I like my 800mm and often switch to it to get nice portraits of small, perched birds. My 100-500 is still the lens I start my day with. Your technique of superimposing the processed file over the raw file is the best on you tube.
Thanks Kevin, great to hear the combo is working well for you. Yes, the raw overlay is popular and I am glad it helps as it takes some time to do on each photo. Cheers, Duade
I totally agree., it’s interesting to see your composition correction and processing over the original file. You always seem to crop exactly as I would have done :-)
Another great video, which still leaves this brit very envious of your fauna and flora. Must also add that I may be developing an envy for your spouse; hours spent preparing each video, hours processing your editorial work, muddy clothes and sneaking off before sunrise; she deserves a comment in appreciation! Regards Keith
Keith, I showed your comment to my wife and she agrees :-) I am very lucky to have such a supportive wife that encourages me to follow my passions. Cheers, Duade
Initially l baulked at this lens due to the minimum focal length and the limited focal box, l tested it out and left the shop without it. When l got home l realized that a $1600 lens will have it's limitations and the only way l would do better is to sell my car to get a better 800mm lens. So l went back and purchased it and have done a whole exhibition shot only with this lens so great value for money as it will get you shots you otherwise cannot get, loving it.
Thanks for sharing your experience, that is a great point and I am happy to hear it is working well for you. I look forward to putting it through its paces. Cheers, Duade
Great stuff! I really like the direction Canon took with these lenses. It is good to see they aren't afraid to take a risk sometimes. Personally I wouldn't be in the right circumstances often enough to really get the most out of a lens like this since sunny days are rare here and I shoot mostly during dusk/dawn, but I definitely see the appeal. I am hoping that someday they will come up with relatively affordable mid-range primes like a 600mm 5.6 in the 3k-4k range. That would be enough reason to step back into the canon ecosystem for me.
Hi Duade, I know one of the biggest things to deal with after having life threatening health issues is dealing with the fear and uncertainty that comes after it. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your bravery in facing those fears and continuing on with your meaningful life.
Thanks Andrew, I did struggle a lot at the start but overtime I have learnt to not let the fear get to me and just to enjoy the moments being out there. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I'm glad you worked through it Duade. It takes time and some difficult decisions I think. Back in Australia, and up until my mid-20s, i suffered from chronic asthma. The attacks were frightening, but eventually I was able to push through and make a go of it. All the very best!
This is the first time ive felt so good after watching a review video.. its so uplifting maybe its your voice or your bg score idk what it is but it definitely is soothing 🥹🥹
Thank you for showing the post editing on all those shots as there’s quite a few people that don’t realize the amount of work that a photographer has to put into showing a ““ finished “” picture. Also I like that arrangement you use to get steady shots on the ground.
We love the Winton Wetlands. I had a chuckle at the end, sometimes getting the b roll is as, if not more, time consuming than recording the actual video. Great video, thanks for sharing. All the best, Brian.
Brian, you are not wrong, I was a little late getting to the birds after recording all of it. But it helps tell a story so it's important to get. Cheers, Duade
I love how you use footage of you going back to get your camera. I can't tell you how many times I have done this too, just to make it look professional. Awesome content! You and Jan have me hooked now on birding, just need to get my hands on a sigma 150-600 and I'll never stop! Thank you!
Great video once again Duade. I have this combo and agree with your thoughts on the the focus area limitations and minimum focus distance, but as you say, that 800mm reach in such a light lens is hard to pass up. I find with this lens in bright light and the 100-500 in darker light, I have the best of both worlds. I am looking forward to your full review. If it were me I would get sick of all the set-ups you must have to do for each video sequence - lets just go and take photos! I get a good laugh from the out-takes too. Cheers.
Craig, thanks, yes, the B-roll does take away from my photo time which can be an issue at times. But it's hard to make a video with no footage :-) Cheers, Duade
What do you think? Any bigger aperture 150-600mm-ish at the cost of weight/size and probably price (didnt find any model i would like and for less than 1000$) Or basically trying the 800mm F11... i would have found a nice deal (750$) with even rest warranty And im so used and annoyed by my 75-300... so unsharp, very clear CAs, really bad controllable focus ring and i have to rely more or less only on manual focus with focus peaking... On top, the 800mm F11 seems to serve also well as astrograph if i am right?!
Another great video Duade. Too many gear videos these days but you find a way to make it about the morning out photographing birds with the gear review thrown in and more secondary to the story. Love it. !!!
Thanks Robert, yes, our feed can get full of gear reviews, it seems that is what gets the views. I have an educational video up next for a change. Cheers, Duade
Hey Duade, thanks for another great video. I bought this lens second hand last year and use it on my RP extensively. It's been a real game changer for my bird photography and huge step up from my EF 300 f4 + 1.4 extender. Yes the 6m mfd can be an issue but I'm not often closer that close to my subjects. I normally have the lens on a monopod with a small Sirui gimbal and have few issues with light outside of rainforest settings. With the monopod and gimbal good sharp photos are possible at shutter speeds of 1/400 if the bird is not moving. At the price point this lens has opened a world of bird photography I could only dream of before. I aiming to purchase a R6 later this year so it is great to see you using the combination I hope to be using in a few months.
Thanks for sharing Paul, and that is great you have found it so helpful in your photography. Lets hope the R7 is released soon so you have options. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for comments on the RF800 f/11 lens. I also considered the RF600 f/11 + 1.4 teleconverter on my Canon R10. Still, I would like a camera with better eye tracking for birds in flight. Love watching you educational videos. Keep them coming!
Thanks for producing this video Duade! I've been curious about this lens for a little while and look forward to another video after you have used it for a while longer. Nice job!
I was very pleased to watch your field test of the Canon RF 800 F/11 lens - so much that I ordered one today. I use the R6, so it was a bang-on test you did for me. Thank You. I will try to see, if I can do birds in flight with the 800mm. I know the Canon RF 800 F/11 lens has limitations, so I will be sure to carry my RF100-500 lens along. I can´t wait to see your review of the Canon R7 camera - once it is released. I think you run a great channel on RUclips, so please carry on.
Thanks, congrats on the lens, it is very unique and will be good for those situations where you need reach but have plenty of light. A good combo to the 100-500. Cheers, Duade
Another professional presentation Duade. Yes I love this lens for bird photography on my R5, my only criticism is the small 'boxed' AF zone. Keep up the good work, well done and thanks. Cheers
I also appreciate the RAW and edit comparisons you include in the video! I don’t have Canon equipment, but your gear videos still provide a lot of useful information. Thank you!!
Great video Duade! I love the last 20 seconds! Thats always on my mind when I watch videos of people filming themselves. I'm always like, where are they driving to, they need to still go back and get the camera. hahah. Love it! Keep up the great videos!
Thanks again for the video. I bought this a year ago. I like it most of the time. Only downfall is focus distance and low light. All in all I am happy with it for the price.
Hi Duade, great video, when this lens was released in the UK within weeks there were so many available second-hand, and so many people moaning about the quality of the photos, but this lens is amazing for the price point, it needs light and lots of it and it needs thought before you use it, OK it's not going to replace my Canon EF 600mm F4 or my RF 100-500mm, but I have had some great images with it for light set up day out.
Thanks Tony, yes, the lens is great when used in nice light and conditions. I think people may have expected a bit much from a lens at this price point .Cheers, Duade
It's an awesome lens for the cost, and just in general. Whilst it won't get results quite like my 500 f4, it's MUCH easier and more forgiving to carry around all day. I have got some of my best shots with this lens, even in low light. Definitely the best value for money lens in my opinion. Great video as ever, the work you put in really shows 👍
I guess R5, 6 or even R3? At least on my RP... i absolutely need a lot light to keep the ISO below 6400. 12800 is barely ok quality wise when i have to crop.
