There is ABSOLUTELY nobody who does a better job in reviews than you. I discovered your channel recently and watched all your more recent work. Great thanks!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks William, you are too kind and I appreciate the kind words, Cheers, Duade

My biggest problem in life is that i have $15,000 tastes with a $100 budget lol

@MartinFransson

27 күн бұрын

Couldn’t have said it better 😂

@Into_The_Mystery_13

21 күн бұрын

Yep

When you add in all of the negatives it makes me very happy that I'm using the RF800mm f11. It's super lightweight and enjoyable to carry, has great image quality and in any decent light the f11 is no issue. It also has excellent stabilization. I'm also always wanting that full 800mm and I have other zooms if I want to shoot at a shorter aperture. Thanks for the review and another great video as always! Best of luck to you!

I've had the lens for about a month, it is my first super telephoto. At 800mm f9 is not a problem, in fact with large birds like ducks and geese, if I get close part of the subject will fall out of focus. The lens is sharp and well made. I just wish it weighed less. It really is a borderline handhold lens. You can spend all day handholding it, and the weight will likely impact your enjoyment while shooting. Typically when I am out shooting I wish I had bought the 100-500mm instead, but as soon as I get home I can't argue with the results I am getting with the 200-800mm.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, yes, it does get heavy all day in the field and there is no denying the joy of the 100-500 in terms of weight etc. I guess its all a trade off isnt it. Glad you have both to play with, Cheers, Duade

This is the review I've been waiting for, brilliant, so comprehensive, youve covered everthing.Very well done, thanks a lot.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Andrew, my pleasure, glad it was helpful, Cheers, Duade

A non-biased and factual review that is very thorough. Well done!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

I am not a flatterer by any means and I don’t have anything to gain from it. Honestly, even though I don’t have a Canon RF mount camera, I watched your whole review. All the questions that had popped up in my head after hearing about this lens have been wonderfully answered and some more. To top it all, your articulation is so calming and honest sounding, that I feel kinda blessed listening to you. Keep up the good work! God bless!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your comment, I really do appreciate the feedback and appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Take care and happy birding. Cheers, Duade

Hey Duade, great and thorough review. I’ve had the lens since December and we were in the depth of a dark and gloomy British Columbia winter,so I didn’t expect too much from the lens…boy was I wrong. This lens gave me some of my best birds in flight shots (thanks for the bufflehead image you used Duade) and overall it was a revelation. Light, great autofocus,amazing reach, I am so pleased with this purchase. I know that some don’t like the non removable foot, but having nearly destroyed my 100-500mm when the lens foot detached from the lens, I know that I don’t need to worry about that with the 200-800mm and it does make a comfortable carry handle when on the move. The other negative others mention is the long throw on the zoom. Not much of an issue for me, as I rarely will zoom from 200 to 800 or back in one shot and the lens is normally at 800mm for small birds most of the time. The biggest Con I see is that I will not be using my 100-500mm as much or the 800mm F11! Thanks again Duade for all the great content you provide.

@jeffolson4731

3 ай бұрын

You situation sounds just like mine. I live in the Puget Sound area of Washington state and have had my lens since December 14th. I need to sell my RF800 f11, if there is any market for it. I think by starting out with this lens in the winter we have taken the biggest "limitation" most people think the lens has and dispelled that.

@Joya5545

3 ай бұрын

@@jeffolson4731 Absolutely, the F9 is not really an issue, especially coming from the F11 of the 800mm. I do still love my 100-500, as Duade suggests there are occasions when that is a better choice, but for the most part I think the 200-800mm will be my preferred lens.

Another masterpiece and very thorough coverage Duade! Thanks for all your hard work on this! I have both 200-800 and 100-500+1.4x combinations but the minimum focal length of 420mm on the 100-500+1.4x has trapped me many times. Like you said, you have to have both lenses! My biggest cons - unremoveable foot, no fluorine coating.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, totally agree, nice to have both options, Cheers, Duade

I’m head over heels in love with my 200-800! The first warm day of winter was just yesterday in my part of the world and so far I was only able to capture swans and waterfowls. Can’t wait to see some action this spring

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Great to hear, have fun out there, Cheers, Duade

My experience over the past two months is that the R5 with this lens is more reliable for in-focus shots than the R7 and 100-500. The only annoying thing is what Jan also had, which was jittery IS in video mode sometimes. It seems to happen at the beginning of videos, especially when my pulse is racing and that ever so slightly moves the camera back and forth against my face. Thanks for including my dovekie picture. That was such a great surprise. The surrounding area had been flooded by rains, worse than local residents had seen in decades. Multiple small flocks of dovekies found themselves somewhat inland in the local harbor. This little guy and his buddies kept swimming towards me and stayed for at least five minutes. I even got flight shots! The 200-800 really came through for me that day. With the 100-500 on the R5, I wouldn't have had as much reach, and with the R7 on the 200-800 I probably would have had more out-of-focus shots. They are so small, maybe the size of a soda can. Because of that, the 800mm gave me shots that needed little cropping to get the bird so large in the frame.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with the lens so far, and yes I loved that shot, such a cool looking bird. Cheers, Duade

