Canon's new RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens may not be a lens for me - why?? - the focus ring!

[@thomasphillips5850]

John great video as usual. These shots are incredible, I understand your complaint but you can't take it away from that lense. I don't like the R5 as much as the R7 with the lense how about the R3.

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you!!! As I have used this lens more and more, I have a huge appreciation for it. I differ from you in that I really like it on the R5 and especially on the R3 but do not care for it on the R7. I have and will use it on the R7 but not prefer it most on the R3. The lens I really love on the R7 is the 100-500 with or without the 1.4 extender. I think that is a pretty awesome combo!! No combo is perfect and we all have preferences on what works for us! 🙏🤗💖

[@thomasphillips5850]

The 100-500 is very good on the R7. I think the difference on the R5 and R3 with the 200-800 must be the processing of the R3. Your humming bird shots on R3&200-800 are just amazing. I understand they don't all come out that way but the keepers you are coming up with are just outstanding John. Keep up the good work.

[@JonnyPink65]

@@thomasphillips5850 Thank you, thank you. The more I use this lens, the more I really, really like it. It is a super versatile beast. 🤗💖

[@thomasphillips5850]

Just imagine if the R3 had 45-50 megapixels. Would that be sweet.

[@JonnyPink65]

@@thomasphillips5850 it would be AMAZING. Even 30 or 33 would be great. The advantage to a smaller sensor tough........ smaller files! 💖🤗

[@SteveSSBB]

When the focus gets locked on a background it is far easier and faster just to focus on something else around your target and then reacquire the target. No manual focus ring needed. Why would anyone want to mess with a manual focus ring on a super tele zoom?

[@mvp_kryptonite]

One would assume it goes to infinity and shifting it back would be a fair bit of twisting I imagine (why it has no dedicated and larger focus ring is strange). I think the more useful think missing is the focus limiter or IS mode. This isn’t my shooting preference ’wildlife’ but as you say, there are other tricks to re acquire focus

[@SteveSSBB]

@@mvp_kryptonite Indeed. I never use the MF ring, but I just picked mine up and with the foot resting on my hand I found it super easy to rotate the focus ring with my thumb. If you rotate the foot to the side or the top you the ring becomes very easy to grab and rotate with a traditional grip. It amazes me when someone who is a member of what is arguably the most adaptable species on the planet can't overcome a simple ergonomic challenge. My brother has no left hand and often does better than me during our sessions. I agree about the focus limiter switch entirely. In terms of this being a non-L lens it is easy to see why Canon made the lens fairly bare bones, however.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

@@SteveSSBB good to hear you and your brother have sessions together. For sure, Canon needed to keep the costs down and considering it’s an actual white painted lens with a lens hood. They could have easily charged their usual high prices for that accessory. Maybe it’s a sign of changing times and they are listening. If I needed this focal length, it would be a no brainer for me. Probably why I’m watching these videos to tempt myself

[@SteveSSBB]

@@mvp_kryptonite I have the 100-500 and still holding onto my EF 400DOII with a set of TCs. There are pros and cons of each vs the 200-800, but ultimately, I’m holding onto it for the zoom versatility. The 400DOII is an awesome package, but messing with TCs in the field is never a win for me. Most retailers offer a good return window, so there is minimal risk in trying. Best of luck and happy shooting.

[@JonnyPink65]

I use that technique as well but when shooting subjects at the minimum focus distance, it does just get stuck - all lenses have that happen to them. Some of the old techniques still work. For dragonflies in flight, I would need that for the prefocus. 🙏💖🤗

[@NECPER]

Would you be able to explain how the buttons on the RF 200-800 can be used in wildlife photography?

[@JonnyPink65]

I have never used the buttons on the lens, but they can be programmed in the camera as you would any other button. You can set it for ISO, aperture, focus etc. When you go into you camera menu, go to the wrench I think it is and go to assign custom buttons - it should be in there. I dont use them so I cant give you any more info than that. 🙏🤗💖

[@keithwiebe1787]

I end up using manual focus with my RF800 F11 and R8 much more lately. I use 2 buttons on back for eye tracking and spot focusing. If shooting video it's almost a must (manual focusing). So I know what you mean by having manual focus easily accessible. Love watching your stuff. More in tune with the stuff I do rather than some other channels. Just a hobbyist doing what you love. Keep it up!