@@harrison00xXx R5 & R6. I use dxo pure raw to clean up any noise if I push the ISO high. It's definitely stronger in good light, but not completely useless in darker conditions
Another great video, thanks Duade! Ever count your steps? Setting up and taking all the wonderful B roll must really add them up. Your drone work and everything else here all edited wonderfully tells such a complete story. Thanks again. Oh, regarding the lens, it looks tempting however I have the 100-500 and was thinking perhaps (once the budget recovers from purchasing that lens and the R6 last year) my next purchase should be the 1.4 teleconverter.
Thanks Joe, yes the 1.4 is a nice option on the 100-500 but is very expensive itself. It is a shame the 100-500 loses its ability to retract fully with the converter. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I admit that I have no interest in the 800mm f/11, but I always watch your videos to see the beautiful Australian birds. Great video, and thanks. :)
Duane, another great video showing a tempting lens. Also loved again how you used the ground pod to get low. Something I am doing more of now. As much sunshine as we get in Arizona and our birds tending to perch at a distance definitely something to consider.
Fun video, I love my 800mm. Light here on Vancouver Island is rarely as bright as you experience Duade. That being said I get some lovely images with it. Yesterday it’s extra reach really helped shooting tiny Rufous Hummingbirds, It’s a great companion lens to my 100-500mm.
This lens, as others have pointed out, is an absolute steal for what you get. Like Simon Wiltshire said, it is very forgiving in terms of carrying around and that means you get far more great, on the spur, shots than if you have to set something up on a tripod. Looking forward to seeing more videos of what you get out of it Duade.
Duade, I frequently use extension tubes to get over a poor MFD, especially when using my 70-200 f2.8 for macro on insects. Nice to see you using the R6, I am still struggling about buying an R5, mainly because of the cost.
@@Duade I have reciprocated by ordering an R5, only I may have to upgrade my laptop too, the one I use has trouble playing FHD video files from the R6!
This combo is really great, and even more impressive for video in low light. I have not had it for long, but its really really good. Looking forward to your next video. I have seen alot of your videos, but think it might be 1st time i comment. Keep up the great work
So happy I got this lenses 800mm is very nice couple of days ago my 100 to 500 rf arrived and I am super happy, just ordered 1.4 extender this morning and I'll be well sorted super stoked 😀😊
Another fine video. Thank you. I like how the birds in the first half had more environment (distractions some would say) around them. Then in the second half those Grebes, wonderful! So I guess the lens works well despite its small focus area. Well done. Please keep,at it and stay well. Oh BTW. I opted for a 150 -600 g2 Tamron, with a Tap-in gizmo for my 7dii. What a game changer!
the r6 plus 800 f11 is a dynamite combo for bird photography. I use it all the time, and it delivers in all but the dusk and dawn hours of the day. Especially if you use pureraw or topaz. It's one of the best budget combos you can buy.
I have been using this lens and the R5 for about a month now and love it. bought it for $750 off Facebook marketplace like new. Yes its f11 but the reach and the sharpness far out preform the Sigma 150-600mm or the Tamron 150-600 G2 lens for canon. Both lens which I have had. The sharpness lacks very much at 600mm on those lens. The R5 and R6 can shoot very high ISO though which helps. Plus having Topaz laps can aid in cleanup. Definitely wouldn't shoot in low light with f11 but it can. For people who hike like myself its sooo light weight and way more practical then the 600mm f4. Its worth it for newbies like myself to wildlife who shoot most the time in good weather anyway.
I've been considering this lens, I already have the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and with 1.4 extender can get 840mm F9, so was thinking it might be a bit of a waste of money. Would you say the sharpness is noticeably better with the Canon compared to the Sigma?
@@paulgibbings9553 oh yeah. Especially with the extra 200mm reach it’s worth the limits with f11 which honestly most people are cropping with their 600mm anyway because the animals are far away and there is less compression. So f5.6 cropped at 600mm looks very similar to 800 f11. Background wise. 600mm on the sigma 150-600mm always looked off
@@keeganflahive1604 I had both combo in the past. R6 with Sigma 150 - 600 C x 1.4x Sigma TC. RF 800 mm F11 outperforms it in image quality, Focusing speed & weight. Even with RF 1.4x TC, In my view it has better IQ than Sigma on any focal length.
While there is a tonne of reasons to hate on this lens, I just love it! Had it ever since it first became available. The most astounding thing about it is watching you walk around with a sharp 800mm lens casually swinging it in one hand! Sure beats hefting a 600/4 or 800/5.6 on a Gitzo 410 with a Wimberly gimbal! LOL! Mine has been used mostly on hummingbird to blue jay size birds using a 35mm extension tube to beat the MFD limitation. That allows it to focus from about 14 feet out to about 70 feet.
I bought an R6 and this lens last year and like them both compare to my previous system 90D and a 100-400 II with a 1.4 ext for photographing birds. Great video. Also bought the RF100-400 and using it with the RF extenders.
Duade, you are a phenomenal photographer! I think you could take a circa 1970s Kodak 110 Instamatic and make great pictures with it, you are so good at composition! And your raw files look better than my files after I've played with them in Lightroom! Also I loved the video on your story on how you got into photography. What an inspiration! God has His hand on you, man, to bring you back from the dead and give you a passion and a talent such as you have. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Hugh, you are too kind, yes, the silver lining of my trauma has been life changing and very enjoyable. I wish I didn't take such a drastic path to photography but I am happy I am here now. Cheers, Duade
Great images. I have seen quite a few reviews for this lens. It takes good pictures as long as you can accept its limitations. When I switch to the R series I will give this lens a try. We may be too dark for it to work here.
Thanks Jeff, yes, the MFD and AF box is pretty annoying I must admit. And f11 does require nice light. But you do get 800mm in a very light package. Cheers, Duade
This is my standard rig. I love it particularly for the price. I particularly use it for open areas like wetlands and beaches. The unplanned secondary benefit is that for shorter range stuff I can now take the extender off my old EF100-400 and get better image quality in thicker bush and rain forest.
Always appreciate the RAW file and edit transitions. Thought about getting this 800mm because of the price and it seems pretty sharp for the cost. Had a 100-500 RF but returned it because it wasn't as sharp as I had hoped
Thanks for your comment, I wonder if there was something wrong with your 100-500 as it is one of the sharpest zooms I have ever used. I think one issue is when the bird is a long way off and we try to crop, 500mm is quite short on a FF camera. The 800 will make the subject bigger meaning less cropping but it is not as sharp as the 100-500. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade yeah that could definitely be the case, might rent another one to verify as I am in need of that focal length still. Used a 2x extender on/off as well without much difference so maybe just the lens
Nice article, Duade. Thanks. I shoot with the same kit plus a 100-500. I find with the 800 if you have the light, fix your shutter speed high, minimum 1/2000 and set ISO to auto. The R6 is very forgiving with high ISO. Let the ISO free range and the clarity shines with the faster shutter speed.
