Testing the Canon R3 for Wildlife Photography - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY VLOG

Testing the Canon R3 for Wildlife Photography - WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY VLOG
In this wildlife photography vlog, I test how the Canon EOS R3 performs as a wildlife photography camera. I use the Canon R3 to do bird photography, as well as photographing elk and bison. I give my initial thoughts on if I think the Canon EOS R3 is a good wildlife photography camera, and discuss what I like and don't like about the Canon R3 for wildlife.
Thanks for watching!
INSTAGRAM ⬇️
/ wattswildlifephoto
FACEBOOK ⬇️
/ wattswildlifephoto
WEBSITE ⬇️
www.wattswildl...
----------------------------
Gear List
Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera: amzn.to/3A4fXug
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM Lens: amzn.to/3D0GHNV
Oben AT-3586 Aluminum Tripod and Triple Action BZ-226T Ball Head: amzn.to/3md6jR0
B + W 77mm UV Protection Filter: amzn.to/3mkv2D8
Sony CFexpress Type B TOUGH Memory Card: amzn.to/3imDPmM
Canon EF 1.4x Extender III: amzn.to/3kX5Bb5
Canon EF 2.0x Extender III: amzn.to/3ol2cVJ
Lowpro ProTactic 450 AW II Camera Backpack: amzn.to/3iibw91
Oben GH-30 Gimbal Head: amzn.to/3B00koS
Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery: amzn.to/3F6mCrg
Canon BG-R10 Battery Grip: amzn.to/3zY3yHW
Disclaimer: Evan Watts is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
This means I will receive a small commission for purchases made using the links above, no extra cost to you.
----------------------------
All music provided by Epidemic Sound
----------------------------
canon r3, canon r3 for wildlife photography, bird photography, canon 100-400, wildlife photography for beginners, best camera for wildlife photography, 8 secrets for sharper wildlife photos, insane bird photography, amazing wildlife photography tips, wildlife photography tutorial, guide to taking better wildlife photos, how to take the best wildlife photos, beginner wildlife photographer mistakes, canon r5, canon r5 for wildlife photography, wildlife photography hacks, hacks for better wildlife photos, wildlife photography on a budget

[@howardholtzman1331]

Excellent video. I liked it because there was a lot of truth-full and useful info.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Thank you, I’m glad to hear you liked it!

[@kamv8360]

Nice initial review. I know you’re doing a full AF review of the camera in the future…. but…. was wondering what your initial thoughts were regarding the autofocus of the R3 vs R5/6. Is the R3 that much better? Faster and “stickier”?

[@wattswildlifephoto]

I’d say it was a little better, but not much. The R5/6 are a slight bit slower but just as sticky, overall not a super noticeable difference unless you’re looking for it. Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏

[@kamv8360]

@@wattswildlifephoto Thanks. That’s a big help. Look forward to your detailed review. Keep up the good work.

[@tonyesposito9602]

Read my reply above to Watts, while his review is OK he has only tried it on one lens, as an owner of the R3 for 2 months the autofocus is superior to the R5 especially on the big white lenses.

Hey really interesting thoughts. Especially since I’m currently testing R3 on my own. I compared it with nikon Z9, Sony A1 and The R5 on the same spot, and I can tell You there is one thing You missed in this otherwise really good review. The AF speed in low light, and tracking for birds in flight in low light is absolutely amazing in the R3. I was against this body when this released for the reasons You mentioned in the video- megapixels, but after testing it, I can tell You that for sb who usually shoots fast action: birds in flight, birds fighting etc R3 would do amazing job. This body being for sports photographers I Think they will love it. Us wildlife shooters have the R5 which Btw has a better AF than the Z9 from my tests ;) and if the money wouldn’t be a thing I would 100% own the R3 for fast action in low light. Great video tho!!! Really enjoying seing Your channel grow lately

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Hey, thank you for the kind words. Low light AF and BIF are a few things I got to test very little (or not at all in the case of BIF) so I’m glad you brought that up! Good to hear it is performing so well in those scenarios. Also interesting to hear you feel the R5 has better AF then the Z9, I’m shocked given the Z9s price and how long it took for it to finally be released. Thanks again for the info and for the support 🙏 have a nice day!

[@kojixus]

I'm a sports photographer, I haven't yet to try it out but, I'm excited to try out the Vehicle tracking in it as my main focus is motorsports in general ! Before the R3 was released photographers in the Olympics were able to use it and got amazing feedback on the tracking system (eye tracking). The price is a bit high for my tasting but, I might have to make the investment, of course after testing it!

[@carolsexton2443]

Great review!!

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Thanks!!

