU]

An excellent review and comparison, I'm going to buy such a lens as a birthday gift for myself and I'll use it in conjunction with EOS RP.

[@traceybartlam7737]

Wow, that monitor is lovely. Really enjoy these videos because as well as the photography content the wildlife couldn’t be more different than ours in the UK. I see deer and foxes on a walk, can’t imagine seeing kangaroos!

[@sajanstanley]

Brilliant review and amazing photos. I really loved the preview of the RAW image and how you have cropped and edited them .. I am sure it wouldn't have been easy but really effective.

[@Duade]

Thanks Sajan, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade