Canon RF 800 F11 User Opinions

[Beverley]

Can I ask any users of the RF 800 f/11 lens for their opinions. At the moment I’m using the EF 100-400 with the 1.4 converter and the canon adapter. With wildlife I never think I have enough reach for birds in flight. How do you find the f/11 in low light conditions? Is it worth investing in this lens?

 

[Dave Williams]

Here's how I look at it. The 100-500mm + 1.4TC will run you $3400 before taxes and you're stuck at 300-500mm with the converter on. It's worth every penny with the IQ but it's sure as heck clunky on a hike. But if I'm out on a day hike with a 24-105mm or 14-35mm on the front shooting landscapes and see a critter I want to shoot the 800mm weighs about the same as a bottle of water in my backpack and will keep me from regretting not taking 2 cameras. As for focus points, I'm thinking it's closer to 40% than 25% and you can always use single shot to focus and recompose, so it's not a big deal for me. I'm with Snappy on the JJC hood, even if I find Canon's stance on not including one ridiculous, and the only reason I would ever put it on a tripod would be to set it up on a constant target and trigger it. For what I paid for it it's a great lens to use in a pinch.

Or in my next career as a private investigator.

I agree with what you are saying , except maybe the 40%! However, every chance the critter will have long gone by the time you get your lens out of the bag and on the body. I wonder how other owners go about carrying their 800 when the camera is attached and it's ready to use.

 

[dmiller68]

Some of my polar bear shots I used the 800mm. I also think I have a few with the 1.4x on it too. With the high ISO capabilities of the R5 I have been very happy.

 

[Angelo]

I have used this lens since Jan 2022, formerly a Pentax shooter for over 45 years. My experience with this lens is it's a stellar performer. Initially, I was quite skeptical but am really loving it and I tend to use it most often as opposed to my RF100-400. You can find my shots on FB, RF 800. Here are a couple; the Wren was shot on an R6 at ISO 20,000 and processed in DPP4 and the noise cleaned up nicely.

 

[TonyB]

I agree. I don’t use mine often, but when I do, I enjoy using it and the results. Love the shot of the owl.