@eltonbartlett2913

2 ай бұрын

So, I am assuming you have a R5 and R5, with the 100-500 and 200-800. I have the same. On paper, the R7 with the 200-800 gives you the ultimate reach and the R5 with the 100-500 gives you the macro and close-up quality shots. What lens+body combo have you settled on/ recommend?

@hstein27

2 ай бұрын

@eltonbartlett2913 I've been using r5 and 200-800 since late December as my main rig. Hopefully it will work for some macro when the butterflies and dragonflies arrive. I have not used the R7 or 100-500 at all since. For lower light situations I have an EF 600 F4 MK ii.

@Duade

Ай бұрын

@@eltonbartlett2913 G'day, I currently use the R5 for the majority of shooting and I just change lenses when I need to. I will likely get the R5II so will have two cameras to use then. Cheers, Duade

there is NO way you just uploaded this. because of your channel i got a new R7 some days ago and paired it with the RF50 1.8 and Rf 100-400 to see where this will get me. after shooting almost nonstop even in cloudy rainy weather i am hooked and want the 200-800 so bad because i cant reach any wildlife here. as soon as i sneak up they shut up and run. cheers from china again mate! panda gonna watch now! 🤗🙌🙏

@cloudpandarism2627

3 ай бұрын

done watching. this review is far better than ANY advertisement canon could ever make! i am sold and get this asap! fun fact: i dont know why people are annoyed about the non removable tripod mount. it will not bother me and i get the long dual screw mount with a new tripod. also coming from nikon P950 with insane noise even at ISO 800 plus very high F stops and now owning the Rf100-400 where i am stuck at f9.0 also this will not bother me as well. i learn to shoot only in good light and dont get all the action. if people want a wide open lens with insane quality just spend 1000$ more to get a L shell! canon needs to safe money somewhere and i will appreciate this lens very much for what it is! thanks duade

@davepastern

3 ай бұрын

@@cloudpandarism2627 it comes in handy if you can remove the foot and replace it with a 3rd party foot that is better designed...that's why people are annoyed.

@RedmilesShark

3 ай бұрын

You can get close to birds if you watch their behaviour, not look at them directly and try and get close by zigzagging slowly. Waiting for them to come to you if see them following a path is also possible.

@173jaSon371

3 ай бұрын

@@RedmilesShark All great tips and I would add getting low to ground or trying to appear small is helpful. Or hiding in a blind, a car, or just some natural brush

@excalibro8365

3 ай бұрын

@@RedmilesSharkI would add crouching and keeping your body as low as possible. I've taken some nice pictures of small birds at an open field with a 300m ff equivalent m43 lens

Another great review, Duade. I appreciate the more balanced review. The inclusion of your members’ photos makes this review stand out. Thank you for this thorough review.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure mate, Cheers, Duade

Fascinating and well paced review. Many thanks! 🙏

I’ve been waiting for this review. Much appreciation from Southern California !

beautiful images and a thorough comparison, thank you Duade!!

Thank you for your review Duade. I’m excited. Just waiting for them to come back in to stock in Australia. 😊

We have been waiting for this from our fav guy! Thank you!

The moment I’ve been waiting for!!!❤

Great review mate. And with some beautiful photos from both you and all the others. Happy to see that it does so good in even difficult situations. Wishing you and yours a great week/weekend, and looking forward to your next video. Cheers, Bjoern

Great review, level of detail is amazing. Love the channel, really helped me as someone new to bird photography.

Thank you very much for this fantastic and comprehensive video. You have certainly helped me in my decision making process.

I just put the first few hundred images through this lens using the R7 and I can only say it has been night and day when compared to the Sigma 150-600mm I previously used. The amount of keepers has risen by at least three- to fourfold. The lens is tack sharp, throughout the entire focal range. Couldn't be happier really, as I really was frustrated with the Sigma, when it worked it was superb, but it has been a real struggle sometimes. Thanks for a great review and sharing your experience Duade, it is what convinced me to pick up this lens.

