WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY With The CANON R6 MK II & 800 F11: Initial Impressions & SURPRISING FEATURE

JOIN ME ON A WORKSHOP: www.hallofthewildstudios.com/
INSTAGRAM: (@hall.of.the.wild) / hall.of.the.wild
PRESETS: www.hallofthewildstudios.com/...
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Main Camera:
(Adorama): howl.me/cjmJzBpNswu
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Favorite All Around Camera: howl.me/cjmJDkOfPCX
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Favorite APS-C Camera:
(Adorama): howl.me/cjmJGIJLEro
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Favorite Drone: howl.me/cjmMQBZLWPd
Lenses
My Favorite Lenses
Favorite lightweight 800mm
(Adorama): howl.me/cjmOlEO0jLZ
(Amazon): amzn.to/3CpaLoW
Favorite Telephoto Lens: (also, my favorite lens overall)
(Adorama): howl.me/cjmJL3GRTvX
(Amazon): amzn.to/3dWLI38
Favorite budget wildlife lens
(Adorama): howl.me/ckWRLXRxXA8
(Amazon): amzn.to/3CrDAkD
Bags
Favorite Wildlife Bag: shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/21... (Hall10 for discount)
Favorite Overall Camera Bag: shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/oe... (HALL10 for discount):
Favorite camera strap: amzn.to/3M1P5mg
Favorite camera clip (for backpack): howl.me/cjmJRizzkhE
My Ghillie Blanket: amzn.to/3Crbaao
Camo Hood: amzn.to/3gK3W9s
3-In-1 Travel Tripod: heipivision.com/products/heip...
Mics
Main Mic: amzn.to/3tRhx1A
Backup mic
(Adorama): howl.me/ckWR0rVDA5z
(Amazon): amzn.to/3UYMugh
Website: www.hallofthewildstudios.com (for workshops, presets, and more)

[@77dris]

I'm not a birder but I got my R6 II yesterday after selling all my gear in 2020. I've shot for 18 years with the Canon 1DIIN, 1DIII, 5DIV, EOS-R and this camera has impressed me SO much! The AF is crazy fast and accurate, even adapted with my Sigma Art 50 1.4. I can even get H+ 12 FPS mode with that lens! I shot in a room that had no lights on at ISO 12,800 and it looked like daylight. And the noise was so minimal I wouldn't even need to run noise reduction on it... easily 1-2 stops better than my 5D IV which was a beast in low light (but the AF was terrible). There are so many new features on this camera (apparently it will do 1/16000 shutter in electronic mode). I compared it with the R5 in the store and the R6 II just felt snapper in most every way. And the 50% improvement in battery life over the original R6 is something to consider too.

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, this thing is quite impressive, and the more I use it, the more I'm really loving it. I do think it makes my R5 feel a bit sluggish in some regards, which is crazy because the R5 is an incredible camera.

[@thomascroy5998]

Thanks for this look at the new R6 with the 800, very cool to hear about the much larger focusing box. That's something that I'd assumed was happening in the R7 due to the crop sensor. Whatever, it's a much appreciated feature that I'm glad you've highlighted here. I admit that I intended to fast forward a bit to get to some chores, but your images and Camera Lady's keep me from getting done what I'm supposed to be doing!

[@cgarcia7455]

Brent, it was a pleasure to chat with you at the BdA; I'm old enough to be your mother but still you were kind and courteous and nice. My husband has been enjoying your vids for awhile and now I'm hooked too! Thanks for all you do. 👍

[@BrentHall]

Hey, thank you so much for the kind words, I really appreciate that! It was nice to meet you guys as well!

[@jefferyrobbins3468]

Thanks for this preliminary look at the R6 II. I have the R5 and don't plan to part with it any time soon. However, I'd like to give a shout out for that 800 f11 lens. I dearly love that lens and it really performs well when used during 'sunny ish' skies. I would love it if Canon also came out with an L version of that lens that has a shorter min FD, weather sealing, and a super fast lens AF motor. Kind regards.