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you, thank you. I use manual focus when shooting at the minimum focal distance mostly. The 800 F11 is in the perfect location for that and the 100-500 is such a small lens, it is also perfect there too. I may just be a little critical but it was getting frustrating missing shots that I would not have missed with another lens. I will keep working with it. And i have my cameras set the same - one button for single point another for eye tracking. I had my Nikon Z9 that way and had set the Sony A6700 that way too as much as possible. It is something that just works for me!!! Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@barryedwards5350]

I see what you're saying, but one thing you might try is to move the tripod foot to the top of the lens when you come off your tripod. This puts your hand closer to the lens rings when it is directly under the lens. I use the foot on top as a sight to find small birds. Once found with a little practice, you raise the lens a bit as you move to the eyepiece to be right on the bird. It may take a little practice to get used to this process, but I would be interested in how you like this process. I like your channel.

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you, I will git it a try. I usually don't shoot with the foot on top - for me, I prefer to use it for support but I will give it a try. This is such a light lens, it has not been on a tripod. LOL The only lens I carry a tripod with is my 600 F4. I prefer to shoot that hand held too but it does get heavy and goes back on the gimbal! And where I noticed this most is out at 800mm. It is front heavy so reaching back becomes a little more difficult but I will give your method a try! For me, since I prefer the long focal length and have gotten used to it over the years, I just the star hopping method LOL. I find something next to the subject - a branch or leaf, and slew over to the subject like finding a certain star in the night sky with a telescope before all the computer stuff. I use the manual focus for that too....... I will try your foot up method though. Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@martijn9717]

The focus ring on the 100-500 is even closer to the body and I heard no complaints about that.

[@JonnyPink65]

You are correct but it is much shorter lens and the weight is different. When this lens is fully extended it is front heavy so reach BACK becomes an issue. Your hand is forward to adjust for balance and the reach back to the focus ring becomes the issue. If the buttons and the ring had been switched, it would not have been an issue. Just a limitation that I have to learn to work around. Ill keep shooting it and see what I can come up with. 🙏💖🤗

[@RVNmedic]

Thanks John. The image quality looks wonderful. I'm waiting for mine to get here. I don't use manual focus much so it might not be an issue. I'll let you know. Everything else about the lens look great. Be well. Happy New Year.

[@JonnyPink65]

You will enjoy it. Overall, it is awesome. It takes amazing images, it is versatile and lightweight. I use the manual focus when shooting that the MFD and every lens struggles there. I use the manual focus in those situation for the butterflies and dragonflies. I am going to keep shooting it and shooting it and shooting it LOL. For distant subjects and tracking, it found it to be awesome. Anticipation is the hard part! 🙏💖🤗

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

intersting roundup perhaps a rubber ring might make it useable. For me i will wait and see what sigma comes up with. Id rather have a 600mm f6.3

[@JonnyPink65]

I am looking forward to seeing what Sigma comes up with too. Heck, I just like trying gear so that will be fun. It is a great lens overall and I just have to work within the limitations like I did with the 800 F11 and Sony A6700! 🙏💖🤗

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Wow ! I guess I'm going to find out here shortly for myself. Getting the 200-800 rental soon. Of course the 800 F11 will sometimes jump off focus too, but for whatever (maybe dumb) reason, I never use the manual focus ring to bring it back. Instead, without even thinking about it, I quickly point it at the ground beneath my subject, or some other easy to focus on item in my frame, of a similar distance, and hit the center my center focus back button. I've done this so much, its kind of become second nature to me. But I can see for someone who uses the MF ring a lot, where this could be a problem.

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

i use pre focus a lot for wildlife...much faser than trying to manual focus all the time.