@oojiflip

2 ай бұрын

Awesome to hear! The sigma has really been letting me down on the R7 so I can't wait to get this lens! (currently on pre-order in the UK for £2,300 or around $2,900 so I'll be looking to get one second hand eventually)

Fantastic review Duade, really detailed and a good balance of the pros and cons of this lens. I ordered mine at end of February to go with my R5 and been advised by the retailer of stock likely coming end of March or early April at this stage. Seems like massive stock shortages of this lens everywhere at the moment. Can’t wait for it to arrive as your images look fantastic.

Great review, thanks much!

Absolutely the most comprehensive and thorough review I've seen on this lens. Great job and thank you!!

@Duade

2 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great video Duade. Really like the butterfly shot.

Great review as always Duade. Just the right amount of detail and some really good comparison tests with the other lenses. Super helpful and entertaining, thank you so much. 😊

@andygray7776

2 ай бұрын

Great video as always Duade and a really useful review of the 200-800. I have a Canon R5 and a Canon 100-500 which I use for wildlife photography, mainly birds and in particular small birds. I have a back up system which is a Canon R8 which I sometimes use this with a Canon 70-200 f2.8 for larger/closer subjects. I would like to take more images of wading birds and small birds further away. I am considering changing the R8 for an R7 to give me more reach and pairing the R7 with the new Canon 200-800. My question is, with the new 200-800, would you stick with the R8 and crop the image more or would you swap to an R7 which, as you know, has a greater FOV (1280) and a higher megapixel count which would also improve IQ when cropping. The downside I predict with the crop sensor is I believe it would give slightly less background separation and a slight reduction in image quality. What would your preferred set up be? Ps. I don’t know if you have shot the R8 very much, but I find if I haven’t used the camera for a couple of minutes, It goes into sleep mode and when I wake it to take a shot, it has forgotten my setting (aperture/speed/ISO) which is very annoying (I’m using it in FV mode with auto ISO. Do you know if the Canon R7 also does this?

Fantastic and comprehensive review. Great to see the comparison shots between different lenses. Clear concise and interesting video as always. Thanks Duade

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great review I have on on order in the UK, cannot wait for it to arrive

Rewatching b/c I just find your reviews super relaxing!!! Cheerful, informative content!❤❤

@Duade

2 ай бұрын

That is nice to hear, glad you are enjoying the review, Cheers, Duade

I only just started back into photography recently and have been catching up on your videos. All the praise is well deserved. And for the first time, I became a member of a KZread channel. Truly worthwhile. You really have a knack.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the support and becoming a member, I really appreciate it, good luck with your photography, we are so lucky to have this amazing hobby. Cheers, Duade

Hi Duade, what a WONDERFUL review you just posted! I own the R7 and the 100-500. Now that there is a 200-800 I like to switch back to FF. I am waiting for the R5 MkII but perhaps the R5 Mk I will be sufficient and much cheaper. Nevertheless, 200-800 paired with the R7 would be great too. Thank you for the lovely pictures again!

Thanks! Once again, and very thorough, informative and useful review. With some really inspiring shots, too!

@Duade

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the support, I really apprecaite it, Cheers, Duade

wonderful once again, I simply enjoy listening to your thorough detailed analysis during my nature walks as I just did today. I currently only 100 to 500 and a 600 mm prime, but seriously considering getting this one to add to my tool bag to go along with my R5 and R6 .

Thanks for all the information. An excellent and very informative video.

Amazing review, let's hope Canon takes these reviews and does better with a v2 if they continue to improve on this glass.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks, yes, I would love it if the sent me a preproduction lens so I could give my honest feedback during the design phase. But overall a great addition to the RF lineup. Cheers, Duade

Fantastic review of the lens and additionally, great shots and video to augment the discussion! I added as a subscriber!

@Duade

Ай бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

A very well planned and well executed review for bird photography. Thanks!

Excellent review, and I cant add anything else than what you've already said, Jan and yourself have summed this up perfectly, I got my 200-800 last week in Alberta, where the weather has been challenging for any photography, but I went out regardless and shot bald eagles out of the window of the car, heat haze central when its -20 outside and +20 inside! That being said, I was very impressed with the results in terrible overcast snow storm weather at extreme distance with the R5. I cant wait for spring and put this through its paces.

Fabulous review Duade. By far the best on KZread. My lens has been sitting with FedEx all week due to a “technical issue”, which is driving me nuts. I ended up getting rid of my R7 due to the autofocus issues you described and will be using this on my R5.

Jep, this lens will be a buy at some point for my R6! Thanks a lot for the review Duade!

I want one. Saw someone out in the wild with one, it's recognizable. My primary need is something with more reach than the 100-400 that doesn't require a loan to purchase. I think the 600 and 800 f11 primes are tempting but too restrictive. The 70-200 f4 + 200-800 seems like a logical pair for the great outdoors.