[@PPNJ]

Your videos are always my favorite to watch thank you for the great content!

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks for that, I really appreciate it!

[@jasonpaul8199]

I’ve been looking forward to this video all week! Love your reviews! Time to make my RP a “B” camera! Thanks and keep up the great vids!

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks Jason! The more I use this thing, the more I'm loving it. I'll definitely have more videos about it soon.

[@hstein27]

Awesome shots and video of the shovelers! I haven't seen any yet this season...keep missing them at a local pond.

[@BrentHall]

Many thanks! I do love the Northern shovelers, they're so cool to watch!

[@javiera8782]

Love the video man! Can't wait for the next video :)))

[@BrentHall]

Many thanks!

[@peterebel7899]

This combo seems to be promising as ultra light setup.

[@philyoung4804]

Another great video Brent. And loving ‘Camera ladies’ creative video techniques. Bravo both. Phil AKA Keepclickingphotography

[@BrentHall]

Many thanks Phil!

[@javiergonzalez5745]

Awesome shots!!!

[@rebelwithano]

Another great video. When you do the long term r7 review I would love to know if it would make a good companion to an r6. I know you can’t really tell someone what to get. Everyone has different needs and skill sets. Just wanted some opinions. So I can make an informed purchase decision. You rule!

[@oldtimer5045]

Even if the birds dont cooperate its always good to be out. Thnx for the update 👍

[@BrentHall]

True story!

[@rudolfappel7236]

Very resourceful videos of somebody who actually shows how to use the gear. Enjoyable too. Sold my Nikon SLR/DSLR system including good glass 2 years ago. Your videos truly inspire me again. I appreciate that you go out there with the f11 lens that is affordable to enthousiasts. There are certainly higher quality 800 mm lenses, but you have got to ask yourself: can you afford them, do you want to carry them on day long hikes. The only alternative coming to my mind is the Nikon S800 mm f6.3 but it is immediately 7 to 8 times more expensive and despite its fresnel lens a big piece to carry.

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks for the kind words man, I really appreciate that, and I'm so glad the videos are helping!

[@basilbcf]

Hey neighbor/ enjoy your channel. Been contemplating either a R6 mark II and keeping my 5D4 OR waiting till the R5 Mark II comes out and selling the 5D4 to afford it. These videos are helpful

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks man, I appreciate it! I'll definitely have some more videos about this camera soon! I will also say that the more I use this thing, the more I'm really loving it.

[@adude394]

Well, I did it. Ordered my R6 Mk II, with some accessories, and the 800 f11. Should have the stuff early next week. REALLY looking forward to this, both the RF lens and trying out my EF lenses on the R6 with the EF-RF adaptor.

[@BrentHall]

Oh nice, congrats on the new gear! I hope you have fun with it.

[@adude394]

@@BrentHallThanks, man! It was your review that sort of convinced me once and for all. (No pressure, of course... 😉 )

[@69motorpsycho]

Hey great video, I came across it searching for settings for birds. Are you planning to maybe do a short video on your preferred menu settings. I’ve only come across one and my auto focus was under performing using those compared to my R6

[@BrentHall]

Thanks man, and sorry for late response, I've been out leading wildlife workshops for the past week and have one more week to go. I'll probably do a video on how I have my R62 setup for wildlife. Not sure how everyone else is doing it, but I'll try to get one up soon...ish. I'm also trying not to rush my R62 videos because I want to figure it all out and see what's really working for me out in the field, but I'll try to get it done this month.

[@roncadillac3987]

Thanks! I’m trying to decide if I should turn in my R6 for R6 ii. Not crazy about R7 buffer.

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks Ron, I really appreciate that! I think for me personally, I'm enjoying the R6 mk ii much more than the R7. I know the R7 is way cheaper, and the reach is nice, but literally everything else about the R6 mk ii is better for me.

[@andreaboyle9435]

I just discovered your channel today as I'm thinking about getting a new lens for my R6 and your reviews are most helpful! One thing I wondered about is the "handle" on the tripod foot that you have on your 800mm lens. I'd sure like to find out where you found that!