This is truly a great lens for those of us just going out when it's great weather. I'm too deep into micro 4/3 glass myself, but it's a fantastic reason for newer people to just start out in full frame without having to sell your house for a 800mm
Enjoyed the video. Thumbs up as always. I would enjoy seeing you prove or disprove an AF function theory. If you used your R5 with the RF800 f/11, and set your R5 to APC Mode. This supposedly helps the AF with long-distance shots because it magnifies the image presented to the AF system. If true, the magnified image helps the AF Tracking by making distant objects more detailed 1.6X and greatly improves the AF reliability. If false, the AF system acquires the long-distance image information from the APC crop area, but prior to the image magnification presented to the EVF - i.e. the AF system just receives the same information from the APC crop area, offering no advantages. Everyone reviewing the RF800 states that the AF reliability can be very hit or miss, due to the f/11 aperture. I am very interested in this lens. The R5, with its 45 MP sensor, is a very good candidate to use in APC Mode, resulting in 17 MP APC images. Does the APC Mode's 'crop & magnification' improve the R5's AF tracking system? Can you resolve this theory? Since the RF800 can cause most AF systems to struggle with tracking, this becomes an important question. A lot of people will appreciate your opinion, Duane. Thank you very much.
Fernando, yes the zoom is a great lens, and the versatility is great. I would consider getting the RF100-400 first and maybe using them incombination. The 800 when you need the FL and the zoom for everything else. If that is too much of a pain then the extender can be used. f16 can be very restriction on the zoom so you will need a lot of light. Cheers, Duade
Mine arrived today and I am heading out to Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa next month to hopefully get some great wildlife and birding shots.
I shot my first birds i good light today with my new RF800/F11 on my R6. I am very happy with the result. I even think that the pictures are better than when I use 2 x extender on my RF100-500. So again thanks for your valuable guidance Duade.
A part of me wants to buy one but knowing that it won't focus below 6 m would be a problem and knowing that soft/blurred f/11 backgrounds won't happen as often is also a concern. Not to mention problems with lower light conditions. The pictures with it look nice and sharp, though, and its reach is awesome. I'm going to research the Canon 200-800 mm before open the wallet. I may just buy a 1.4 TC for my Tamron 150-600mm f/5 - 5.6, tough decisions. Great video, thanks!
I love your videos because of the same feelings and experience but you are fortunate you live in Australia like country where you find so many colorful birds. i have dream to see those birds.
I have just bought the RF600 F11 to use with my R5 and did think hard about the 800. Cost was a factor and the MFD, although for birds in flight would be great. We get a lot of Red kites where I live. Not had a huge amount of time using the 600 but so far it’s ok, weather dependant though. Something that the UK may have a big shout about. Another great vid 👍
@@Duade I still think it’s a shame there is no Sigma 150-600 for the RF lenses. I will buy the 100-500 RF in time but that extra 100mm would be great to have. Anyway take care Duade, and looking forward to the next video.
Two things to try: 1. Add a Canon 1.4x extender for 1120mm reach at f/16. 2. Try crop mode for stationary targets with the 1.4x extender 800mm x 1.4x extender x 1.6 crop. Works surprisingly good.
I have used 800mm F11 with RF 1.4x many times on my R6, the focusing speed gets a tiny hit, however still very good image quality even at higher ISO due to F16.
Another interesting video Duade. I admire the amount of work that went into making it, I presume you were on your own ? if so, you must have had to set up the video camera, taken the drone footage as well as get your own shots - a lot to juggle. The lens looks very impressive for the money too.
Thanks John, yep, all on my own so the first montage was pretty hectic and probably took a little longer than I would have liked. But it is fun to do. Cheers, Duade
Thanks Colin, great point, I will endeavour to try out the lens when we get some clouds, nothing but sunshine for the near future down here. Cheers, Duade
That f/11 really impacts the ISO quite a bit. Given the price of the lens and it's performance though I would find it hard to argue on how those shots came out. I do a lot of birds and the 200-600mm is out of my budget so it seems this may be my best choice for RF mount lenses for birding. Thanks for the field test!
Thanks Roger, yes the high ISO or low SS is one downside to this lens and you will be using DXO Pure RAW or Topaz a bit if shooting in less then ideal light. But for its price you are getting 800mm of focal length which is hard to achieve any other way. Cheers, Duade
Really enjoy your channel Duade :-) I have had this lens for a couple of months and as long as you use it in the right conditions I think it is very good. My main use for it is video and as you use a slow shutter speed for video [I normally use 1/60 at 30fps] then F11 is not a problem as far as light goes and on a bright day I still need a ND filter as there is too much light :-)
@@Duade Hi Duade :-) For still photography I can hand hold the 800 F11 most of the time with no problems using IS, but I do try and use a tripod for video. On the few occasions I have not used a tripod for video I find that IS for Bird In Flight footage is fine but I do I get a little wobble for perched birds but nothing that cant be over come. I video at 60fps but play back at 30fps which normally smooths things out most of the time, but if needed a little more stabilisation in POST can be used. I think if you did a 'Stills and Videoing handheld with the 800 F11' review it would be very interesting to watch 🙂 Looking forward to seeing more videos from you as I always find them interesting 🙂
Hi Duade, i enjoy watching each of your videos. There is a great effort and dedication in all of them. There is a subject I am curious about. I know Canon R6 and R5 users have been having freezing issues lately. What I am wondering is whether you have encountered such a problem and whether you have updated the cameras you are using. What do you think about it, thanks
Thanks for the comment, I have updated both cameras to the latest firmware. I have had the camera freeze but to be honest maybe once in the last few months so it does not happen very often. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks a lot, I'm also an R5 user and I've never had a freeze so far. Frankly, as far as I follow in the forums, there are those who encounter such freezing problems and those who do not. I hope an update is released that satisfies everyone.Cheers, Bora :)
I have the 800 and the 100 to 500 with an R5 and I am very happy with both. For the price it can't be beat. I like to use it on long hikes to see what I can find. It is so light you can walk all day with it. I found the Steller's Sea Eagle a long way off (2,500). I had the 800 lens on and I got an image with the 800 and the R5 in crop mode, that was good enough to easily identify this rare find (in Maine). No feather detail but not bad at all for 2,500 feet away and in low light mind you so at a very high ISO. Not the sort of image you go looking for but for identification purposes it was a good lens for this purpose and hand holding 1280 mm R U kidding. It worked.
Dan, that is wonderful, such a highlight to get a shot of that Sea Eagle. The 800 is a great birdwatching twitching lens that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for sharing your great performances. I already wrote last time that a perfect photography means 80% depends on your skill. I used this lens for almost four months, but I couldn’t get an awesome photo like yours. Specially I tried to take flight birds photography but….😝
Great video & fantastic photos Duade. The last bit was hilarious too. I'd like to know if the lens is good for taking video, or F11 is expecting a bit too much esp. in low light (rainforest). Cheers.
Great video Duade, so the 800mm on the new R7, would obviously increase the lens magnification but what would the minimum focus distance be? Does that change?
Great video Duade. I have debated whether to buy the 800 or get the 2x converter for my 100-500. I use my 1.4 converter occasionally but hate that the lens will not retract all the way. I love my R5 and look forward to Canon releasing more RF lens. Looking forward to your full review.
Thanks Karla, yes, the extender on the 100-500 is very annoying and a major design fault. I will keep taking images and will do the review in a month or two. Cheers, Duade
I have the 800mm/f11 since last year and used it with the R. It was okay, but since last month I have the R6. The 800mm works really gread on the R6 and I use this combination very often. The last month in Germany were dark and cold, so I used the R with the 300mm/f2.8 L IS and extender, because the f11 was nothing for lowlight. I think, the 800mm's working much better in lowlight on the R6. It's a real good combination and my 300mm/f2.8 stays at home.