[@JonnyPink65]

You will enjoy this lens. I have a video coming out tomorrow where I shot both lenses back to back, same day, same place, same time on the R5. I will be curious to see what you think of it. It is a versatile lens, lightweight, takes great images - maybe I am just being nit picky!!! I am going to keep shooting and shooting and shooting it!! 🙏💖🤗

[@JonnyPink65]

@@stefanusrheeder4162 I use pre focus too but I also use manual focus to get my pre focus as well. For my dragonflies in flight, the 100-500 will be a better option for me as far as that goes. 🙏💖🤗

[@fromquake]

I understand your argument for not liking the placement of the focus ring. I am using a sigma 60-600 and I have adopted a way of holding the lens where I can tap the focus ring with my thumb if need be, but it has a much larger ring. I’d like to check out the 200-800 for that extra reach and to see if the hit rate is any better in comparison to the sigma. Thanks for posting your review, the photos look tack sharp.

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you. I have used the Sigma 60-600 - it is a fun lens, but you will find the images with the 200-800 or the 100-500 way way sharper. I have not used a single set up where everything is perfect - every set up has a miss and hit rate. I dont worry about that as I cant share all 200 images I shot at that one time LOL. I pick the best of the best, then narrow those down again. I only need one with character to make me happy that I can share. If you get a chance to borrow or rent .... check it out. I think the native glass will impress you over the adapted Sigma - it did me. When Sigma does come out with RF glass though, I will be shooting that as well!! 🙏💖🤗

[@matttrevillionphotography]

Hi, what camera strap you using there?

[@JonnyPink65]

Hi there - I started to do a video on the strap since I do get a LOT of questions about it. I bought ths cheap strap on Amazon when my last expensive one broke. I love this one. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CLXDF9J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 I keep it clipped to both he camera and the lens - two points at all times. I use the attached D ring for one of the attachments and a cheap little carabiner - saved me a couple of times. 🙏💖🤗

[@davidipema7898]

did you try putting a extra ring on the focusring , then it jumps out and you don't have to look for it because you feel it write away ?

[@JonnyPink65]

That is something I had not thought about. I only really notice it when I am shooting small subject at the MFD. That happens to all lenses but when it is out at 800mm the balance is a little off to reach back. I just need to work with it a bit - the images are great. Plus, most are going to buy it for distant subjects. I am the fool shooting close ups with a long lens!! 🙏💖🤗

[@jeffolson4731]

I haven't encountered the manual focus issue yet, and I don't know if I will with the way I use my lenses. Now, I will have to go out and purposely try it to see what I think. I love the images and the reach I am able to get with the lens.

[@JonnyPink65]

Jeff - I love the versatility and images I am getting with this lens. It is lightweight too. I shoot a lot of small subject at the MFD and that is where I had the most trouble. For the distance subject it has been fantastic. I just need to learn to work within what I think are the limitations for my style. And yes....... I will probably have it with me when I am out your way!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@wildbillgreen]

Love that turkey vulture image

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you - they really are beautiful creatures. I like to get close ups of them when I can!! 🙏💖🤗

[@finnritslev4559]

your videos/photoes are great.

[@JonnyPink65]

I can not thank you enough for the compliment. Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

would you be available to come on a live stream saturday morning cst 11am or 5pm uk time trying to get people to be guests if possible?

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you for the invite - I will be out shooting but I should have time the following Saturday before I go on my trip. And thank you, thank you for the invite!!! My email is listed in the description - you can reach out to me that way too! 🙏💖🤗

[@longrider9551]

I remember speaking to Amar, and neither one of us were excited about F11, but he got one and produced some nice images

[@JonnyPink65]

I like the 800 F11.... on the R5. In the video up tomorrow, I have images up from the 800 F11 and this one, same day, same place. They each have advantages and disadvantages. 🙏💖🤗

[@korkutdemirbas]

Finally an honest opinion. I'm tired of the reviews with affiliate links. They don't talk about the downsides of a lens. I'm almost starting to think that all they want to do is sell new lenses :)

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you. I try to show gear that the average everyday person can shoot, hold, afford - nothing works for everyone. It takes great images, and is light overall. It is front heavy at 800mm and the stabilization is just OK for hand held video - about on par with the Sony 200-600 - just OK. The 800 F11 with its limitations is actually a more stabile lens for video. And no affiliate links and not selling a thing - that would be work. LOL I just LOVE shooting and meet folks out there. Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@isotechimages.9130]

John l love the lens and like you l find a few of the dial set ups a bit odd but l think you should give yourself a chance for muscle memory to adapt. I put thumb on custom function button which l have set to spot focus then l have my pinky finger on the manual focus ring and my other fingers on zoom ring this works well for me.

