Canon RF 100-500 Pros and Cons

[Michał Dudulewicz]

I am considering getting the RF 100-500 for sport and concert photography. I'd like to do some wildlife too. Could you guys share your opinion and hightlight the pros and cons of the lens? Thanks

 

[Mantis55]

I never liked the 100-400 mk1 and swapped it for a 400mm f/5.6 which I had for many years even though it had no IS. Pretty good handheld for BIF, where IS is pretty irrelevant anyway. A bit slow focusing but many of my best wildlife shots were taken with it.

Only a few months ago I swapped it for the 100-400 Mk 2 which is a great lens but this was before I considered going mirrorless, which might have affected my decision. I would never use it with a TC as I already have the Sigma 150-600 S since 3 years ago. I never use it without a monopod though, it’s a beast.

If I could be convinced about better IQ and focusing I would probably get the 100-500 to replace both of them. Might consider hiring one at some point. For me IQ is probably more important than reach. I’m never going on any safaris and here in Scotland I can usually get close enough even if it takes a bit of patience.

Btw I ordered a Sigma 1.4 TC which arrived only last week, and tried it with the Sigma lens. I wasn’t happy with the sharpness and sent it back.

 

[Lookyloo69]

In good light the 100-500 is a great lens, I've not used it a lot in low light though so can't comment here. I've never owned the EF 100-400 so can't compare, but most reviews I have read say that the sharpness is similar but AF faster. Then of course you get the extra 100mm of reach. I have to admit to being tempted by the RF 800 as well, but at f/11 it really needs good light and we don't see that very often in the UK, but then for the price I don't think it would be so bad if I kept it just for a sunny day lens for that extra reach.

I have used my 100-500 in low lioght I'm astounded that a supposed SLOW lens works well shooting a stage show from the back of the room ... I posted on FB page but can't seem to post a photo here lol I took photos of the drummers and that usually the hardest shot to accomplish

 

[Lookyloo69]

In good light the 100-500 is a great lens, I've not used it a lot in low light though so can't comment here. I've never owned the EF 100-400 so can't compare, but most reviews I have read say that the sharpness is similar but AF faster. Then of course you get the extra 100mm of reach. I have to admit to being tempted by the RF 800 as well, but at f/11 it really needs good light and we don't see that very often in the UK, but then for the price I don't think it would be so bad if I kept it just for a sunny day lens for that extra reach.

woo hoo i can upload images ok took two shots in low light and i cropped when i took photo not in photoshop ... this lens rocks it ...

 

[Avatarshots]

This was my first test shot with my 100-500 RF zoomed out to 472mm, F7.1, 1/3200 sec, ISO 640. Shot at the beach. I apologize for the framing, but the shot showed me how capable this lens is.

 

[Trev4]

I've been on the point of ordering a 100-500 to replace my 100-400 Mkii plus my 1.4 Mkiii extender to use with my R5. Having read your comments above I'm now unsure if its such a good idea. The extra 100mm and lighter weight would be an advantage, but if its worth the £'s which are considerable, I don't think it is, especially with the extra length added when the 1.4 is attached and the lens cant be collapsed back to 100mm. Food for thought here, thanks for all your comments on this thread.

 

[LaurieAndersonPhotography]

My 100-500 finally ships out to me tomorrow. I decided to get that and sell my 100-400 II...later I will get a 1.4x. Looking forward to a lighter weight zoom lens and I’ve heard good things about the 100-500!

 

[Copterdoc]

Likewise! I'm wondering if I should keep it or sell. It does have some advantages over the 100-500, for a start it can regain the reach with a 1.4TC to become a 140-560 f8 lens. You can of course regain the reach by adding the RF 1.4 but lose it at the short end. I'm thinking that as a twosome side by side, both with TC's they give the ideal range of 140-700mm for a safari trip where you have sizes ranging from tiny to gigantic to fit in the frame. In the tight confines of a car they are easier to manhandle than a big telephoto lens like the 4/5/600mm or 200-400f4 big whites.

It is my understanding the RF 100-500mm lens is 7.1 at 500mm (Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM). That would be better than the 100-400 with the extender would it not/ and it is lighter and has great fast focus through the full lens zoom range. On the issue of IS being less than other lenses, I think this is true for all Super Zooms.