Hey Duade, yet another of your trademark "birding experience" YT's ;-) Thanks for sharing the experience and the joy of making such amazing images ! I guess my next investment should be some clothes which take away fear of laying down in the mud 🙂 After upgrading from the 70D to the R6, my 100-400Lii clearly didn't satisfy my need for reach. So I was seriously considering the 800/11. But I fell a month ago for a second hand EF 2x for only a quarter of the price (thanks to Canon raising the prices once again). Now I can also shoot F11 @ 800mm (but F13 or F14 seem to be bit better), keeping nearly the full sensor for AF, and I can zoom out in case I lost track of the bird. Still I'm wondering about a direct IQ comparison between my combo and yours in this YT! In any case, I must say the Galahs in this YT are looking much better and sharper than the Galah in your sharpness YT from bit over a month ago 😛
Thanks Werner, I think the versatility of your combo is an improvement over this lens. 800mm is a little restrictive when trying to recompose. I will be sure to compare the 400 5.6 with a 2x and the 800 f11. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Yes, that would certainly be interesting as well, and easier for you because you have that 400/5.6. Compared to my zoom, the 5.6 is lacking IS and zooming, but it's lighter and probably optically a tad better. I would assume the 5.6 wins on a tripod and the 100-400Lii wins handheld. But with the eos EF-R and EF2x, the weight is really on the limit for walking around.
Great video Duade, as always. A question. I am considering buying a new bird lens. I have a Canon EOS R with the RF 100-400 and I'm hesitating between the Canon RF 800mm f11 and the Sigma 150-600 C with the adapter. I know from your videos that you have tried both. What would you recommend me?. Thank you
Great video! I sure considered this lens, or the 600, and the weight would be really sweet. But, in the end I got the Tamron 150-600 g2. It too has its limitations, and a bit of a workout to carry all day.
Kevin, just think of those guns you are building whilst taking photos, that makes it worth it alone :-) Zooms are very useful that is for sure. Good luck with your lens, Cheers, Duade
Can't wait to test my new camera and lens next week when the camera arrives 💪 800mm f6.3. Hope I figure out how to use the camera right away 😅 new ui and features and my first premium wildlife lens 😬 sadly I won't get these kinds of birds 😬 bot hopefully some herons, buzzards, deers and some city birds 😊
@@Duade the brand new om-1 and the Olympus 100-400mm lens. Since mft is 2x crop, it's 200-800mm lens 😊 been waiting a month now for delivery of the camera, so Tuesday/Wednesday can't come fast enough 😬
Thank you for informative video ! I am using RF 100-400mm with R6 for birds. In summer in south France I would like to try wild flamingos using RF 800mm F11 under strong sun shine. I hope it works when flamingos are searching for foods on the water. Cheers.
I started my photography journey with Canon 1300D and now I’m planning to upgrade! My choices Canon R8 Body + RF800 lens. What is your advice? Is it still worth buying or we have better options at this price point?
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I like my 800mm and often switch to it to get nice portraits of small, perched birds. My 100-500 is still the lens I start my day with. Your technique of superimposing the processed file over the raw file is the best on you tube.
Thanks Kevin, great to hear the combo is working well for you. Yes, the raw overlay is popular and I am glad it helps as it takes some time to do on each photo. Cheers, Duade
I totally agree., it’s interesting to see your composition correction and processing over the original file. You always seem to crop exactly as I would have done :-)
@@philfyphil Thanks Phil, great to hear, Cheers, Duade
I love how you share the raw footage to show the difference editing makes! Makes me go back to my previously discarded photos and edit them
Another great video, which still leaves this brit very envious of your fauna and flora. Must also add that I may be developing an envy for your spouse; hours spent preparing each video, hours processing your editorial work, muddy clothes and sneaking off before sunrise; she deserves a comment in appreciation! Regards Keith
Keith, I showed your comment to my wife and she agrees :-) I am very lucky to have such a supportive wife that encourages me to follow my passions. Cheers, Duade
Initially l baulked at this lens due to the minimum focal length and the limited focal box, l tested it out and left the shop without it. When l got home l realized that a $1600 lens will have it's limitations and the only way l would do better is to sell my car to get a better 800mm lens. So l went back and purchased it and have done a whole exhibition shot only with this lens so great value for money as it will get you shots you otherwise cannot get, loving it.
Thanks for sharing your experience, that is a great point and I am happy to hear it is working well for you. I look forward to putting it through its paces. Cheers, Duade
Thanks for this great review, off the back of it I've bought the 800 to use with an R6 and I'm thrilled with the early results. Amazing reach!
Great to hear, in good light it is excellent and there is no other way to get that focal length at that price. Good luck with it, Cheers, DUade
Great stuff! I really like the direction Canon took with these lenses. It is good to see they aren't afraid to take a risk sometimes. Personally I wouldn't be in the right circumstances often enough to really get the most out of a lens like this since sunny days are rare here and I shoot mostly during dusk/dawn, but I definitely see the appeal. I am hoping that someday they will come up with relatively affordable mid-range primes like a 600mm 5.6 in the 3k-4k range. That would be enough reason to step back into the canon ecosystem for me.
I too wish we had some DO lenses like Nikon have with their 500 5.6 and upcoming 800 6.3. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I know one of the biggest things to deal with after having life threatening health issues is dealing with the fear and uncertainty that comes after it. Thanks for sharing and thanks for your bravery in facing those fears and continuing on with your meaningful life.
Thanks Andrew, I did struggle a lot at the start but overtime I have learnt to not let the fear get to me and just to enjoy the moments being out there. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I'm glad you worked through it Duade. It takes time and some difficult decisions I think. Back in Australia, and up until my mid-20s, i suffered from chronic asthma. The attacks were frightening, but eventually I was able to push through and make a go of it.
All the very best!
@@andrewbalcombe1338 Great to hear Andrew, glad you are doing better now. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks Duade. All the best!
This is the first time ive felt so good after watching a review video.. its so uplifting maybe its your voice or your bg score idk what it is but it definitely is soothing 🥹🥹
You are too kind, thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade
The amount of effort was put into the intro alone was crazy
Thanks Kalabelai, Cheers, DUade
Thank you for showing the post editing on all those shots as there’s quite a few people that don’t realize the amount of work that a photographer has to put into showing a ““ finished “” picture. Also I like that arrangement you use to get steady shots on the ground.
Thanks, yes, the processing is the icing on the cake, glad to hear it helps to show the before and after. Cheers, Duade
Agree totally about the edits…
Nothing more relaxing than a day out taking wildlife pictures. Thank You for your amazing channel.
Thanks Martin, couldn't agree more. Cheers, Duade 👍
Duade by far your channel is the best on wildlife and birding photography techniques and reviews.Thank you!
Thanks Tami, you are too kind, Cheers, Duade 👍
We love the Winton Wetlands. I had a chuckle at the end, sometimes getting the b roll is as, if not more, time consuming than recording the actual video. Great video, thanks for sharing. All the best, Brian.
Brian, you are not wrong, I was a little late getting to the birds after recording all of it. But it helps tell a story so it's important to get. Cheers, Duade
I love how you use footage of you going back to get your camera. I can't tell you how many times I have done this too, just to make it look professional. Awesome content! You and Jan have me hooked now on birding, just need to get my hands on a sigma 150-600 and I'll never stop! Thank you!