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you - I am going to keep shooting it and shooting it. It is versatile and light weight - I just need to work around the limitations. I noticed it most when shooting the small subject at the MFD - some thing the 100-500 does better. The images are great so I will try a couple of other techniques that the the excitement has calmed down!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@isotechimages.9130]

@@JonnyPink65 John l was out with it at sunrise this morning & the manual focus dial l put down to one of those silly things that all camera companies do from time to time, the slow aperture literally does not bother me as canon have conditioned me to slow lenses with the F11 primes. It a great lens & l would take it over a 200/600 f5/6.3 any day. Enjoy.

[@JonnyPink65]

@@isotechimages.9130 You know, the old school in me was afraid of the 800 F11 and I poo-pooed it left and right..... until I tried it. That showed me that I was thinking old school and that does not apply to the new tech. I love shooting the 800 F11 and this lens too. And I agree with you - I will take this over the 200/600 all day long. Overall it is a great lens and I have to get around the focus ring placement. It will not be an issue for most folks. I am hoping to shoot it in the rain again. 💖🤗

[@isotechimages.9130]

@@JonnyPink65 I believe this is why Canon are going these slow lenses on their own as they are taking advantage of what mirror less offers where the other major companies are afraid of people not accepting change. I wish the lens went to F8 not nine but then l would be complaining about the extra weight and l wish it was an internal zoom and then l would be complaining about the length of it, l wish it was an L series lens then l would be complaining about the price of it, but l do hope the weather sealing is creditable.

[@JonnyPink65]

@@isotechimages.9130 🤣😂 I do wish too LOL. Overall, I think it is an outstanding lens and 99.999 % of the people will absolutely LOVE it. I LOVE the images, the reach, the versatility and the weight.... I will work around that and when I want to shoot close up little treasures, I will use the 100-500 with the 1.4 and have the best of both worlds. And the other reality for me is that if I did return it, I would wish I had not..... I think that overall, Canon is in a league all its own. 🤗💖

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

Dear John maybe you should put the camera and lens on a tripod. as stated in the R5 user manual, use a sturdy tripod. With 45 megapixels it is difficult to take good handheld photographs. If you also put a large zoom lens on the R5, everything that can go wrong comes together. As nature photographers, we all have our dream wishes, but let us not lose sight of reality and accept that not all our wishes become reality. Kind regards from the Netherlands

[@JonnyPink65]

Hello from Southern California!!! For my 600 F4 and even with the 1.4 on there putting me at 840 mm, I do shoot on a gimbal tripod but I really prefer the freedom of handheld. With a faster shutter speed, you get great images at longer focal lengths. This has the advantage of being light weight over the other set up. The stabilization on this one for handheld video is just ..... OK. The 800 F11 is better, the 100-500 is better even at 700mm and the 600 F4 is amazing. It is a a great lens overall that produces great images. The focal length, the and weight are what I am looking for and if I work within the limitations, it is awesome!!! Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@MrMartin246]

Two suggestion. 1. People seem to have no issue or at least success when they use the thumb of their left hand to operate the focus ring, it may require to get accustum to a different hand position. 2. if you setup dual back button AF with one button for eye detect and the other for point focus you will very rarely if at all need to manual focus

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you - I have my Canon cameras set up that way and set up all the cameras I rent or buy with two buttons for back button focus - single point on one and eye AF on the other. I use it that way for real gigs as well. When you have a subject in a busy background the AF gets confused so that is where I use it a LOT. I am not going to change a lifetime of muscle memory to accommodate this one lens. It is a great lens but when extended it is front heavy so to keep it balanced in the hands, I move my hand slightly forward. If they had juxtaposed the buttons and the focus rings, this would not have been as big of an issue. If you don't shoot at the minimum focus distance where all lenses struggle, then going between the two buttons or moving away then the gripe I have with the focus ring will not be an issue for you. This is a great but limited lens. In spring and summer for shooting birds in flight, this would not be a lens for that. The 100-500 will be a lens I would prefer even with the 1.4 extender. That is the way I shoot. 🙏😁💖

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Nice shots; thanks for sharing. A very interesting point about the ergonomics, as I also hate not being able to access the focus ring easily. The same is true of the control ring more generally, which I usually set to aperture. I was considering it for my R7, where I like the RF100-500 with occasional use of the 1.4x TC for reach. I may prefer to avoid the disappointment you describe :) Could you judge the minimum focus distance?