Great video as always Duade! You hit the nail square on the head with your review. Spot on and thorough points on the pros and cons; noting some of the obscure "features" like the control ring and lens foot limitations, not to mention some great info on the comparisons with other lenses. I've owned the lens now since the beginning of the year and while the number of sessions with it were limited so far, I've come out of them with some great images. It's absolutely a blast to use and the reach and flexibility has opened up the opportunity for many different styles of shots. Having the ability to change composition to fit the subject is unparalleled, 200mm to 800mm is truly remarkable in one lens. My main takeaways are to be aware of the limitations and to work with them. The max aperture of f/9 in terms of DOF and blurred backgrounds is usable, and the mirrorless bodies and de-noise programs these days can keep up with the ISO needed in low light situations. The lens is exactly what you would want and expect from something in its price range! Thanks for including my image in the review, certainly made my day! Cheers!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for your great comment and sharing your image and thoughts, very helpful to others. Great to hear you have got lots of nice shots and I am sure you will get plenty more in 2024. Cheers, Duade

Great review Duade! I would love to see a quick rundown of why you take the editing decision that you do and the overall thought process behind editing. Especially ones like @18:53, where I would have included the other gull on the right as I think it complements and balances the overall composition.

Absolutely great job sharing both a wealth of information, but was also very entertaining. I love watching your videos. I shoot with Nikon gear, but your info transcends brand in many ways.

Despite the f/9 aperture, the images you and other members shared are fantastic! The focal length range is exceptional for wildlife photography!

Fantastic review. So glad you like it because I bought one, and haven’t had a chance yet to get out and try it! Hopefully this weekend. I think for the money, and reach, Canon is offering something no one else is. I’m looking forward to trying it…as well, thank you for sharing all the photos throughout and at the end of this video - some great shots by all the photographers!

Just watched your video and you have convinced me I want this lens!!!! I currently use the Sigma 150-600mm. Thank you!!

What an amazing review! Thank you so much!

@Duade

2 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

Many thanks Duade for this excellent, in depth review. Just a wonderful job. I guess it comes down to what are you willing to sacrifice in terms of this lens. For me, I have one on order and I will use it in conjunction with the 100-500. Thanks again.

I love the 200-800. Was using the Sigma 150-600 sport and found the upgrade worth every cent. One surprising thing that I found was that the Sigma lens was draining the camera battery while the camera was turned off, whereas the Canon lens doesn’t do that. I had mistakenly thought that it was normal for the R5 to have the battery drain while being turned off.

Excellent review als always. Even if the viewer is not a wildlife photographers you get many important information of Duade review. Great job. Keeps does reviews coming. Do you use Nikon equipment especially? Especially the Nikon Z 180 - 600 mm?

What a great review you have done! Thank you. I am looking at this 200-800 lens. I have some telephotos that I can play with for a while. All the details you have mentioned are helpful. I might not buy this lens soon, but I enjoy the review. When I make the decision to get one, I have quite a good idea what I am going to get.

Fantastic in-depth review Duade. Well worth the watch. Time to start saving…

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks mate, yes, a nice lens to add to the collection, Cheers, Duade

Great and accurate review Duade. I have been shooting with this lens for about a month and love it more and more everyday. I have it on my R5 and it is super sharp. The weight is a bit of a problem for long stays in the field, but i use it with a Black Rapid strap for birds in flight and a monopod for other times. The issues you mention about the zoom throw are quite accurate, but you get used to it. and really who goes from 200 to 800 all the time. Mostly it is adjusting the focal length from 500-800 or the like so the issue becomes less of a problem. I was using my EF 100-400 with a 1.4x converter and wondered if this would just be more stuff and similar to what I have. Not even close. Great lens and you can get great photos.

Thanks for the review Duade. Just ordered the lens through your affiliate link! Can’t wait for it to get here

Thanks Duade!Thanks Duade! Excellent, detailed review. As your usual prerogative you were able to highlight the various pros and cons of this excellent lens. HI

A complete review, well done!!!

Duade, I need to commend you on your reviews. I have watched literally every youtube review on this lens to date, and no one comes close to doing this justice (with exception of Jan - he is also excellent). You cover all the burning questions with real life trialling and testing, and provide a conclusive (and non-bias) opinion on all of them. I am picking mine up next week so will be interesting to see my experience vs my 100-500! thanks for the video! great stuff.