[@BrentHall]

That was actually made by a channel subscriber. He sells them on his site: www.etsy.com/listing/1232093262/canon-rf-600800-f11-tripod-mount

[@tekguyphoto]

That is one reason why I traded my A74 and my R6 for an R5. Custom video record button with a single press while in photo mode without switching modes. C3 video is set to shutter 1/125 60Fps / 4k in shutter priority with crop enabled. This is worth gold when shooting with a big zoom and your hand is bracing the lens. Wish the R6Mk2 offered this but when you press the video record button in goes into P video mode and not a custom video mode.

[@BrentHall]

It really is my favorite thing about the R5, lol.

[@steveglennan]

I received my R6 Mk II on the 1st as well. but have only done some test shots at home. The winter weather has moved in and I haven't been able to get out and do any descent shooting yet.

[@BrentHall]

Oh bummer, I hope you can get out with it soon!

[@rblast1]

Thanks for the video. Curious to hear how the focus stay locked on. I take a lot of sports photos football and basketball locking in a crowd is always an issue

[@BrentHall]

so far, it's doing impressively well for me. I still haven't got enough use in to give a definitive result, but it definitely feels a bit better than my R5's AF. I'll be doing some more videos about it soon.

[@harry54ck]

Interesting if the large box feature also applies to Canon R8. Theoretically, they are very close

[@TomYnysMon]

Hi Brent, please do a direct R6 vs R6-2 Astro comparison, no-one else has done this and I really want to know 🙂

[@tintin69rr]

I had the 800 mm f11 when I 1st got the r6 but the small box made me get shut I’ve had the r7 that’s gone m now looking at upgrading the r6 to the mk2 so I might get the 800 again lol

[@RayHoth]

I do not think I will be trading my R6 in for the Mark II. Thanks for the video!

[@martineldridge1319]

Hi Brent, I'm also a hybrid shooter. I've been doing more and more video lately as I find it gives a better engagement with the subject. How do you find the R6 II IBIS compared to the R5? Regards, Martin

[@marmotwhistler5108]

Hi, thanks for your excellent assessment. Have you tried the digital teleconverter. I understand it effectively recomposes back to full frame pixels, a bit like enhance in lightroom. Have you tried it and well does it work. Thanks.

[@BrentHall]

No, I haven't tried that yet.

[@dipankarchatterjee9416]

Brent - I missed the video, I also have a R6 II and wondering did you figure out the shooting box was so much bigger in 800 mm lens. Nice video.

[@BrentHall]

I never figured out why it's bigger, but I'm certainly not complaining, lol.

[@maxmillion4216]

I have had my R6MII for two weeks now and I love it....and you will too. The problems with this camera is that the photo editing software that I use doesn't support the raw files of the R6MII yet, which really pisses me off. I'm shooting in Raw and Jpeg for now and saving the Raw files so I can edit them later. Does Lightroom support the Raw files of the R6MII yet..?

[@77dris]

Yes! As does Photoshop (which is what I use).

[@trevorhawkins1626]

Great video. I currently have the R7 and R, but considering upgrading to the R6 MII or R5. What is your opinion on which may be the better option for wildlife and low light sports?

[@BrentHall]

That's a really hard question for me to answer. There are a lot of things to consider, pros and cons for both, depending on your needs, skills, budget, etc. I'm definitely going to make some more videos about that though, because you are far from the only one asking me that lately. I will say this though: I am leading some workshops at the Bosque del apache right now, and I've been using the R62, R7, and R5...and I'm kind of blown away by the R62. I think there's a lot of surprising things about it that I'm really enjoying over both the other cameras.

[@trevorhawkins1626]

@@BrentHall Thanks for the reply! Glad to hear the R6 is doing so good. I think I'll be grabbing one after watching your and many others videos and possibly waiting for the R5 MII to come out to pair it with.