Thanks mate, good luck with the channel, Cheers, Duade
Love your videos and really appreciate the overlay of the raw and edited version
Great video once again Duade. I have this combo and agree with your thoughts on the the focus area limitations and minimum focus distance, but as you say, that 800mm reach in such a light lens is hard to pass up. I find with this lens in bright light and the 100-500 in darker light, I have the best of both worlds. I am looking forward to your full review. If it were me I would get sick of all the set-ups you must have to do for each video sequence - lets just go and take photos! I get a good laugh from the out-takes too. Cheers.
Craig, thanks, yes, the B-roll does take away from my photo time which can be an issue at times. But it's hard to make a video with no footage :-) Cheers, Duade
What do you think?
Any bigger aperture 150-600mm-ish at the cost of weight/size and probably price (didnt find any model i would like and for less than 1000$)
Or basically trying the 800mm F11... i would have found a nice deal (750$) with even rest warranty
And im so used and annoyed by my 75-300... so unsharp, very clear CAs, really bad controllable focus ring and i have to rely more or less only on manual focus with focus peaking...
On top, the 800mm F11 seems to serve also well as astrograph if i am right?!
Another great video Duade. Too many gear videos these days but you find a way to make it about the morning out photographing birds with the gear review thrown in and more secondary to the story. Love it. !!!
Thanks Robert, yes, our feed can get full of gear reviews, it seems that is what gets the views. I have an educational video up next for a change. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for sharing this video. It inspired me to go out and take some pictures today in gloomy Michigan. Still waiting for spring. All my best.
Mark, congrats at getting out, roll on spring. Cheers Duade
Hey Duade, thanks for another great video. I bought this lens second hand last year and use it on my RP extensively. It's been a real game changer for my bird photography and huge step up from my EF 300 f4 + 1.4 extender. Yes the 6m mfd can be an issue but I'm not often closer that close to my subjects. I normally have the lens on a monopod with a small Sirui gimbal and have few issues with light outside of rainforest settings. With the monopod and gimbal good sharp photos are possible at shutter speeds of 1/400 if the bird is not moving. At the price point this lens has opened a world of bird photography I could only dream of before. I aiming to purchase a R6 later this year so it is great to see you using the combination I hope to be using in a few months.
Thanks for sharing Paul, and that is great you have found it so helpful in your photography. Lets hope the R7 is released soon so you have options. Cheers, Duade
Did you get the R6?
I moved from an RP to an R6 Mark II.
The RF 800 f11 behaves so much better with the new camera. I'm using it much more now.
I had an RP camera, but for some reason I didn’t really like working with it. I bought a new Kenon mark2 P6. I also shoot with this 800mm lens.
Thank you for comments on the RF800 f/11 lens. I also considered the RF600 f/11 + 1.4 teleconverter on my Canon R10. Still, I would like a camera with better eye tracking for birds in flight. Love watching you educational videos. Keep them coming!
My pleasure Rosemary, I hope you found a lens that works for you on the R10. Cheers, Duade
thank you 1! great video. like the fact that you show the RAW files and the post shots
George, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
your videos are some of the best ive ever seen. i love watching them, and learn so much about this amazing passion! please keep it up
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoy them, Cheers, Duade
Great Episode! I appreciate how you show the Raw then processed creative crop, etc... Thank you
Johnny, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for producing this video Duade! I've been curious about this lens for a little while and look forward to another video after you have used it for a while longer. Nice job!
Thanks Norman, I will continue to use it, Cheers, Duade
I was very pleased to watch your field test of the Canon RF 800 F/11 lens - so much that I ordered one today. I use the R6, so it was a bang-on test you did for me. Thank You. I will try to see, if I can do birds in flight with the 800mm. I know the Canon RF 800 F/11 lens has limitations, so I will be sure to carry my RF100-500 lens along. I can´t wait to see your review of the Canon R7 camera - once it is released. I think you run a great channel on RUclips, so please carry on.
Thanks, congrats on the lens, it is very unique and will be good for those situations where you need reach but have plenty of light. A good combo to the 100-500. Cheers, Duade
Had a rough day Duade. Birding and your reviews/videos really cheer me up. Thanks for what you do.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it brought a smile to my face, I am glad you find my videos relaxing. Cheers, Duade
Another professional presentation Duade. Yes I love this lens for bird photography on my R5, my only criticism is the small 'boxed' AF zone. Keep up the good work, well done and thanks. Cheers
Thanks Ray, I was surprised with how small the AF box was, I would much prefer the 80% of some other lenses. Cheers, Duade
I also appreciate the RAW and edit comparisons you include in the video!
I don’t have Canon equipment, but your gear videos still provide a lot of useful information. Thank you!!
Thanks Louisa, I am glad to hear you find the Raw to edit helpful, Cheers, Duade
My goto combo for taking handheld shots of the Moon. Wishing you well sir.
Thanks Dave, I will be sure to try that out, Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade! I love the last 20 seconds! Thats always on my mind when I watch videos of people filming themselves. I'm always like, where are they driving to, they need to still go back and get the camera. hahah. Love it! Keep up the great videos!
Rick, yes, there is a lot of running back and forward to setup the shots lol. Cheers, Duade
Thanks again for the video. I bought this a year ago. I like it most of the time. Only downfall is focus distance and low light. All in all I am happy with it for the price.
Thanks for that, seems those weaknesses are experienced by many, but as you say for the price it is great value. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, great video, when this lens was released in the UK within weeks there were so many available second-hand, and so many people moaning about the quality of the photos, but this lens is amazing for the price point, it needs light and lots of it and it needs thought before you use it, OK it's not going to replace my Canon EF 600mm F4 or my RF 100-500mm, but I have had some great images with it for light set up day out.
Thanks Tony, yes, the lens is great when used in nice light and conditions. I think people may have expected a bit much from a lens at this price point .Cheers, Duade
It's an awesome lens for the cost, and just in general. Whilst it won't get results quite like my 500 f4, it's MUCH easier and more forgiving to carry around all day. I have got some of my best shots with this lens, even in low light. Definitely the best value for money lens in my opinion. Great video as ever, the work you put in really shows 👍
Thanks Simon, that is great to hear you have been enjoying the lens, I really need to use it a lot more to get a good feel for it. Cheers, Duade
I guess R5, 6 or even R3?
At least on my RP... i absolutely need a lot light to keep the ISO below 6400. 12800 is barely ok quality wise when i have to crop.
@@harrison00xXx R5 & R6. I use dxo pure raw to clean up any noise if I push the ISO high. It's definitely stronger in good light, but not completely useless in darker conditions
Another great video, thanks Duade! Ever count your steps? Setting up and taking all the wonderful B roll must really add them up. Your drone work and everything else here all edited wonderfully tells such a complete story. Thanks again. Oh, regarding the lens, it looks tempting however I have the 100-500 and was thinking perhaps (once the budget recovers from purchasing that lens and the R6 last year) my next purchase should be the 1.4 teleconverter.
Thanks Joe, yes the 1.4 is a nice option on the 100-500 but is very expensive itself. It is a shame the 100-500 loses its ability to retract fully with the converter. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, I admit that I have no interest in the 800mm f/11, but I always watch your videos to see the beautiful Australian birds. Great video, and thanks. :)
Thanks Woody, yes, it is a very unique lens, thanks for watching. Cheers, Duade
Duane, another great video showing a tempting lens. Also loved again how you used the ground pod to get low. Something I am doing more of now. As much sunshine as we get in Arizona and our birds tending to perch at a distance definitely something to consider.