Awesome review, I’ve been looking forwards to seeing this video! I have a canon EF 100-400 LII and a new R5 - i tried it with a 2x extender and it surprisingly is not terrible but I think this lens will be my next upgrade. I shoot lots of things but the little songbirds are closest to my heart. One day i’ll swap out my EF100-400 with the newer Rf100-500, but I think this lens makes more sense for me right now, especially since my older 100-400 still takes lovely shots with the Ef-Rf converter. Thanks for your insights Duade! You do such an excellent job with your videos! Cheers! Jessie - Alberta Canada

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Jessie, yes, I think the EF100-400 is a great lens and works very well on the R5 so you have that focal range covered. The 200-800 will be a nice addition to that lens for sure. Have fun, Cheers, DUade

Thanks Dude. Looking forward to seeing you use the 200-800 for sports!

Great review! You have been my mentor since I started birding around two years ago. At the time I could only afford the R6 and the RF 100-400, but have gotten some amazing shots following your advice. I've been thinking of upgrading to this lens but have been waiting for a good, full review. Given that my R6 has fewer pixels than other cameras and I can't crop as much without losing detail, I think the reach of this would better serve me than saving for the RF 100-500.

Very good review, thx a lot !

Duane, the master reviewer. 🙌🏼👏🏼

A very useful comparison 👍

@Duade

2 күн бұрын

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

Thanks for a very well balanced review

G'day Duade. Thanks a lot for sharing my woodpecker mate 🙂 When the naked 100-500 provides enough reach this would be the better option (but mine is now with Canon because the lens foot is slipping), but it looks like (on FF) it's better to switch over to the 200-800 instead of adding the 1.4x to the 100-500. Phil Thach seems to conclude the 200-800 is not resolving the high pixel density of the R7 as good as 100-500, while or the R5/R6ii this is less of a concern .. So R7 users might be better of sticking to the 100-500 which already gives them a nice reach. And for them using the 1.4x occasionally might make more sense. To my own surprise, I found (after rather limited usage so far) the 200-800 easier with hand-eye coordination to locate the bird in the evf, and also had the impression it was less tempted to focus on the wrong stuff (compared to the 100-500). So I didn't need to grab for the focus as much. It's a shame the native lensfoots are not arca swiss compatible, but the option to attach the plate with 2 screws is great indeed. I do understand they opted for a fixed collar with this heavier lens and I often carry the lens by the foot so I don't take it anyways.

Thanks Duade, you give the most thorough reviews on youtube. I always enjoy them. I've had this lens on order for sometime. This review has confirmed in my mind that it is a good decision. Info on the next ship date in the US are sketchy at best. Do you have any info from your contacts?

Hi Duade, thank you very much for sharing this thorough video. I'm very happy with mine and didn't think it bothered me any further with the zoom ring, it's not that often I need to zoom.

As always, a great in depth review! I just wish I could get my hands on one. I've been on a wait list here in the states since January! I'm thinking they will hit the stores as we get closer to the Paris Olympics which is when the R1 and R5 MkII are supposed to be released.

Hi Duade. Absolutely brilliant review, thank you. I think you've covered pretty well everything anyone could need to know about this lens. Yes some limitations but so many fantastic images from you and many of your subscribers. Still don't know if I'll get one as I'm lucky enough to have the RF100 - 500 and the 1.4 extender already. Also a part of me thinking about the R52 which won't be too far away now - can't afford/justify both any time soon. Sorry for being slow to comment - we've been away for a few days and only just had a chance to sit down and watch. Thanks again. John

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks John, I think the R52 will be a great update and with the rumoured stacked sensor and AF upgrades I think that and your current kit will work very well. Cheers, Duade

Really great video!

Nicely done, Duade! Thanks again for another very informative & comprehensive review :) Really do appreciate all the time & effort you put into these. I believe that those looking at these items find your insights invaluable when trying to decide what to spend their money on. I often especially like all the image comparisons you take the time to take & share - tells a great deal of the story. Glad that lens works well for you so far & hope it will be a valued piece of kit for yrs to come. I am still waiting on mine from Canon (after 4 months), with no indication of when they might send one my way. Canon's customer service is quite poor in my experience, here in the US. They share virtually no information about most all things when trying to deal with them - from direct sales to service. Do hope my copy is a good one, if I ever do receive one. The flexibility & extended reach, with solid IQ, are things I am hoping it can achieve. May you enjoy your coming sessions @ the end of summer there & thanks again for all the valuable information regarding the 200-800mm lens. Best regards ~ Chris

@Duade

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Chris, sorry to hear about the delay, that is unfortunate and poor from Canon re letting your know what is going on, hopefully not too much longer. Cheers, Duade

I can't wait to send you an image. However I've been on backorder for this lens for 2 1/2 months. Come on Canon!