[@robbinsdrones]

Pretty impressive for that price point - quite sharp

[@BrentHall]

It really is, and the images I've gotten in the last few days of my BIF and wildlife workshops blow the stuff in this video out of the water, lol. I'm stoked, to say the least, and I'll definitely have some more videos on it soon.

[@robbinsdrones]

@@BrentHall excellent, looking forward to seeing the results 📸

[@kernzilla]

So wait, the focus box is nearly eliminated with R6 II? We’re you in teleconverter/crop mode on camera or something? Appreciate the vid btw!

[@rob9263]

Great video, this just might have convinced me to take the plunge into mirrorless 👍 BTW, body only is around $4300.00 AUD here in Australia 😂😂😂

[@BrentHall]

That's awesome! Not about the AU prices though...holy hell that sucks! lol

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Would be interesting to hear how the R6II copes with faster moving subjects; e.g. BIF compared to the R5 for stills. Is it the same/better/worse. And especially in non f/11 lenses cause you mentioned the square size difference, so obviously the R6II has an advantage over the R5 when it comes to the f/11 lenses.

[@BrentHall]

I'll have a video about that soon. I've been doing BIF with the R62, R5, and R7 this whole week and have a lot of new images and data to pour over!

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

@@BrentHall Tnx, excellent, looking forward to it

[@FEED_MY_EYES_63]

Brent - at 2:49 in this video you can clearly see your tripod / handle mount - where did you find this? I want two of them for both my 600mm and my 800mm primes! It's perfect!

[@BrentHall]

It's actually made by another channel subscriber and I really love it. www.etsy.com/listing/1232093262/canon-rf-600800-f11-tripod-mount

[@adude394]

I'm really late here, but this is really helpful stuff! I've been using a 300D for over 20 years (and it's just too much of an old friend to get rid of). I also have a 20D, 7DMkII, and finally my 1DXMkIII. All my lenses, except for an old Tokina 19-35 and my Sigma 150-600C, are either EF or EF-S. I've been giving serious thought to adding an R6MkII to my bag. Based on what you're saying here, it seems that the pairing of the R6MkII and the 800 f11 is a viable one. I work hard on my photography skills and I'm always seeking to improve, but I don't think I could ever justify the purchase of a 5-figure lens like the 800 f5.6L. The 800 f11 looks like a reasonably affordable way to get that extra reach without spending an absurd amount of money. Thanks for posting! (Also, as a guy who has 3 degrees in music and 40+ years of experience as a professional musician, I'm pretty interested in your studio setup there. I can't quite make out if that beautiful sunburst behind you is a Fender Strat, or another brand. It really looks like a Fender headstock, but I couldn't get it in focus enough to verify.)

[@BrentHall]

It's a 2002 Fender custom American HSS sunburst 😁It's my favorite guitar ever.

[@adude394]

@@BrentHallNICE!!! I've always been partial to Strats. I love the sound of a Les Paul, but I've always thought the neck felt a little too chunky for my fingers. Strats are a better fit for me.

[@adude394]

@@BrentHallThat's awesome! I've always loved Strats. 👍👍👍

[@crumpeteer6477]

Hi Brent, Are you able to tell me what tripod mount/handle is shown on your lens? I like it because it fully encases your hand & therefore it's more secure. Thanks for your thoughts & findings.

[@BrentHall]

It was made by a subscriber. He sells them here: www.etsy.com/listing/1232093262/canon-rf-600800-f11-tripod-mount-foot

[@77dris]

I wouldn't worry too much about All I or even megapixels. I've done/seen many comparisons of the All-I and IPB on the new Canons (like the R5) and even at 400% zoom there is 0 difference. The IPB codec is still a very high bitrate so it's not even an issue. Also remember that KZbin is 8 bit , and a much lower bitrate than that. As for photo resolution, I used to be a MP snob but recently I did lots of testing of R6 files output in Adobe Camera Raw to 45 MP (I leave it set to that as default) and then layered over R5 files with the same lens (usually the best RF lenses) and I couldn't see any difference 90% of the time . I know... shocking. And this is viewed at 100% zoom on a 5k monitor. There is the odd occasion where the R6 file upscaled in ACR looked better than the R5 files as well. I literally never saw a single occasion where the R5 file looked better for large prints than the R6. I don't know why this is. Maybe the R6 has a weaker AA filter or more likely that on a 35 mm sensor once you get over 20 MP, you reach a point of diminishing returns. To be sure I had other people try to guess which file came from which camera and it was 50/50. Nobody could definitively tell. So with the $2000 cdn you save on the R6/II you can get better glass. Now with 20% more resolution (not 10%) the R6 II is even more capable.