[@yesidtac7863]

Execelent job

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Thank you 🙏 glad you enjoyed it.

[@tonyesposito9602]

Hello, while this review is not bad the biggest problem is you have only used the R3 on the one lens and that looks like your 100-400 MK2. I have now owned the R3 for two months and let me tell you my R5 just don't get used anymore only for light days out. The R3 used with my 600mm F4 MK2 and 1.4 MK3 extender the autofocus is miles apart from the R5 especially for birds in flight, with this set up the R5 hunted a lot and I missed so many shots, but when the R3 sticks to a subject it does not let go, you need to take time and get it set up how you like the autofocus, also I have the RF 100-500 and although the R5 was OK on this lens the R3 is superior in autofocus you can't base your opinion on the one lens. Also I just don't understand this obsession people have with megapixels and cropping I am not a fan of big crops, there are plenty of long lenses out there and try to get closer if safe enough, personally I think 400mm is just too short for wildlife. Coming from a DX2 and DX3 I was so happy when Canon announced the R3 was going to be only 24mp this is by far the best low light camera I have ever owned and the ISO is crazy no need for noise reduction so much better than the R5 and the detail it produces is amazing. Sorry if this sounds like I am having a go I normally love your videos, but this review is flawed 😞

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Hello Tony, I appreciate the input. First, I’d like to make it clear this wasn’t meant to be a review, just my raw thoughts in the field as I used it. So, when you talk about noise at high ISO for example, I totally agree, noise handling is better on R3 compared to R5. That’s clear once you look at the files on the computer. In this video, I was just discussing what I saw in the field as I shot. I tried to make that clear at the beginning but I may have not emphasized it enough, so I apologize for that and for any confusion it may have caused. As far as cropping and megapixels, from my experience, it seems like many people prefer high MP and lots of cropping because once a photo is shot beyond 600 mm, distortion can get too strong and give images an odd look, so cropping is a better option at that point. That’s all a matter of opinion and based how you like images to look though. More commonly, cropping and high MP are nice for someone who doesn’t have the funds for a 600 f/4. Cropping is a must in this instance because as you said 400 is too short for most wildlife, so a person needs the ability to crop that the R5 allows. This is the case for many, I’ve seen a good number of people with R5s and a 100-400 or 100-500 out in the field because this is a cheaper way to still get a lot of range if you can’t afford a 600mm at this point in time. So just wanted to clear those 2 things up first, and lastly, to talk about focus on R3, I think you’ve made a really great point here and it’s something I hadn’t considered. Given that all I have is a 100-400, my experience is limited by the fact that that’s the only lens I have used both cameras with. The 100-400 is likely limiting the R3s focusing speed, which is why I only saw a small improvement in focus between R3 and R5. Thank you for bringing this point to my attention because it’s an important component to consider. This is something I will definitely keep in mind and mention when making future videos on this topic. I really do appreciate the input, you don’t have to apologize at all, you made some great points! Thanks again for commenting and for watching. I will be sure to disclose in future videos that my experience with AF on this camera is likely limited by the fact that I only had the 100-400 to use with it. Have a nice day 👍

[@tonyesposito9602]

@@wattswildlifephoto Hi again, the trouble with KZbin is you have potentially billions of viewers and people will listen to what you have to say, glad you cleared that up that this was not a review to me it did look like one, if you are thinking of doing a review I would test it on the big whites especially with extenders you will see the autofocus on the R3 is so much better than the R5, and on the RF 100-500mm also you need to take time and go in deep and get that autofocus set up. You may not believe me but I preferred the autofocus of my DX2 and DX3 over the R5 with the Canon 600mm F4 MK2 they just seemed to power that big lens so much better. Personally I would not do the gear stuff there are plenty of people out there doing this and more scientific and have the funds to use expensive lenses and cameras, I love the videos where you just go out and photograph wildlife in the national parks that I miss so much living in the UK, as I said not having a go I really think you deserve more subscribers as your videos are great to watch, there's so much rubbish on here and you clearly are not in that category. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@wattswildlifephoto]

@@tonyesposito9602 For sure, I totally hear where you are coming from. I do plan on doing a review in the near future, I will try to get my hands on one to test with a big white prior to that if possible. Either way, I will discuss in the review that my thoughts on AF are likely skewed by the 100-400. I haven't used the DX2 or 3 but that's impressive! Especially with the DX2 being almost 6 years old now. I'm glad you enjoy the in-the-field national park videos, those are by far my favorite videos to make. Much less technical and more just having fun with a camera in an awesome place. Gear videos are alright, but I'd prefer to do more photography vlogs instead if I could. I just don't really have the time as of now. 18 hours of classes and saving money for summer travels plus hopefully a few new gear upgrades has kept me very busy. However, in May I'll be back out in Yellowstone for at least 3 months, possibly longer, so you can expect lots of photography vlogs then, and less gear stuff. Thanks again, I really appreciate your kind words, support, and opinions on this channel :)