@Kryxtal

3 ай бұрын

I've been waiting on backorder for 5 months, it could be a while yet

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that, I believe it is sold out everywhere in the world, I have asked Canon Australia for an update on availability and I am waiting a response. Cheers, Duade

@ShotInTheDark

3 ай бұрын

@@Kryxtal looks like canada was sent the worlds supply! lol

@srtwrc5

3 ай бұрын

Awesome video ​@@Duade, very much appreciated. I also have one on backorder in Western Australia with no real idea of when I may see it. If you do get a response from Canon I would love to hear it if you don't mind. Thanks again mate and keep up the great work.

Another great review! Thanks so much for the comparison with the RF 100-500 w 1.4 ex, and the RF 800 f11, my kit is the R6 mkII and RF 100-500 + 1.4 extender. I like the convenience and ease of carrying the 1.4 ex with the 100-500. Noticing how the 800 f11 lenses are starting to show up used now I’ll probably pop for one and experiment with the 1.4ex on bright days. Sounds like the new 200-400 is super, but not worth replacing my 100-500 w option of 1.4. Thanks again for the wonderful review!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Bill, the 100-500 is a beautiful lens that is a joy to use, the 800 f11 does work well on the R6II, just be aware of that 6m MFD which can cause issues if the subject comes close. Have fun, Cheers, Duade

Thank you, Sir...! I've ordered my 200-800 lens FIVE MONTHS AGO and I am still waiting. (fuggin' Canon) I got to the point where I was on the fence as to keep the order or not. I already own the 100-500 and recently purchased an R7 - which makes my 500mm an 800mm. After watching this video I have decided to stick it out and keep the order.

@Duade

Ай бұрын

G'day Dave, sorry to hear about the delay, that is very frustrating indeed, we are sold out down here also. Canon must not have anticipated the demand for the lens which is poor from them. Cheers, Duade

Amazing detailed review as always Duade...Thank you very much...!!! 😊🙏🏻🙌🏻🇮🇳

I know Duade was specific in his lens comparisons and referred to specific RF lenses. But I think the EF 100 - 400 should not be forgotten. It is an exceptional lens, works great with an adapter and can be used well with a 1.4 TC. It’s an option plus with an R7 gives significant reach and even more with a 1.4 TC. Where budget is an issue these lenses are good value used.

Hi Duade, absolutely superb review, certainly the best I have seen about the lens, I know from when we met you thought it was winner and obviously the review backs that up. Some of the photos on the review are stunning from you and members. Out of interest will you be doing a review of the new Sirui monopod and head I liked the look of that especially if I do go for the R5 ii this lens, and it can take the weight.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Mate, yes, it performs well for its price, the f9 is a bit of a weakness but the range is great. Yes, I will try and use the monopod in a future video. Cheers, Duade

Awesome review. My experiences with the 200-800 on my R8 has been fairly limited, but now that Spring is coming to Canada, I was able to get out to one of my favourite trails and capture some images of a great blue heron fishing. Very, very happy! It's a bit heavy to hold up for a long period of time (like when you're waiting for the heron to strike at a fish!) but it's certainly doable. Interestingly, the combined weight of the R8 and the 200-800, while technically heavier than my 7DII and EF 100-400 (Mark I), they feel almost the same, subjectively. Of course, the weight at the lens end is heavier...but again, still readily hand holdable. I'm VERY pleased with it, so far!

Duade, Another great review. I really appreciate these thorough reviews. This lens is one I am extremely interested in. Mostly for the reach but I was wondering how the focus was which you indicate is good. I have a Sigma 150-600 for many years using with my Canon R5 and at times the auto-focus comes out of focus, so I recently bought the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 and added the Canon’s Extender RF1.4x as my new walk around lens. I really like the combo as it is very light in weight, and for the lens price it takes great photos. But adding a longer lens with the Canon RF200-800 might be ideal for when a longer reach is needed. I really like how you talk about the pros and cons on this Canon RF200-800. Will see if I get it but your great review goes a long way to deciding. Well Done!

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

G'day Bruce, AF is very similar to the RF100-400 and you should see the same performance. You just get that extra 560-800mm range over the 100-400. I think the two lenses are perfect for wildlife photography. The weight is the biggest consideration as it does get very heavy quickly if handholding for long periods. Cheers, Duade

