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

 

[Copterdoc]

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.

One of the secrets of this lens that does not get much press is its ability to focus within about a meter at 500mm. It's a great substitute for not having a macro lens handy "in the moment".

 

[tpatana]

Yea I've seen impressive macro-ish pics with at the 500mm. I have the RF macro too, I'm just awful at carrying it around so maybe the 100-500 helps that.

As I'm slowly converting EF lenses to RF, I had interesting chat with fellow photog couple weeks ago. He had basically done all conversion already, at the event he had 2xR3 and 1xR5 plus all the lenses you could think of. He mentioned that for 70-200 he likes the EF better than RF, he said the rings and their position is worse on RF version and the EF version is easier to use. So I guess I'll keep the 70-200 EF for bit longer still. Same for 400/2.8, but that's purely due to replacement cost.

 

[Copterdoc]

Yea I've seen impressive macro-ish pics with at the 500mm. I have the RF macro too, I'm just awful at carrying it around so maybe the 100-500 helps that.

As I'm slowly converting EF lenses to RF, I had interesting chat with fellow photog couple weeks ago. He had basically done all conversion already, at the event he had 2xR3 and 1xR5 plus all the lenses you could think of. He mentioned that for 70-200 he likes the EF better than RF, he said the rings and their position is worse on RF version and the EF version is easier to use. So I guess I'll keep the 70-200 EF for bit longer still. Same for 400/2.8, but that's purely due to replacement cost.

I shot with the EF 70-200 F2.8 for several years. The new RF version is significantly lighter and shorter when placed in a camera bag. The glass is superb. The longer you put off converting over the issue of the "operation of the lens being different" the more you miss the opportunity to become proficient with the newer configuration. This complaint can be used with camera bodies as well so ...

The savings in weight and the size when collapsed will IMHO make up for any issues with learning a new ring position on your lens. I agree that if cost is a consideration, then stay with the EF lenses you already have. If money is not a major consideration, then the advantages of the newer RF configuration have much to offer. Again JMHO.

 

[tpatana]

Many of the conversion lenses I can offset some of the cost with the sale of EF lens, for example the 100-500 I can sell my old Sigma 150-600 (so it pays small fraction of the new lens, but mentally it's big difference than paying full price). For 70-200 the problem is that most likely I'll keep my 1DX and 70-200 as second back-up / assistant body even when I get second RF body (R3 or R1). 70-200 would be the perfect one to leave for that, meaning I don't think I'll be buying RF70-200 until I get second RF body.

 

[dmiller68]

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.

I sold my Sigma and you will not be sorry. The 100-500 is an amazing lens. I would get the 1.4x as well then you have the same reach and a little more then the Sigma.

 

[RedCobra]

I've been to Africa a number of times. Mostly with the EF 100-400 on a 7D2. This time R5 with RF 100-500. What a game changer.

 

[MikeZ]

Outstanding photo, and how was the Pangolin experience? My wife and I have been toying with the idea of a photo safari, and Pangolin sounds ideal. Any input would be most appreciated.

 

[tpatana]

Well ordered the lens

Some year hopefully I get to go Africa too, I love those pictures from there.

 

[RedCobra]

Outstanding photo, and how was the Pangolin experience? My wife and I have been toying with the idea of a photo safari, and Pangolin sounds ideal. Any input would be most appreciated.

I cannot praise Pangolin enough. Lots of stuff on the river in boats though. The photo coaches are superb if you need help. If you don't need the coaching or loaner gear, Jaci's Tree Lodge in Madikwe was fabulous and my favorite. see Flickr.com/apkef/albums. Was on the Chobe for 7 days, the Delta for 3 days, the Kalahari for 3 days with Pangolin, then went to Jaci's in Madikwe for 4 days.

Planning next rip to Sabi Sands for 10 days and then back to Jaci's for 4 days. Definitely not going in July again as it was colder than a witche's you know what early in the morning and at sunset. Going to try to hit the end of the dry season and the beginning of the Spring (September/October). Dry season is best game viewing.

 

[MikeZ]

Your photos are fantastic, and thanks for the Pangolin feedback. We were thinking about early or late summer season, and given your experience winter is NOT the time we'd like to be there. I'm also happy that they can provide long lenses - one last thing to pack from home.

 

[RedCobra]

Your photos are fantastic, and thanks for the Pangolin feedback. We were thinking about early or late summer season, and given your experience winter is NOT the time we'd like to be there. I'm also happy that they can provide long lenses - one last thing to pack from home.

They have Sigma 150-600mm EF lenses available. That's it. Check on availability by email before you go. They seemed to have several, but things change....

 

[KEN_A]

Well, after trying to make my mind over this lens for some time I've finally just ordered the RF100-500 + the RF1.4 extender. My EF 100-400 mkII has gone along with the EF1.4 mkIII which I have no use for now. There are some excellent part exchange deals at the moment plus 10% off the lens and extender prices.

 

[Dave Williams]

You must be aware of the limitations of the 100-500 with the 1.4TC Ken, no problem if you are then. I must admit for the price of the converter I would be tempted to buy the R7 instead as I need a back up camera. On a recent self drive trip around South Africa I hardly used my 1.4 and stuck with the lens at 500mm as the R5 has great crop ability. There are occasions though when it's not quite enough although in the heat of Africa reach can create as many problems as it solves.

 

[KEN_A]

You must be aware of the limitations of the 100-500 with the 1.4TC Ken, no problem if you are then. I must admit for the price of the converter I would be tempted to buy the R7 instead as I need a back up camera. On a recent self drive trip around South Africa I hardly used my 1.4 and stuck with the lens at 500mm as the R5 has great crop ability. There are occasions though when it's not quite enough although in the heat of Africa reach can create as many problems as it solves.

Dave, yes I am aware of the extender short comings having seen a number of YT videos on the lens and the extender. Being restricted to the 300-500 range on the lens is a shame, but apart from that reviews have been positive. I felt that it's a handy thing to carry with you for the occasions it was needed. Also I'm interested in using it with my 800mm F11 when conditions make this combination posible. I've seen some good shots using these together.

 

[Dave Williams]

Whereas the 1.4 TC performs exceptionally well with the 100-500 I was disappointed with the same on the 800 to be honest. Mind you I was hand holding and maybe that was the issue when your shutter speed has to drop to accommodate the aperture. Since I have now had the 800mm stolen I won't be replacing it as the 100-500 plus TC covers the range adequately.

 

[ctitanic]

Cons: Price, price and price.

 

[Tim Mayo]

Cons: Price, price and price.

The price is silly, especially when compared to Sony's excellent 200-600 lens. I have both the RF 100-500 and the Sony 200-600 since I shoot with both systems and there's no way that the 100-500 is worth £1300 more here in the UK. If I could use the 200-600 on my R5 I would do so in a flash.

 

[Hutch]

Have both the RF100-500mm and EF100-400mm Mk II. I find the IQ definitely better, but not a giant leap unless you are really a pixel peeper. In favor of the RF100-500 is the extra reach and combined IBIS and Lens IS. The 100-400mm a little bigger and heavier, but even a little more so with the adapter. RF100-500mm main Downside for for me is the required 300mm focal length to mount a 1.4x TC making it a 420-700mm. Great for wildlife perhaps, but Just too long on the wide end for airshows and other sports I shoot.