Thanks Bruce, I am still testing the lens and seeing what it is capable of. Have fun in the spring weather. Cheers, Duade
I have that combination, Duade, but not the quality that your works shows. Thanks for this review.
Thanks for the comment, I will continue to test the lens and will do a review later on. Cheers, Duade
Fun video, I love my 800mm. Light here on Vancouver Island is rarely as bright as you experience Duade. That being said I get some lovely images with it. Yesterday it’s extra reach really helped shooting tiny Rufous Hummingbirds, It’s a great companion lens to my 100-500mm.
Thanks for the comment, I do believe it makes a good combo with a zoom, Cheers, Duade
First time watching and instantly subbed. Love your laid back and respectful approach to wildlife photography!
and welcome to the channel, it is great to have you onboard. Cheers, Duade
This lens, as others have pointed out, is an absolute steal for what you get. Like Simon Wiltshire said, it is very forgiving in terms of carrying around and that means you get far more great, on the spur, shots than if you have to set something up on a tripod. Looking forward to seeing more videos of what you get out of it Duade.
Thanks, I plan on using it more in the future and testing it out. Cheers, Duade
Duade, I frequently use extension tubes to get over a poor MFD, especially when using my 70-200 f2.8 for macro on insects. Nice to see you using the R6, I am still struggling about buying an R5, mainly because of the cost.
Your thinking about extension tubes was spot on. They solved the issue for me.
Thanks, I have ordered some tubes, I look forward to trying them out. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I have reciprocated by ordering an R5, only I may have to upgrade my laptop too, the one I use has trouble playing FHD video files from the R6!
This combo is really great, and even more impressive for video in low light. I have not had it for long, but its really really good. Looking forward to your next video.
I have seen alot of your videos, but think it might be 1st time i comment. Keep up the great work
Morten, thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it. Glad to hear that combo is working well for you. Cheers, Duade
Thank you for sharing your experiences. Keep up the great work of informing and educating us on gear and field craft.
Thomas, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
So happy I got this lenses 800mm is very nice couple of days ago my 100 to 500 rf arrived and I am super happy, just ordered 1.4 extender this morning and I'll be well sorted super stoked 😀😊
Congrats, sounds like you are well and truly sorted, happy birding, Cheers, Duade
Another fine video. Thank you. I like how the birds in the first half had more environment (distractions some would say) around them. Then in the second half those Grebes, wonderful! So I guess the lens works well despite its small focus area.
Well done. Please keep,at it and stay well.
Oh BTW. I opted for a 150 -600 g2 Tamron, with a Tap-in gizmo for my 7dii. What a game changer!
That is great to hear, glad to hear the lens is working well for you. Happy birding, Cheers, Duade
the r6 plus 800 f11 is a dynamite combo for bird photography. I use it all the time, and it delivers in all but the dusk and dawn hours of the day. Especially if you use pureraw or topaz. It's one of the best budget combos you can buy.
Thanks Daniel, sounds like it is working well for you, I look forward to testing it more in the future, Cheers, Duade
I have been using this lens and the R5 for about a month now and love it. bought it for $750 off Facebook marketplace like new. Yes its f11 but the reach and the sharpness far out preform the Sigma 150-600mm or the Tamron 150-600 G2 lens for canon. Both lens which I have had. The sharpness lacks very much at 600mm on those lens. The R5 and R6 can shoot very high ISO though which helps. Plus having Topaz laps can aid in cleanup. Definitely wouldn't shoot in low light with f11 but it can. For people who hike like myself its sooo light weight and way more practical then the 600mm f4.
Its worth it for newbies like myself to wildlife who shoot most the time in good weather anyway.
I've been considering this lens, I already have the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary and with 1.4 extender can get 840mm F9, so was thinking it might be a bit of a waste of money. Would you say the sharpness is noticeably better with the Canon compared to the Sigma?
@@paulgibbings9553 oh yeah. Especially with the extra 200mm reach it’s worth the limits with f11 which honestly most people are cropping with their 600mm anyway because the animals are far away and there is less compression. So f5.6 cropped at 600mm looks very similar to 800 f11. Background wise. 600mm on the sigma 150-600mm always looked off
@@keeganflahive1604 Thanks, A lot of my photography is birds, so I'm definitely cropping very frequently.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Keegan, yes, the weight really makes it a pleasure to handhold and walk around with it. Cheers, Duade
@@keeganflahive1604 I had both combo in the past. R6 with Sigma 150 - 600 C x 1.4x Sigma TC. RF 800 mm F11 outperforms it in image quality, Focusing speed & weight. Even with RF 1.4x TC, In my view it has better IQ than Sigma on any focal length.
While there is a tonne of reasons to hate on this lens, I just love it! Had it ever since it first became available. The most astounding thing about it is watching you walk around with a sharp 800mm lens casually swinging it in one hand!
Sure beats hefting a 600/4 or 800/5.6 on a Gitzo 410 with a Wimberly gimbal! LOL!
Mine has been used mostly on hummingbird to blue jay size birds using a 35mm extension tube to beat the MFD limitation. That allows it to focus from about 14 feet out to about 70 feet.
Does animal-AF work with the extension tube as well as without it?
@@dimitristsagdis7340 Animal Eye AF works fine with the 35mm tube.
Thanks Terry, that is great to hear, I will be trying some tubes in the future, Cheers, Duade
I bought an R6 and this lens last year and like them both compare to my previous system 90D and a 100-400 II with a 1.4 ext for photographing birds. Great video. Also bought the RF100-400 and using it with the RF extenders.
Guillermo, that is great to hear, I am glad you are enjoying your lenses on the R6. Cheers, Duade
Duade, you are a phenomenal photographer! I think you could take a circa 1970s Kodak 110 Instamatic and make great pictures with it, you are so good at composition! And your raw files look better than my files after I've played with them in Lightroom! Also I loved the video on your story on how you got into photography. What an inspiration! God has His hand on you, man, to bring you back from the dead and give you a passion and a talent such as you have. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Hugh, you are too kind, yes, the silver lining of my trauma has been life changing and very enjoyable. I wish I didn't take such a drastic path to photography but I am happy I am here now. Cheers, Duade
Great images. I have seen quite a few reviews for this lens. It takes good pictures as long as you can accept its limitations. When I switch to the R series I will give this lens a try. We may be too dark for it to work here.
Thanks Jeff, yes, the MFD and AF box is pretty annoying I must admit. And f11 does require nice light. But you do get 800mm in a very light package. Cheers, Duade
@up_the_arsenal_65 Good to know it works here. The price and weight are hard to resist.
@up_the_arsenal_65 That is great to hear, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, always enjoy your video's. Looking forward to your next one.
Thanks Cesar, Cheers, Duade
This is my standard rig. I love it particularly for the price. I particularly use it for open areas like wetlands and beaches. The unplanned secondary benefit is that for shorter range stuff I can now take the extender off my old EF100-400 and get better image quality in thicker bush and rain forest.
Thanks Marcus, I agree it works well in combination with a zoom, Cheers, Duade
Always appreciate the RAW file and edit transitions. Thought about getting this 800mm because of the price and it seems pretty sharp for the cost. Had a 100-500 RF but returned it because it wasn't as sharp as I had hoped
If you think 100-500 isn’t sharp for you then don’t buy the 800.
Thanks for your comment, I wonder if there was something wrong with your 100-500 as it is one of the sharpest zooms I have ever used. I think one issue is when the bird is a long way off and we try to crop, 500mm is quite short on a FF camera. The 800 will make the subject bigger meaning less cropping but it is not as sharp as the 100-500. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade yeah that could definitely be the case, might rent another one to verify as I am in need of that focal length still. Used a 2x extender on/off as well without much difference so maybe just the lens
Yeah the 100-500 is outstandingly sharp so I think something may be amiss!