[@tonyesposito9602]

@@wattswildlifephoto Looking forward to the Yellowstone vlogs, you are so lucky to be able to go for such long periods. Not sure what your gear upgrades are going to be but I would definitely sell the EF 100-400 and get the RF 100-500 the sharpness is almost the same but that 100mm can be useful also native RF mount, also for those far away stuff the RF 800mm is amazing for the money, but you have to learn to use it, at F11 it is dark so only take it out in good light, and if you shoot auto ISO just keep and eye on it and bring that shutter speed down when it's not needed. Maybe rent one first I bet it wouldn't cost as much as the R3 to rent 🙂

[@wattswildlifephoto]

@@tonyesposito9602 It is such a blessing to be able to go for so long, not a common opportunity and one I’ve been so fortunate to have thanks to the seasonal employment system they have in the park. As of now, I’m looking at getting a used EF 500 f/4 ii. That’s at the absolute maximum end of my budget and it’s gonna be a stretch to even get that, but I’m really wanting a big prime that I can handhold at least some of the time and it looks like that’s my best option within budget. 800 f/11 is another good option especially given the price but I like a wide aperture for more bokeh so I’m not sure I’d be happy with that.. maybe could rent one though to see, that’s a good idea.

[@j.kimmer1509]

I've been waiting for that body for 2+ months now. fully paid. I should of put that money on Tesla Stocks and waited for inventory .... nice video in such a great location. Enjoying your confident narration in front of the camera - charisma.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Wow, that’s crazy! Where did you order it from? I appreciate that! Glad to hear you enjoyed the video and thank you for the kind words. Good luck with getting that R3, hopefully it’ll arrive soon!

[@j.kimmer1509]

@@wattswildlifephoto Wow ... as I'm reading your response, I got a call from my camera store; my camera will arrive 2-3pm today. You are a blessing !!! I got my 400 when i was in my camera shop and just wishfully asking if they had a used 400mm of any generation and the clerk said " oh, i just got one today from a (400f2.8iii) lady beach volleyball photographer and bought it used. Then recently went to local camera store to pick up some extra batteries for my R5,R6 and jokingly asked the clerk you have any EF600mm gen III? and he says to me "no" but we just received a RF 600mm in the box unopened.... i had to run home call all my friends to borrow some money and my plastic and ran back to buy it. I sleep with it. Been saving 100-150 dollars monthly eating PBJ lunches putting pocket change in my shoe box for the last 15 years for these lens... now that im old.. it was just time. in God's good time.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

@@j.kimmer1509 Haha what are the chances of that!! Sometimes that’s what it takes to get those big primes! Good for you saving the money and putting the effort in to get the gear you really want.

[@j.kimmer1509]

@@wattswildlifephoto Looking forward to seeing more awesome America; thank you for your videos!!.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

@@j.kimmer1509 thank you for watching!

[@mbismbismb]

I think the eye controlled AF is useful for sports and racing car photography not wildlife

[@wattswildlifephoto]

I totally agree. Having eye control to photograph a track meet, for example, where you are quickly switching focus between different runners in different lanes, would be ridiculously helpful. It’s just not exactly made for wildlife.

[@rgs455atw]

Lucy you that you got to use a EOS R3 !!

[@wattswildlifephoto]

It was a great opportunity for sure!

[@frostybe3r]

Where's the 600 f4? Just stick with the R6 if you're using 100-400. :) Nice video otherwise.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

I’m curious, why do you say the R6 is better with a 100-400? Thanks for watching 🙏

[@frostybe3r]

@@wattswildlifephoto I'm more saying the, as someone who owns the R3, and has used the 100-400 MK2, it makes far more sense to use this type of fairly expensive camera on a better lens.

[@wattswildlifephoto]

Ah I see what you’re saying now, thanks for clarifying. Unfortunately I don’t have the funds for a 600 f4, so the 100-400 was all I had to work with.

[@j.kimmer1509]

@@wattswildlifephoto I'm glad you tested on the 100-400; it answered my question. I have the EF400 f2.8III and RF 600 F4 - now I know i can switch off tele to prime without a flinch. thank you for your testing and review in such a beautiful location. When i was homeless, people around me would spit on me and tell me to get a job... it would of been more helpful if they gave me a job.... If you take a chance on ebay some of those Japanese sellers are selling 600F4 legacy models.. I was always curious if they offered a decent product for such a discounted price.