RF 800

[Photofarmer]

Good review love to try one out
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/...found-limitations-that-bring-me-back-to-earth

 

[kopper]

I had ordered an RF 800mm f/11.0 last year and then cancelled the order. I just finished renting one for a week and had very similar findings to the article linked above. I'm not a "birder", but I am the photographer for a zoo. I found that the extra reach was "ok", but that the inability to change focal length AND f-stop to be unusable for me. I'm sticking with my EF 100-400mm L IS v2 for now and if needed, I have a 1.4 extender.

 

[BirdBrainPhil]

Not the RF 800, but I do have the RF 600 f11. This lens for the money is brilliant! I nearly went for the 800 but MFD is a bit far away.
Took the 600 to Thailand and loved its light weight. I’m in the process of getting an R7 and can’t wait to try the 600 on it.
960 mm equivalent in a neat light weight package. Just what this ageing photographer needs

 

[Bert-63]

I had ordered an RF 800mm f/11.0 last year and then cancelled the order. I just finished renting one for a week and had very similar findings to the article linked above. I'm not a "birder", but I am the photographer for a zoo. I found that the extra reach was "ok", but that the inability to change focal length AND f-stop to be unusable for me. I'm sticking with my EF 100-400mm L IS v2 for now and if needed, I have a 1.4 extender.

That lens combo (100-400L II + 1.4X III) has been my go-to combo for many years until I got the 100-500L, but I have been known to carry both on my two-camera rig when I have the 1.4X on the 100-500. It's a bit cumbersome but I don't get much exercise so it's good for me.

Over this past winter I was able to get the 600mm as well as the 800mm lens for a 'you'll never get this price again' situation so I bit. Despite all limitations I find them both to be well worth the money.

 

[SYSO]

The RF 800 is a specialized lens that can only do one specific thing: 800mm focal length at fixed f/11. The only other thing that can compare with it is the RF 800mm f/5.6 at seventeen times the price. You don't have to use the fixed f/11 lens to learn about its limitation that'd bring you down to earth. My feet never rose above the ground when I decided to get this lens as I wasn't dreaming it to equal its f/5.6 version in performance. It's a light hungry, bokeh hungry and ISO hungry lens. There are ways to work around these limitations, though, and once you figure these out, the RF 800 f/11 lens is the most outstanding value lens for bird and wildlife photographers. For the past two and half years since the R5 came out, I've been shooting with the RF 100-500 and RF 1.4x combo for the first two years. Now and for the past six months, the RF 800 f/11 has been my exclusive go-to lens for my bird photography. It's so much lighter than the RF 100-500/1.4x, yet with just as great sharpness. If I weren't a bird photographer, however, I probably wouldn't touch this lens other than an occasional moon shot. I wouldn't take this lens to a zoo; I think my RF 100-500 would be an ideal lens for that. If I have to decide only on either the RF 800 f/11 or the RF 100-500/1.4x for a trip to Africa safari or the Yellowstone, I'd take the latter combo for versatility the environment demands.

 

[Bert-63]

Agree on all points although I'm just getting to the point to manage the shortcomings you already mentioned. I live north of Seattle in the USA and on an Island to boot so the light is just getting tolerable. If it isn't sea fog like this morning, it's clouds that hang until the weak sun finally comes through so harsh you can forget it. Some days are perfect and when it's good it's really good, but those days won't be for another month or so.

Look forward to seeing your pics from the 800mm.

 

[SYSO]

The 800mm f/11 can be especially challenging in places that lack light. For such situations, I've used my DIY version of the Better Beamer. Mine I call it Super Beamer, because it's much larger and several stops more powerful than the original Better Beamer. On dark, overcast and even in rainy and snowy days, I can set my flash as low as 1/256 and achieve a good exposure. Of course, the drawback is that it can be cumbersome carrying about in the field. It's a great tool for yard bird photography or those situations where you don't have to carry your gear frequently. Here are couple of my most recent shots with the 800 f/11. My earlier posts (see in Gallery section) were shot in rain. All with the Super Beamer.

 

[Bert-63]

The 800mm f/11 can be especially challenging in places that lack light. For such situations, I've used my DIY version of the Better Beamer. Mine I call it Super Beamer, because it's much larger and several stops more powerful than the original Better Beamer. On dark, overcast and even in rainy and snowy days, I can set my flash as low as 1/256 and achieve a good exposure. Of course, the drawback is that it can be cumbersome carrying about in the field. It's a great tool for yard bird photography or those situations where you don't have to carry your gear frequently. Here are couple of my most recent shots with the 800 f/11. My earlier posts (see in Gallery section) were shot in rain. All with the Super Beamer.

Fantastic job man. Your Beamer performs very well. I was able to try one one time long ago and I didn't like it at all. I probably didn't give it a good chance and I only had a limited time to use it, but I felt like it killed shadows (which I like) and acted like a overpowered fill flash..

Your photos are well lit IMO... Nicely done.

 

[Photofarmer]

Stating the obvious seems those who buy the lens with eyes wide open and know the shortcomings get on fine with it.

 

[SYSO]

Fantastic job man. Your Beamer performs very well. I was able to try one one time long ago and I didn't like it at all. I probably didn't give it a good chance and I only had a limited time to use it, but I felt like it killed shadows (which I like) and acted like a overpowered fill flash..

Your photos are well lit IMO... Nicely done.

I never shoot ETTL when using a Beamer, only Manual. This way, I have a full control of how much fill flash is applied and avoid overexposing the subject. Where I'm, we've been on a long stretch of rainy season with dark clouds covering the sky. Without my Beamer, I'm looking at higher ISO noise with the RF 800 f/11 than I care to deal with.

 

[dmanthree]

Stating the obvious seems those who buy the lens with eyes wide open and know the shortcomings get on fine with it.

No kidding...

All gear has limitations, so the shooter must learn them and adapt. No different for this lens. I don't have one, but this lens reminds me, in concept, of the old f8 mirror lenses. One trick ponies, but useful once you learn their limitations.

 

[Photofarmer]

was one in big smoke a while back second hand watched it for a few months. every fortnight reduced it by $50 until it sold went for about 60% of new price. 800mm.
Think i read somewere work ok on r6ii