Great video! Looking forward to seeing your video about Canon R7 test with this lens and Sigma 150-600/C.
Thanks Li, I will try and get hold of the Sigma 150-600C to test with the R7, Cheers, Duade
8:32 The crop appears to be above the top edge of the raw file, then Photoshop filled in the missing portion.
Len, I added the canvas in photoshop as it was a little tight on the bird. Cheers, Duade
Nice article, Duade. Thanks. I shoot with the same kit plus a 100-500. I find with the 800 if you have the light, fix your shutter speed high, minimum 1/2000 and set ISO to auto. The R6 is very forgiving with high ISO. Let the ISO free range and the clarity shines with the faster shutter speed.
Thanks John, good advice re the higher SS, I will be sure to try it out, Cheers, Duade
I put a round metal hood on that lens it really helped keep it clean
Thanks Gerard, I have purchased a lens hood for the lens. Cheers, Duade
Spot on mate! loved that! been umming and arring about one for a while ... nice array of birds there too 😉👍🏼
Thanks JP, I look forward to trying it out extensively. Cheers, Duade
This is truly a great lens for those of us just going out when it's great weather.
I'm too deep into micro 4/3 glass myself, but it's a fantastic reason for newer people to just start out in full frame without having to sell your house for a 800mm
Thanks Jack, I agree it is a great lens for birders or people starting out that want plenty of reach at an affordable price. Cheers, Duade
Great video as usual. Looking forward to the full review.🇨🇦
Thanks Larry, Cheers, Duade
Enjoyed the video. Thumbs up as always.
I would enjoy seeing you prove or disprove an AF function theory.
If you used your R5 with the RF800 f/11, and set your R5 to APC Mode.
This supposedly helps the AF with long-distance shots because it magnifies the image presented to the AF system.
If true, the magnified image helps the AF Tracking by making distant objects more detailed 1.6X and greatly improves the AF reliability.
If false, the AF system acquires the long-distance image information from the APC crop area, but prior to the image magnification presented to the EVF - i.e. the AF system just receives the same information from the APC crop area, offering no advantages.
Everyone reviewing the RF800 states that the AF reliability can be very hit or miss, due to the f/11 aperture.
I am very interested in this lens. The R5, with its 45 MP sensor, is a very good candidate to use in APC Mode, resulting in 17 MP APC images.
Does the APC Mode's 'crop & magnification' improve the R5's AF tracking system?
Can you resolve this theory?
Since the RF800 can cause most AF systems to struggle with tracking, this becomes an important question.
A lot of people will appreciate your opinion, Duane.
Thank you very much.
Great video. The scene at 2:25 - I know it’s not wildlife- but it would have deserved a shot 😁
Peter, yes, I probably should have taken that shot, unfortunately my bird brain had taken over. Cheers, Duade
Now thinking of selling my 800 F11 and getting the RF 100-400 + 2x tc. I love the versatility of a zoom.
Fernando, yes the zoom is a great lens, and the versatility is great. I would consider getting the RF100-400 first and maybe using them incombination. The 800 when you need the FL and the zoom for everything else. If that is too much of a pain then the extender can be used. f16 can be very restriction on the zoom so you will need a lot of light. Cheers, Duade
Mine arrived today and I am heading out to Sibuya Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa next month to hopefully get some great wildlife and birding shots.
Very nice content ..as always..Thanks for such beautiful birds. Would like to know more about this lens.
Thanks Soumitra, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
I shot my first birds i good light today with my new RF800/F11 on my R6. I am very happy with the result. I even think that the pictures are better than when I use 2 x extender on my RF100-500. So again thanks for your valuable guidance Duade.
That is great to hear, I agree that the 2x on the 100-500 is not the best. Cheers, Duade
A part of me wants to buy one but knowing that it won't focus below 6 m would be a problem and knowing that soft/blurred f/11 backgrounds won't happen as often is also a concern. Not to mention problems with lower light conditions. The pictures with it look nice and sharp, though, and its reach is awesome. I'm going to research the Canon 200-800 mm before open the wallet. I may just buy a 1.4 TC for my Tamron 150-600mm f/5 - 5.6, tough decisions. Great video, thanks!
Great video. I have this lens but have not had a lot of time to put it to use yet. Thanks for posting.
it is my pleasure, good luck with your lens, Cheers, Duade
I love your videos because of the same feelings and experience but you are fortunate you live in Australia like country where you find so many colorful birds. i have dream to see those birds.
Thanks, Farhat, yes, we have some lovely birds down here. Cheers, Duade
would be interesting to compare this lens with the new nikons 800 f6.3
The Nikon will blow this out of the water, that lens is going to be super impressive. Cheers, Duade
I have just bought the RF600 F11 to use with my R5 and did think hard about the 800. Cost was a factor and the MFD, although for birds in flight would be great. We get a lot of Red kites where I live. Not had a huge amount of time using the 600 but so far it’s ok, weather dependant though. Something that the UK may have a big shout about.
Another great vid 👍
Thanks Gary, congrats on the 600, I hope spring brings you many opportunities. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I still think it’s a shame there is no Sigma 150-600 for the RF lenses. I will buy the 100-500 RF in time but that extra 100mm would be great to have. Anyway take care Duade, and looking forward to the next video.
Thank you very much for sharing your videos. I follow them with interest.
Great to hear Juan, Cheers, Duade
That looks like a nice lens. You always get the best shots!
Thanks Michael, I have plenty of fun out there that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
Two things to try:
1. Add a Canon 1.4x extender for 1120mm reach at f/16.
2. Try crop mode for stationary targets with the 1.4x extender
800mm x 1.4x extender x 1.6 crop.
Works surprisingly good.
I have used 800mm F11 with RF 1.4x many times on my R6, the focusing speed gets a tiny hit, however still very good image quality even at higher ISO due to F16.
Thanks Joseph, I will be sure to try out extenders on the 800. Cheers, Duade
Another interesting video Duade. I admire the amount of work that went into making it, I presume you were on your own ? if so, you must have had to set up the video camera, taken the drone footage as well as get your own shots - a lot to juggle. The lens looks very impressive for the money too.
Thanks John, yep, all on my own so the first montage was pretty hectic and probably took a little longer than I would have liked. But it is fun to do. Cheers, Duade
Would like to see you use the lense when it's murky n cloudy like on a day over here in Scotland ...or when ir's Hazy .
Thanks Colin, great point, I will endeavour to try out the lens when we get some clouds, nothing but sunshine for the near future down here. Cheers, Duade
That f/11 really impacts the ISO quite a bit. Given the price of the lens and it's performance though I would find it hard to argue on how those shots came out. I do a lot of birds and the 200-600mm is out of my budget so it seems this may be my best choice for RF mount lenses for birding. Thanks for the field test!
