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

 

[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.