[@JonnyPink65]

MFD - your 100-500 with a 1.4 is WAY superior. That is where my frustration came in. I was shooting at 800mm and the lens becomes front heavy making it difficult to reach BACK to get to the focus ring. On the 100-500, the focus ring is also pretty far back but since it is a small lens, that is not an issue. The size of this lens is what makes it difficult. Spring and summer, I will be shooting the 100-500 for my butterflies and dragonflies, not this one. The stabilization on the 100-500 is also WAY better. The stabilization on this is about like the Sony 200-600- just OK. I also tried it with RF extension tubes and that was dismal - that is a no go. The 800 F11 works better with those to shorten the MFD 🙏💖🤗

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

​@@JonnyPink65 Thanks, that's very helpful. I also struggle with the control rings on the RF100-500, and the RF200-800 sounds worse. Based on your assessment, I don't think I will be "moving up", though I very much enjoyed your photos, which were lovely. Mind you, I generally prefer videos that emphasize images over gear, and you never fail to deliver, which is much appreciated.

[@JonnyPink65]

@@wellingtoncrescent2480 Thank you, thank you, thank you!! The images are fantastic with this len and it is versatile. My issue will not be an issue for most and it might just be the way I am holding the lens. I am going to keep shooting it and just have fun with it. When the small creatures come back out in spring, I will switch back to the 100-500 for that shorter minimum focus distance anyway!! Dont let my experience change your mind. We all have our own style in the way we shoot. It may end up being the perfect lens for you! 💖🤗

[@lag9]

I’ll take it

[@JonnyPink65]

it is a great lens and it is sharp. I am going to continue to shoot is and see if I can make that focus ring placement work for me and the way I shoot. I really do like the images. Thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@robertharvey2580]

Really appreciate your honesty here. Before this video, all I’ve seen is nothing but praise for this lens (probably by folks sponsored by Cannon).

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you!!! I have found it frustrating at times but that was shooting at the MFD and all lenses do that..... but I can get to the focus ring and correct it. Overall, it is versatile, takes awesome images and is lightweight making it handholdable. The image stabilization is OK for Canon - about on par with the Sony 200-600 so just OK. I am going to shoot it as much as I can over the next three weeks and make my decision then. It is not a perfect lens by any means but then everyone looks for something different based on how and what they shoot. I just have to learn to work within the lens limitations. 🙏💖🤗

[@robertharvey2580]

@@JonnyPink65 I hope to see more videos that cover your experience with it 🙂

[@JonnyPink65]

@@robertharvey2580 Absolutely and thank you. I have a comparison up tomorrow and if I finish it, a beach one up on Saturday. 💖🤗

[@Hodenkat]

Tough decision. The 100-500 is a lot more money, but a much more versatile lens. I have the RF 600 f/11, but I'm already thinking of selling it. I don't like being "stuck" at 600 if something up close gets my attention. That 200-800 is too long for my liking, and the f/9 could be something that keeps me from shooting on overcast days. Personally, I wish Sigma was allowed to make RF lenses. I've tried to use their EF 150-600 adapted but the focus is slow and not accurate. I hate going out to get some shots feeling like it's hit-or-miss as to how well my lens will react that day. I guess I'll wait for a 100-500 to show up used so I can afford it. I'm worried that 500mm on a full frame just isn't enough though. $500 for a X1.4 teleconverter isn't happening either.