[@skyiswomb1]

Did you ever try crop comparisons for MP?

[@77dris]

@@skyiswomb1 Well, if you can print out the same size, and the images look the same zoomed to 100% on a 5K monitor, I would expect cropping would look the same too. Look for James Reader's channel. He has a video comparing the R, R5,R6 and has raws you can download for landscape, portrait, and studio work. The only file that looked slightly better was the landscape shot/s but when I use the Enhance feature in ACR, the R6 files look better in a way... it's more of a sharpened look but in print they would look just as good as the native R5 files and I bet nobody would know the difference. In the portrait and studio shots, when I used the Enhance feature and then output to 45 MP, both my graphic designer friend and I both said - when zoomed to 100% - that the R6 files looked sharper and more detailed... and we did "blind" tests where we did not know which was which.

[@wanderland_xyz]

-When shooting at high ISOs, do you do any noise cleanup (via Topaz, etc., or just in LR)? -That shoveler image is very nice, I'd be super proud of that one for sure! -I expect to give the R62 a pass, but the R52 has me intrigued--can't wait for more info on that one. Is that on your radar? Planning to hang on to the R7 as well? -Shoutout to Camera Lady, some very nice B-roll angles and compositions in this one!

[@77dris]

I just got the R6 II yesterday and took photos in nearly black rooms at ISO 12,800 and they are so clean! I thought I wouldn't find a camera better than my 5D IV (the R failed) and this does it! I have DXO PureRaw2 and it's beyond amazing for cleaning up noise (though they don't have a profile for R6 II yet). I've tried dozens of nr software over 20 years and they were all pretty "meh" to me. But this is something that I love.

[@gavthane]

Yep, as the other reply suggests, give dxo pure raw 2 a go over topaz. I find topaz gives a weird plasticy/clay like results compared to DXO. Dxo actually seeks retain detail from the noise much better than topaz in my opinion.

[@77dris]

@@gavthane Exactly. PureRaw does something almost magic and looks so natural. Every other NR software I've ever used looks plastic and unnatural. Though, again, I doubt I'd even use any even at ISO 12,800 because it's so fine grain and light. As of now, there is no profile for the R6 II in PureRaw but I'm sure it's coming.

[@kennethrifkin6178]

I enjoy all of your videos. First comment - For over 16 years, my wife and I vacationed in the Dixon, NM area: love the area. Question: what is the bracket/brace you have attached to your 800mm, F/11 for this video? Please give me a link so I can purchase one. Thanks very much.

[@BrentHall]

Hey thanks man, I'm glad you're liking the videos! That mount was actually designed by another subscriber. You can get it here: www.etsy.com/listing/1232093262/canon-rf-600800-f11-tripod-mount

[@kohanson]

The focus box is also larger on my canon R8 with the RF 800mm f11!

[@BrentHall]

That's awesome to hear! I'm really tempted to pick up an R8

[@fragu123]

Brent Hall …what grip is it you are using on the RF800?

[@RonBreault]

I'd love to know what grip you're using too! Can you provide a name and/or link? Thanks!

[@jpprovost64]

super but on the R7 ... you think its ok ?

[@canonlensesandcameras4425]

Hi Brent are you sure your not in crop mode when you say rf 800 has a bigger focus box its easy to forget if your in full or crop mode.

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, I'm sure. I was not in crop mode.

