Canon RF 100-500mm f4.5-7.1

[FERG]

I am considering this lens to go with the R5 (original variant).

Interested in any first hand experiences / views on this product please ?

TIA

[davem]

Switched from a 1DX and 300 2.8 as main combo to an R6 and this lens as carrying weight was becoming an issue after 2 back/spine surgeries.

The quality of the lens is stunning and even at 500mm wide open I can get still get results equivalent to the 300m prime.

Would heartily recommend.

[Pauld339]

Agree with davem, this is a fantastic lens.

[FERG]

Thanks !

[TomG]

Switched from a 1DX and 300 2.8 as main combo to an R6 and this lens as carrying weight was becoming an issue after 2 back/spine surgeries.

The quality of the lens is stunning and even at 500mm wide open I can get still get results equivalent to the 300m prime.

Would heartily recommend.

In full agreement with this, same situation for me (bar the surgeries and hope recovery is going well) and don't regret it one bit. Superb lens and R5 Mk1 combo.

[Mawgan4]

I’ve had the RF100-500 L lens for a year and a half now and I agree that it’s an excellent lens, producing pin-sharp images. Definitely recommend.

I’ve noticed that for the last two years there have been big discounts on Canon lenses around the Christmas / New Year period, so if you can wait until then you may save yourself some money.

Alisdair

[FERG]

Thanks Alisdair

[FERG]

Thanks Tom

[FERG]

Just coming back to this - there do seem to be a lot of examples of the Canon RF100-500mm f4.5-7.1 on the second hand sites currently which is slightly unnerving! I wonder what people are swapping them for now.

[Mictheslik]

Probably the 200-800, which is a little less sharp, but much longer range, especially for full frame. If I was starting now with an R5, I would probably go with the 200-800. I’m on an R7 with the 100-500 though and it’s superb. Hardly use my 300 2.8 mk2 any more as it’s so heavy and bulky!

[RobinM]

The RF100-500 is a cracker of a lens and a lovely one to have. I use it with the R7 and it is just the perfect combination.

A few observations.
(1) Watch out for a Canon promotion either related to Black Friday or over the Christmas. Last year the lens was sold with double cash back which saved me £700, well worth waiting for. (as mentioned by Alisdair above)
(2) If you opt to use one of the RF extenders, watch out as it is not possible to zoom all the way back to 100mm. This is a physical limitation due to the length of extender. I think that the range is reduced to 300mm-500mm
(3) I know of 2 people who have got rid of the 200-800. The main issue seems to be very poor performance in low light conditions, fairly common in the UK!. Slow to focus and poor quality images at high ISO.

Robin.

[FERG]

Thanks very much guys

[SW Sky Blue]

I have the 100-500 and the 200-800..Both are excellent but I'm a big fan of the 200-800 and rarely use the 100-500 now.

[FERG]

I see the RF 200-800 is on sale now at HDEW for £1,649.

[SW Sky Blue]

I see the RF 200-800 is on sale now at HDEW for £1,649.

Worth every penny, if you check out my Flickr stream you'll see I use it a lot.

[eagle driver]

Just wondering what people think of the build quality of both these two lenses
Some of the You tube camera eqpt reviews have mentioned because the bodies are plastic
Cases of cracks being found in the casing and even cases of the 200-800 breaking in half
Apparently this lens has even been known to break while in transit in a camera bag.

[eagle driver]

included a link to my previous post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw8sud- ... GM7w%3D%3D

[TealRain]

My vote would be for the 100-500. If you need extra reach the 100-500 plus the 1.4TC will beat the 200-800, albeit it only gets you to 700mm.

[Black Mike]

I've seen some images off the 200-800 and they look superb so don't discount it as an option unless you feel 200mm is too restrictive at the short end.
I use Sony with a 200-600 and there are occasions where I can't pull back far enough but I cover that with a smaller lens on another body.

Mike

[SW Sky Blue]

Just wondering what people think of the build quality of both these two lenses
Some of the You tube camera eqpt reviews have mentioned because the bodies are plastic
Cases of cracks being found in the casing and even cases of the 200-800 breaking in half
Apparently this lens has even been known to break while in transit in a camera bag.

Can't speak for others, but I dropped mine, or should say knocked it off a table in Greece onto a concrete path (200-800 c/w my R5) and both still work and in one piece...