Thanks Roger, yes the high ISO or low SS is one downside to this lens and you will be using DXO Pure RAW or Topaz a bit if shooting in less then ideal light. But for its price you are getting 800mm of focal length which is hard to achieve any other way. Cheers, Duade
Really enjoy your channel Duade :-) I have had this lens for a couple of months and as long as you use it in the right conditions I think it is very good. My main use for it is video and as you use a slow shutter speed for video [I normally use 1/60 at 30fps] then F11 is not a problem as far as light goes and on a bright day I still need a ND filter as there is too much light :-)
That is great to hear, I am glad it is working out well for you and for video. How do you find the IS for video? Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Hi Duade :-) For still photography I can hand hold the 800 F11 most of the time with no problems using IS, but I do try and use a tripod for video. On the few occasions I have not used a tripod for video I find that IS for Bird In Flight footage is fine but I do I get a little wobble for perched birds but nothing that cant be over come. I video at 60fps but play back at 30fps which normally smooths things out most of the time, but if needed a little more stabilisation in POST can be used. I think if you did a 'Stills and Videoing handheld with the 800 F11' review it would be very interesting to watch 🙂 Looking forward to seeing more videos from you as I always find them interesting 🙂
@@LifeInTheWildPhotography Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade, i enjoy watching each of your videos. There is a great effort and dedication in all of them. There is a subject I am curious about. I know Canon R6 and R5 users have been having freezing issues lately. What I am wondering is whether you have encountered such a problem and whether you have updated the cameras you are using. What do you think about it, thanks
Thanks for the comment, I have updated both cameras to the latest firmware. I have had the camera freeze but to be honest maybe once in the last few months so it does not happen very often. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Thanks a lot, I'm also an R5 user and I've never had a freeze so far. Frankly, as far as I follow in the forums, there are those who encounter such freezing problems and those who do not. I hope an update is released that satisfies everyone.Cheers, Bora :)
I have the 800 and the 100 to 500 with an R5 and I am very happy with both. For the price it can't be beat. I like to use it on long hikes to see what I can find. It is so light you can walk all day with it. I found the Steller's Sea Eagle a long way off (2,500). I had the 800 lens on and I got an image with the 800 and the R5 in crop mode, that was good enough to easily identify this rare find (in Maine). No feather detail but not bad at all for 2,500 feet away and in low light mind you so at a very high ISO. Not the sort of image you go looking for but for identification purposes it was a good lens for this purpose and hand holding 1280 mm R U kidding. It worked.
Dan, that is wonderful, such a highlight to get a shot of that Sea Eagle. The 800 is a great birdwatching twitching lens that is for sure. Cheers, Duade
Love your Video. All the best from Vienna
Thank you, Cheers, Duade
wow !! so nice Tanks you Duade !
Jean, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Thanks for sharing your great performances. I already wrote last time that a perfect photography means 80% depends on your skill. I used this lens for almost four months, but I couldn’t get an awesome photo like yours. Specially I tried to take flight birds photography but….😝
BIF is very difficult especially with 800mm and the small focus box. Cheers, Duade
Duade, Keep up the amazing content. P.s. Love the emojis!
Thanks Jo, Cheers, Duade
That's one of the best channels!
Great video & fantastic photos Duade. The last bit was hilarious too.
I'd like to know if the lens is good for taking video, or F11 is expecting a bit too much esp. in low light (rainforest). Cheers.
Thanks Jordan, I will be sure to shoot some video as well and see how it goes, Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade, so the 800mm on the new R7, would obviously increase the lens magnification but what would the minimum focus distance be? Does that change?
Mike, the MFD would stay the same at 6m which is a weakness of the lens, Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade. I have debated whether to buy the 800 or get the 2x converter for my 100-500. I use my 1.4 converter occasionally but hate that the lens will not retract all the way. I love my R5 and look forward to Canon releasing more RF lens. Looking forward to your full review.
Thanks Karla, yes, the extender on the 100-500 is very annoying and a major design fault. I will keep taking images and will do the review in a month or two. Cheers, Duade
I have the 800mm/f11 since last year and used it with the R. It was okay, but since last month I have the R6. The 800mm works really gread on the R6 and I use this combination very often. The last month in Germany were dark and cold, so I used the R with the 300mm/f2.8 L IS and extender, because the f11 was nothing for lowlight. I think, the 800mm's working much better in lowlight on the R6. It's a real good combination and my 300mm/f2.8 stays at home.
Yes, the low light ability of the R6 is very good. Great to hear you are enjoying the lens, Cheers, Duade
Hey Duade, yet another of your trademark "birding experience" YT's ;-) Thanks for sharing the experience and the joy of making such amazing images ! I guess my next investment should be some clothes which take away fear of laying down in the mud 🙂
After upgrading from the 70D to the R6, my 100-400Lii clearly didn't satisfy my need for reach. So I was seriously considering the 800/11. But I fell a month ago for a second hand EF 2x for only a quarter of the price (thanks to Canon raising the prices once again). Now I can also shoot F11 @ 800mm (but F13 or F14 seem to be bit better), keeping nearly the full sensor for AF, and I can zoom out in case I lost track of the bird. Still I'm wondering about a direct IQ comparison between my combo and yours in this YT!
In any case, I must say the Galahs in this YT are looking much better and sharper than the Galah in your sharpness YT from bit over a month ago 😛
Thanks Werner, I think the versatility of your combo is an improvement over this lens. 800mm is a little restrictive when trying to recompose. I will be sure to compare the 400 5.6 with a 2x and the 800 f11. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade Yes, that would certainly be interesting as well, and easier for you because you have that 400/5.6. Compared to my zoom, the 5.6 is lacking IS and zooming, but it's lighter and probably optically a tad better. I would assume the 5.6 wins on a tripod and the 100-400Lii wins handheld. But with the eos EF-R and EF2x, the weight is really on the limit for walking around.
Great video Duade, as always.
A question. I am considering buying a new bird lens. I have a Canon EOS R with the RF 100-400 and I'm hesitating between the Canon RF 800mm f11 and the Sigma 150-600 C with the adapter. I know from your videos that you have tried both. What would you recommend me?. Thank you
Great video! I sure considered this lens, or the 600, and the weight would be really sweet. But, in the end I got the Tamron 150-600 g2. It too has its limitations, and a bit of a workout to carry all day.
Kevin, just think of those guns you are building whilst taking photos, that makes it worth it alone :-) Zooms are very useful that is for sure. Good luck with your lens, Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I do have to confess to sore arms at the end of the day. I'm weak!
Another great video. To me this lens only focus in the center of the frame is a deal breaker.
Thanks Tommy, that is a weakness for sure, Cheers, Duade
Can't wait to test my new camera and lens next week when the camera arrives 💪 800mm f6.3. Hope I figure out how to use the camera right away 😅 new ui and features and my first premium wildlife lens 😬 sadly I won't get these kinds of birds 😬 bot hopefully some herons, buzzards, deers and some city birds 😊
Villiam, congrats on the new gear, which lens did you go with? Cheers, Duade
@@Duade the brand new om-1 and the Olympus 100-400mm lens. Since mft is 2x crop, it's 200-800mm lens 😊 been waiting a month now for delivery of the camera, so Tuesday/Wednesday can't come fast enough 😬
Thank you for informative video ! I am using RF 100-400mm with R6 for birds. In summer in south France I would like to try wild flamingos using RF 800mm F11 under strong sun shine. I hope it works when flamingos are searching for foods on the water. Cheers.
That sounds like a wonderful use of the lens, good luck, Cheers, Duade
I started my photography journey with Canon 1300D and now I’m planning to upgrade! My choices Canon R8 Body + RF800 lens. What is your advice? Is it still worth buying or we have better options at this price point?
Great video! Your photos are great!
Thank you, Cheers, Duade
Great video Duade. Thinking about buying that lens but wondering how it does with action shots. Thanks
Thanks John, I will be sure to take plenty of shots for the review, Cheers, Duade
Great review, loved it!
Thanks Omer, Cheers, Duade