[@aznstylepn0y]

1 day ago. i came at the right time. becuase im thinking of buying a new body. had my canon 7D for 12 years. lol

[@BrentHall]

Oh nice! I hope it helped. I'll definitely have more videos on it soon.

[@mvp_kryptonite]

I have the 7D, the 7Dii and now the R7. The AF alone is worth the upgrade! I can’t stress how good the eye AF is. MP bump and speed is lovely addition and way more features to name but the negative that it’s not the 7D line successor (lack of buttons, no battery grip, no top lcd) Oh I just added the RF600/11 (and it has a large AF box) the weight is a dream you’ll forget it’s there.

[@aznstylepn0y]

@@mvp_kryptonite interesting thank you for letting me know. So I don’t really need the upgrade . It’s just extra accessories. As long as I’m doing it right and getting the right photos.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

How about testing in low light with the R6m2 and this lens? Thanks

[@BrentHall]

Unfortunately, I don't have 800 anymore, but I can tell you after having used it for a long time, it (the lens not the R62) performs exactly as well as you would expect it to in low low light, which is quite bad.

[@javiergonzalez5745]

Question: What camera are you using to record your videos, and what mic do you use?

[@BrentHall]

This one was filmed with the R5, and the mic is a Deity pocket wireless. I should have the links for it in the video description.

[@whiterock1865]

2:28, I see the noise but its a pleasant noise like film grain...

[@colintraveller]

Fender FSR ?? Ibanez ?? I see

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

How mad were you when you edited this video and saw that bird dangling from a branch directly to your right, beautifully backlit against the trees across the shore, and you completely missed it during your piece to camera? 😂 More seriously: the R6 II looks brilliant from the review videos I've seen so far.

[@TeddyCavachon]

Appreciate the in-depth review. It has helped me decide to go with R6mkII and 800mm instead of R7 + 100-500m. 👍

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Any updates? I am debating on the r7 and the 100-500 so hard lol

[@TeddyCavachon]

@@lewcehjitl3282 The R6mkII finally came back in stock so I purchased one last week. I’m currently using it with my 70-200 2.8 L IS + 2x extender and very impressed with the results I’m getting with it with both stills and video. With video I’m using a Meike EF-RF adapter with variable ND which makes controlling exposure when shooting Log3 video very easy; so much so I’m rethinking getting RF lens. Still need to experiment shooting video with the 1.6 crop factor which would give me the same 640mm equiv. I was getting with my 50D.

[@RAWrightza]

Where do I buy the beanie?

[@BrentHall]

amzn.to/3PeWoZf

[@colintraveller]

A very different view n perspective from Duade Paton's ...

[@BrentHall]

Yeah, I'm definitely a different kind of guy. :P

[@u982245]

I just wonder why f11, they couldn't make it f8 or f9 wich would be a big improvement

[@BrentHall]

Idk, but I would guess size, weight, and cost had a lot to do it.

[@georgemccormick1247]

This is not directed at you personally but to all you tubers that throw out initials for everything expecting all your viewers to know what the hell it is really frustrates me, i heard IBP or IPB and have no idea what the hell it is. Great vid otherwise really like shooting ducks (not literally), have been photographing goldeneye in the pond behind the house. Will be watching 👀for a full review on the R6 Mark II. Thanks

[@BrentHall]

honestly I don't know exactly what IPB stands for either, though I definitely know what it is and how it works, lol. I thought I mentioned what it is in the video though. If not, sorry. It's the compression format for the file type of video recording on the canon cameras. IPB is a more compressed file type, which yields much smaller file sizes, but isn't as good to edit and color grade as Canon's less compressed ALL-I format found in the R5 and R3.

[@georgemccormick1247]

@@BrentHall thanks Brent, I think most professionals do it probably not even realizing it it comes naturally when you’ve been in an industry for a time and have worked with all this stuff. It’s just like I’m listening to Albert Einstein in a high school science class. Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it. I’ll be watching for the next one👀

[@jameslove1092]

Hi brent. Youre not giving r6mk2 the best chance perform with that 800 f11. Best regards james in scotland. Ps its snowing here. Great video.