 

[Copterdoc]

Horses for courses as they say!

Well for the difference in price over the RF 600mm F4, I'll learn to overcome the difficulties and save the $9,000.00. If you don't have the reach, the faster 70-200mm F2.8 lens is not an option for long-range situations. A good challenge makes you stretch your skills. JMHO

 

[Genessi]

I'm on a waiting list for one. Here in the US, it seems the RF 800 and the RF 100-500 are hot items. I waited 3 weeks for the RF 800 and am now starting my third week for the RF 100-500.

I am waiting on the 600 but really want the versatility of RF 100-500 I will be coming from a M/4thirds camera

 

[Copterdoc]

I've been on the point of ordering a 100-500 to replace my 100-400 Mkii plus my 1.4 Mkiii extender to use with my R5. Having read your comments above I'm now unsure if its such a good idea. The extra 100mm and lighter weight would be an advantage, but if its worth the £'s which are considerable, I don't think it is, especially with the extra length added when the 1.4 is attached and the lens cant be collapsed back to 100mm. Food for thought here, thanks for all your comments on this thread.

I'm surely not in a position to spend your money as I'm not married and have no one to say no to me. That being said, there are two considerations. Most instances where I need to add the extender are very specific and not how I normally use the lens (partly due to its additional 100mm reach). The issue of collapsing the lens back past 300mm is, for me, an acceptable tradeoff for the lens and its spectacular performance. It is also a native RF mount and I find that it is both lighter and sharper with less chromatic aberration than the EF lenses I have. Understand that I have limited experience with the EF 100-400. I only rented that lens a few times. JMHO

 

[Trev4]

Thanks for all your thought's, after spending a lot of time considering these points and watching several videos, including Jan Wegners interesting reviews, I'm now awaiting delivery of my 100-500. It's all more expense but overall the advantages seem to outweigh the disadvantages. I feel sure I won't be dissapointed and am looking forward to trying it out.

 

[Michał Dudulewicz]

I am super happy with my 100-500!! Awsome lens!

 

[Trev4]

Thanks Michael, but your not helping with the wait lol.

 

[Michał Dudulewicz]

Thanks Michael, but your not helping with the wait lol.

I know the pain. I waited a few months for mine and now, it's my go to lens...even for landscapes

 

[Trev4]

I know the pain. I waited a few months for mine and now, it's my go to lens...even for landscapes

Mine is arriving tomorrow, its going to be paired with my R5. I'm looking forward to trying it all out.

 

[Michał Dudulewicz]

Mine is arriving tomorrow, its going to be paired with my R5. I'm looking forward to trying it all out.

You won't be disappointed. A hell of a set!

 

[SO8]

I ordered a 100-500 L on Monday lunchtime ... it arrived this morning. It feels lovely compared to the weightier 100-400 I used to have.
All I need now is a R5 to use it on as that is still on order sadly Hopefully within a week I can use it.

 

[Copterdoc]

I ordered a 100-500 L on Monday lunchtime ... it arrived this morning. It feels lovely compared to the weightier 100-400 I used to have.
All I need now is a R5 to use it on as that is still on order sadly Hopefully within a week I can use it.

Congrats! I love this lens.

 

[Trev4]

I ordered a 100-500 L on Monday lunchtime ... it arrived this morning. It feels lovely compared to the weightier 100-400 I used to have.
All I need now is a R5 to use it on as that is still on order sadly Hopefully within a week I can use it.

Well done on your lens, they do seem like an improvement albeit a small improvement on the 100-400. I've paired mine to an R5 and am loving it, however, there's a huge learning curve to climb with the combination, thats half of the enjoyment, and when you get it right the results are worth all the effort. I'm only a week into learning so have a long way to go.

 

[DougThornton2]

I have had my 100-500 for a short time. I use it most for rocket launch photography. Have been very pleased so far. Shot a night launch with good results but I was closer than usual and need to adjust my f-stop down a bit more than I did. The problem with launch photography is you get one shot and then need to wait for the next launch.