[@JonnyPink65]

Nothing will be a prefect set up. The 100-500 was on sale during the holidays for only a little less than this lens..... and it is available now. I do like it with the 1.4 extender but you are correct, it is expensive. This lens, if you are shooting at say 400mm, does let in more light and the MFD is shorter as well if that is an issue for you. You can always rent gear that allows you to try it to see if you like it. 🙏🤗💖

[@pdel7007]

A nicely expressed opinion

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you - it is exactly that - just an opinion. I really like the lens overall - light, versatile takes great images. For close little subject though in spring, I will have to use the 100-500 - that is an amazing lens!!!🙏💖🤗

[@realnikonlover6207]

A similar comment... your work is always superb. No exception here John. From a user perspective, I am thinking they moved that focus ring closer to the camera thinking that many would be using on a tripod and would not have to reach so far to grab focus and be able to hug the camera to stabilize it better in a handheld situation. I'm a Nikon shooter but I am seeing a difference in the Nikon 200-500 vs the new Z180-600. Almost apples and oranges there. Keep on keeping on friend. -Jim

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you, thank you. This weighs about what the Nikon 200-500 does (that is an exceptional lens and one I wish I still had with the 1.4 - I would use it on my D800 now and again). Yeah, they could have put the buttons in back and focus ring up a little more but it is what it is and they were not making it for me LOL . So of the two amazing Nikon lenses..... which do you prefer overall? 🙏💖🤗

[@forced_perspective]

Takes cool photos. Unfortunate for that oversight that maybe will force people to find a work around

[@JonnyPink65]

I really like the images and the versatility.. and the 800mm! I only have it when I shoot at the MFD at 800mm LOL. Not many I think got it for the small creatures like I did. You will probably see it in Washington. Hoping it rains this weekend I can shoot again in the rain - either Hahn or Malibu Creek! 🙏💖🤗

[@mobelue]

I think these shots look great.

[@JonnyPink65]

I do LOVE the images I am getting with this lens. Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@thomasschaack-fischer6953]

For me i dont need MF I am happy with the 200-800.

[@JonnyPink65]

Awesome!!!! I the MF ring when shooting at the MFD for small subjects - I just need to learn to work around that as it does get front heavy at 800mm. I will get used to it. I LOVE the images it produces and I the versatility. yeah, just need to work with it a bit more. I dont have that issue on distant subjects 🙏💖🤗

[@daviddouglasuk]

Your shots look great to me

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you, thank you. Overall, this is a fantastic lens and I do like the images I get. Just a little frustrated with that one thing..... I will learn to work around it!! Thank you, thank you for letting me share!!! 🙏💖🤗

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

Nice Vid Jonny! 😀 I wish Canon made that Nikon 600 F6.3 instead! 😆

[@JonnyPink65]

Chris!!! You mean the 800 PF? For the price, it is a great lens - very versatile. I just have to learn to work around the limitations. I noticed it most at the MFD trying to shoot small subjects!! 🙏💖🤗

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

@@JonnyPink65 no, I mean the new Nikon 600 F6.3. it looks great. I keep thinking about it. 😆 But at the end I always remember that I have already a great lens (RF100-500) very capable and versatile. 😄

[@JonnyPink65]

@@Chrispitchwildlife I must have missed that lens! I really wanted the Nikon 800 PF so that is what is stuck in my head. I will have to go look at the specs on that. And yes - the 100-500 is such an amazing lens. With the 1.4 extender on there, it is smaller than this new lens and will outperform this all the way around. I just like buying gear that I dont need an cant afford LOL 💖🤗

[@Chrispitchwildlife]

@@JonnyPink65 😆

[@Eli4Bill]

Well John…….you certainly have the settings dialed in now. Most of the images were excellent…..focus, color,etc. The couple of images from the beach near the end of the video were stunning!!!😍. Good luck with making a decision on whether or not to keep the lens.

[@JonnyPink65]

Bill!!!! Gonna keep shooting it as much as I can - there as so many things I really do like about this lens. Working on the beach video and I LOVE all those images. Hopefully we get rain again and I can go out to shoot some more. I just need to learn to use it. 🙏💖🤗

[@Eli4Bill]

@@JonnyPink65 Excited to see you ‘master’ that lens to its maximum. Keep shooting!😍👏

[@JonnyPink65]

@@Eli4Bill Thank you Bill!! I am going to keep working with it. For distance, it is amazing. It is the close up stuff I was struggling with and I have the 100-500 for just those perfect shots! I have never been a quitter or a "giver upper" and I am not going to start with this. Gonna keep shooting it and just enjoy what it can do. I did that with the 800 F11 too!! 💖🤗

[@bobhandal]

I will buy it from you !