Tony Austin from Canada, GREAT capture on the Bufflehead Duck. Nice shot ! 39:10

Just purchased the canon 200-800 , love it it’s fantastic , cheers

28:53 not sure if that has exactly something to do with the T-stops, but definitely with the aperture itself. The 200-800 is, according to it's patent, a F/6-8.5 lens, which gets rounded down to F/6.3-9, giving us basically a 1/6th of a stop of advantage over what it tells us. The 100-500 however is much closer to (and even a bit slower than) it's true F-stops (F/4.6-7.2 in the patent), and that's why it might have less blown out highlights at the same settings. Fun fact, the Tamron 150-600 and many Sigma lenses (i havent found the 150-600 sadly) are very generous (in a bad way) with the apertures. the 150-600 goes to F/6.45 according to the patent, which is actually corresponding to F/8.6 if calculated up to 800mm, and thus a little worse than the 200-800 (at F/8.5). I can only say, in photography, many details get "lost in translation" from the real physics to the "art" of photography, especially through rounding up/down, so any numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. Similar to how if a lens "jumps" from F/8 to F/9 at 636mm, that doesnt make 635mm be any brighter than 636mm. it's just how 1.49 is mathematically rounded to 1 and 1.5 is rounded to 2, that doesnt make 1.5 twice as big as 1.49. here's the patent to the 200-800 and 100-500, but since youtube doesnt want me to put links, you'd have to look for it on your own. it's on the site "canonwatch" and called "canon-patent-application-for-rf-200-800mm-f-6-8-5-lens"

@ludowild

3 ай бұрын

To complete what you say at the same setting with my R7 at 600mm with the Sigma 150-600 at F8 and the RF200-800 at 600mm F8 I find that the RF200-800 takes a lot more light and I admit that I don't know how explain it...

@simonthibodeau7082

3 ай бұрын

Great explanation! Thank you. I suspect the fact that this lens tends to overblown highlight is probably caused by a combination of that "hidden" 1/6th extra stop, and the fact that it probably does have a bit less contrast natively. I think both are probably true. Needs to be added as well that people hung up on numbers and splitting hairs will argue, a Nikon or Sony 600mm f6.3 zoom, paired with a 1.4x TC, technically goes to 840mm f9. And argue 600mm f6.3 zooms are superior for that reason for "that extra 40mm". Not only are we reaaaally splitting hairs at that point, it's not exactly true anyway. This lens is, for all intents and purposes, truly like a 600mm f6.3 zoom, plus 1.4x TC worth of added reach. While you do lose between a third stop or two in the 300-600mm range, at 800mm, it'll be insanely similar to a 200-600 f6.3, precisely due to the explanation you have given here. In reality, it's like an 800 f8.5, rounded up to 9. Had they pushed this 200-800 to "200-840mm", then it would be a true f9, like the other 600mm+1.4x combos. At 800mm, it's still not pushing the aperture all the way up to 9. In short, they all have the same entry pupil diameter, and their overall "total" light gathering ability is exactly the same. Not like any of this actually matters in the grand scheme of things lol. Between the Sony 200-600 and 200-800, the differences are mostly internal vs external zoom, and getting the TC range "for free" on the 200-800. That's what people should actually focus on.

@ludowild

3 ай бұрын

Well explain ! I come to the same conclusion as you !@@simonthibodeau7082

@andreas_rr

3 ай бұрын

@@simonthibodeau7082 yea. I really hate it when people say "oh but you can put a 1.4x on the XXX-600". Well guess what you can put a 1.4x or 2x on the 200-800 too. And good luck getting to 1600mm on any of the XXX-600mm's.

Brilliant review. Very helpful. I own the R5 with 100-500 with 1.4x. I also have 500 f4. Very tempted to add this lens to my arsenal. Thanks again for being so thorough.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Fantastic review Duade :) I rented this lens for a week, and I absolutely LOVED it :) In fact, I have decided that I will eventually buy it... But not right now, because 1) the price, 2) the lack of availability 3) so much overlap with my 100-400 + 1.4 TC and my 'beloved' 800 F11. In the end, the only thing this lens can do that my current two lenses can't > is all the same stuff, in a single lens, which admittedly, is big, but at a cost of $2K and an extra 2 lbs. I know everybody's uses are different, but for my shooting, most of the negatives you mentioned are never a problem. Oh, and I "always" use a tripod > even with my 800 F11. Weight has almost nothing to do with it. Oh, and also for myself, a straight 800mm is almost never long enough, but its great on the R7 for an equivalent of 1280mm :) Felt pretty normal to me though, after 200K shots with the 800 F11.

Really helpful! I'm waffling between the 100-500 and the 200-800. I can say that I've quite decided, but I am far better informed. Thank you!

Great video Duade! I have an RF 100-500 + 1.4TC and a RF 800 on a R6mk2 and I'm so tempted by this lens as it will basically do everything both of those lenses do in a single package. I shoot birds in the UK so low light performance is a concern plus I tend to shoot a lot of smaller birds in woodland. I just can't quite make my mind up whether to get this lens and sell both the others! As concise and informative as your video is, the choice between the two options is so close it's still really hard to make a decision. I think I'm going to stick with what I have for now.

another great review....I wish they came up with that lens 5-6 years ago when i could afford it..