 

[Lookyloo69]

500mm 7.1 1/500 of a sec obviously stage lights I obviously own the Lens .... i shot the 100-400 ef and there were times i couldn't gain traction on my focus , there were times my photo would smear ... if you own it you may speak about the performance but extra info is really irrelevant .... theres a learning curve with this system but as you get better it becomes easier ...

 

[SO8]

I think this lens is really great ... but have decided it shows up the fact I have little experience of taking pictures of moving stuff at 500mm ....

Give me a wedding using a 24-70 and 70-200 any day and I can produce nice images (albeit as a second photographer next to my 'pro' wife).

The 100-500 undoubtedly can give great images ... but not, at the moment, with me taking the pictures ! I have a lot to learn about the R5 focusing system and how to remember to use a full frame camera again !! A few years away from taking photos and it will take me a while to remember how not to make stupid mistakes ... all fun though

 

[Copterdoc]

I think this lens is really great ... but have decided it shows up the fact I have little experience of taking pictures of moving stuff at 500mm ....

Give me a wedding using a 24-70 and 70-200 any day and I can produce nice images (albeit as a second photographer next to my 'pro' wife).

The 100-500 undoubtedly can give great images ... but not, at the moment, with me taking the pictures ! I have a lot to learn about the R5 focusing system and how to remember to use a full frame camera again !! A few years away from taking photos and it will take me a while to remember how not to make stupid mistakes ... all fun though

One of the crossover skills that helped me was shooting skeet. It taught me the necessary swing from the hips to be more stable and accurate in tracking a subject. Still use the technique today.

 

[Lookyloo69]

I ordered a 100-500 L on Monday lunchtime ... it arrived this morning. It feels lovely compared to the weightier 100-400 I used to have.
All I need now is a R5 to use it on as that is still on order sadly Hopefully within a week I can use it.

mine was in reverse lol i acquired my R5 first than waited around for the 100-500 ... than ordered the 70-200 and received both on the same day ... one from canon and one from amazon ... love em both

 

[SO8]

mine was in reverse lol i acquired my R5 first than waited around for the 100-500 ... than ordered the 70-200 and received both on the same day ... one from canon and one from amazon ... love em both

Having had it for a month or so I love the 100-500 .... and also have the 70-200. The new RF lenses seem better to me than the EF ones which I had issues with (well, 2 24-70 f2.8's). I also got an RF 24-70 f2.8 and 24-105 ... an RF 50 f1.2 also managed to get ordered before my wife cut up my credit card ... oops. Bit costly these RF lenses

 

[Genessi]

I'm on a waiting list for one. Here in the US, it seems the RF 800 and the RF 100-500 are hot items. I waited 3 weeks for the RF 800 and am now starting my third week for the RF 100-500.

Check out Samy's! got one yesterday

 

[Tuyeda]

This was my first test shot with my 100-500 RF zoomed out to 472mm, F7.1, 1/3200 sec, ISO 640. Shot at the beach. I apologize for the framing, but the shot showed me how capable this lens is.

I actually like the framing. I think I'll try that myself...

 

[Copterdoc]

This was my first test shot with my 100-500 RF zoomed out to 472mm, F7.1, 1/3200 sec, ISO 640. Shot at the beach. I apologize for the framing, but the shot showed me how capable this lens is.

I like this very much. I agree that the framing is a bit short on the right side but still interesting. I like that you are getting a good bounce off the sand to add just the right amount of fill. You can easily see what is meant by "hard light" in the hard edge of the shadow on her neck displaying that the sun undiffused is "hard light". A great depiction of these concepts as well as the composition itself.

 

[RicoVB3]

i just acquired mine ... i tend to shoot live bands in dark venues ... the lens is a bit slower but according to Canon rep the gyro axis in camera will help... it clains 5 stops ... we will find out ... over all the lens is nicely built ... seems faster than my 100-400mm vs one ... i'll bring extra batteries to the show

Hi - I also shoot in dark venues and am considering this lens for the reach with an R5 or R3. How are you finding it?

 

[tpatana]

About to order this lens, now just need to figure out which store I'll buy it from.

I have Sigma EF 150-600mm so I think it's time to sell that and buy the 100-500.