[@JonnyPink65]

I am going to keep shooting it and shooting it. May even take it with me on my trip. I really do like the images I am getting with it - 800 is the perfect length for me. I have a video comparison with this and the 800 F11 that will be up tomorrow. I think I just need to work with it a bit but I will say, the stabilization is not as good with this as it is with the 800 F11 or the 100-500. Even my wife noticed. 🙏💖🤗

[@stefanusrheeder4162]

i use pre focus a lot for wildlife...much faser than trying to manual focus all the time. I understand your problem with this lens.....Canon messed up

[@JonnyPink65]

I use prefocus a lot and especially for dragonflies in flight. It will just be a little more planning or fiddling to do it with the lens. I really only notice it when shooting at the MFD but that happens to most lenses! 🙏💖🤗

[@RogerZoul]

Of course "Nothing is perfect". I don't think these companies want anything to be perfect. Perfect means they sell less, especially of more expensive items. If the 200-800 was perfect, despite being an f9 lens, then a lot of people would skip other lenses, like the 100-500 and the big primes. So, imperfection becomes a design feature. Canon knows that focus ring is not well placed and they allowed it, even preferred it, to remain that way. Still, it gets you extra reach without the hassle of putting the 1.4x tc on the 100-500 in the field, so it does have an advantage, which justifies its very existence to Canon. Enough people will buy it to make it a viable product. It seems to be very similar to the 100-500 while just giving up 1/3 of a stop at each focal range, yet while costing less. In fact, many of us can afford to own both because of this design. I think the 2-8 would not be a replacement of the 1-5 for me simply because of the MFD at full extension, which I think the 1-5 still wins at. Of course, I haven't shot the lens to I really don't know. As I said in another video, if you decide not to keep it, I'll buy it for what you paid for it. I hope you keep it, however. Take care Jonny Pink!

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you, thank you!! In summer the 100-500 comes out for the amazing MFD that just cant be beat. This lens really does project great images and like all the other gear, I just have to work within the limitations of the lens. I really only had that problem at the minimum distance - all lenses have that problem but at 800mm it is front heavy so reaching back to catch the focus ring throws it off more. Some like the preset buttons and use those - I never have but I do still use the focus ring. For the cost, it is a great lens. I just need to go out and shoot it more!!! After looking at the images, I may take it with me as it is versatile. And if it does rain and I get to shoot it again in the rain, i will have a better idea as to what it can do in low poor light. 🙏💖🤗

[@kennethlui2268]

When out of focus, just focus on something close, then re-focus. I never need MF.

[@JonnyPink65]

Thank you. For most things that works and I do use that as well, but I also like shooting at the minimum focus distance, shooting small creatures to fill my frame such as dragonflies, butterflies etc. Every lens struggles at the MFD but I use the focus to get what I want. So in those cases, moving to the side and back does not work - manual focus to lock onto the subject is about the only way. You will find your focus shifts as well if your subject is tucked say inside a bush and you just want the eye - the eye AF does not always work there - manual focus, or shooting between some branches to get the subject in the back - again manual focus. It is the way I shoot and if I cant access it..... great lens overall. And each of us has a different style of shooting. I would say that I usually push my stuff quite a bit. 🙏💖🤗 PS - I use single point a lot as well and it will sometimes lock on something else - again, manual focus as a back up additional tool - gotta have it.

[@marcushellyer6502]

Use your left thumb

[@JonnyPink65]

Been working on doing it that way LOL, and trying other tips I have received. I have to make it a conscious thought to overcome the decades of muscle memory!!! 🙏🤗💖

[@Wellin220365]

If you’re such an expert, why don’t you design a canon lens 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ it’s so easy to criticise others

[@JonnyPink65]

Oh no, no expert by any means. I know what works for ME. We all have different styles and want different things from products - camera bodies, lenses, cars, houses etc. For me, the way I shoot, the subject I like to shoot, I want/need access to the focus ring. I was using it today and I am learning to work around that as what is a limitation for me. Others with a different style will not have that problem. It is just my opinion for me. I love the weight of the lens, the versatility, the sharpness, and I like it better on the R5 over the R7. But for me, that is a big deal - others will not find it so! 🙏🤗💖