Hey Duade, Another great and informative video! I currently have the r6ii and rf 100-400 until deciding on which lens to get for more reach. After watching this and using my current set up, I think I am going to hold out for either 1) Canon to release a new r7ii and pair it with the 100-500. (crop sensor, so decent reach) so long as they fix the current r7 issues. 2) Hold out for 3rd partly lens like sigma to make telephoto rf lenses up to 600 with a better f/. 3) Go back to nikon for their great lenses if they bring out a decent affordable new body. Also learned from this video that a prime 800 has better/bigger reach than a telephoto 800. I always though 800mm meant 800mm regardless. So thanks for that too! The af bird in flight examples you showed also didn't look the sharpest which again encourages me to hold out and get the rf 100 500. Love from the UK!

Terrific review. One thing to mention is availability. I've had one on order in the U.S. for 3 months and no sign of it coming. I was hoping to use it in Alaska in July, but I fear it will not arrive in time.

Very comprehensive review and aligns pretty well with my experience. I shoot with the R5, and both R6 versions. Instead of getting the R7 (which I think has a poor bus and focus design), so on occasions when I would want that capacity, I use the 1.6x crop mode in the R5 to be able to see a smaller FoV when shooting - the reduction in MP capacity from 45 to 17-ish is fine for my purposes. The focus in that mode is great, as always. I shoot almost exclusively hand-held, and do weights to be able to handle this and similar configurations - at 71, it's a good thing to do anyway, this just gives me a good incentive to do it! Like you, I am frustrated by the fixed tripod mount, it would save me a bit of bulk and weight and make hand-holding the lens a lot more comfortable. If the collar had the clicks at 90deg that would be good, as would having a Swiss Arca plate built-in. No issues with focus (compared to my RF 100-500 and Sigma 60-600 lenses). I don't use teleconverters, so no opinion there. So far, I have had great images with the lens and certainly the focal range is awesome, especially in crop mode. Glad they included the lens hood. I got a high quality protect filter for the lens - not cheap but I prefer protection from both the hood and a filter for my expensive front elements. Why, oh WHY in NZ, do they want $229NZ for the soft lens case??? That's ridiculous... I use the inner cardboard box the lens came in with the plastic bag for storage.

Thank you. What a great review. I am coming from 7DII 100-400mII. I am a birder 100% so younhave convinced me to buy the 200-800mm plus R5.

Great video Duade; always so informative. I've just upgraded from my trusty sigma 150-600C. I was going to buy either the 100-500L or the 200-800. I bought the 100-500L, which I'm delighted with, because I couldn't wait for the 200-800. I was going to buy the 1.4 extender, but I'm now going to buy the 200-800 instead. I'm currently shooting the 100-500L with an R7 which is great combination. But for the 200-800 I'll get a used R5 (hopefully the mkii will mean a further reduction in price) That way I'll have two camera systems!😁

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

My pleasure mate and yes, the R5 200-800 is a wonderful combo and great to have options. There are second hand R5 already and they will only get cheaper when the R5II comes as you say. Cheers, Duade

What a great and comprehensive video. I have the R7 and RF100-500, I do like photographing small birds, I have a 1.4TC , but I rarely use it. I don't see a need to upgrade. Maybe the rumored R7.2 might be the next upgrade.

@Duade

3 ай бұрын

Thanks Andrew, yes the 800mm FOV on the R7 does give you a nice combo with the 100-500 and it is a lot smaller that is for sure. Yes, lets hope that camera improves on the weaknesses of the original. Cheers, Duade

An absolutely comprehensive and excellent review! Thank you Duade. Though it did miss one comparison. I shoot mainly with the R7 and the 100-500 lens. An equivalent field of view with a slightly darker equivalent f stop. Slightly worse light and camera focus against slightly better lens quality. I do have the R5 so the 200-800 is an expensive tempting prospect. It’s that or wait for the R7 mk ii. In either case a very 1st world problem!

Thanks for another great review. Still waiting for my back-ordered 200-800 to arrive. I am wondering, since you're hand-holding the lens most of the time, have you tried rotating the lens foot to the top of the lens. It seems to me one would be better able to make a longer rotational throw of the zoom ring that way. Cheers for another clearly conducted review.

Great conclusion! Would love your take on the sigma 500 5.6 for Sony. I personally sold my 200-600 to preorder it, I’m a bit nervous tbh, but very excited.

Hi duade ! Very nice video, however i'm curious about a point. When comparing the 200-800 to the 800f11, you say the af might be faster on the prime which surprised me. I own that 800f11, and personnally find the af very slow, when compared for example to the 100-400f8, which uses usm motors, like the 200-800. I'm considering upgrading for the 200-800, but if the af isnt better i might reconsider it !