Thanks Phil! I really appreciate your continued coverage of the 200-800 with the r7. Over the past week, I tested the r7 hard, using my 400 mm f4 DO mk 2 lens, which gets me to 640 mm FF effective FOV. Note that i have owned the r7 since it hit the streets. As you noted, it is not as consistent with AF as the r5, but it can still hammer home winning shots, at a cost of a lot less than and r5. On the DO, I think it can “see” better than on some other lenses, like maybe the 100-500, though I’m not 100% sure on that. But I got some really good shots at a hit rate that seems more than good enough. I was shooting at lot of distant birds at f4 but stopping down for closer birds. I’m going to Panama in March and an trying to decide on the best gear to bring given that light will be low and we will be doing a lot of walking. So my 500 mm f4 mk2 is ruled out do to weight. My 100-500 is ruled out due to the 7.1, though I could get by on the r5 with it, but the r7 may struggle. But the f4 DO, on either the r7 or r5, along with the 1.4x tc, seems like the way to go. I would go with the r5 on the DO for close birds, and use the r7 for more distant ones. Then I would put the 1.4x tc on for the Harpy Eagles we plan to see high up in a nest. Of course, if my 200-800 should arrive in time, I may be using that on the r5!!
Thank you! A friend has the 400 DO and loves it. If I’m traveling by plane the 100-500 is my go to because of its tiny size. We are in Florida now but we drove so I’ll be working with the 200-800 tomorrow at the Black Point wildlife drive.
This is the combination I have used the most. I have been going out with my RF 100-500 on my R5 and the RF 200-800 on my R7. My initial thought was I would use the R5 setup for BIF and really close subjects or when I wants to get a wide view. I have been pleasantly surprised with the ability to use the RF200-800 on the R7 for BIF. This lens is amazing. If I could only have one lens, this would probably be it.
Nice shots! I really liked the different deer shots. I liked the generative fill shot at the end. I have been using generative fill to remove people from my photos and really like the results.
Thanks for this video and test, Phil! (I don't know when you made this, but our daughter was married at Harrison Bay State Park on New Year's Eve. As we were being photographed after the ceremony, she and I identified the birds we heard as they visited. Bird nerds.)
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion on AF while shooting at High FPS burst rate. Do you think using an 400 F2.8 LENS EF II would work better(because of more light) in getting, "in focus" keepers at 30 FPS❓I am asking because I have the lens would love to take advantage of the 1.6 crop factor. I almost ordered an R7 and just held back since I was not confident if I could use it for Bird in Flight shots at a high keeper rate.
I would love to see more in the moment photography. i know it takes a lot more effort, but it would be really cool to watch your process. POV would be especially cool
I purchased the lens the other day and it's amazing! One huge problem for me though is a lot filters do not work with the hood at the same time. The Sigma WR filter overhangs by about half a mm and because of this the hood doesn't slide over it.
That sounds like a problem with the filter, not the lens. I never use a lens how when I'm using a filter. But I never use a filter with a bird photography lens. So, you are experiencing a problem that would never appear in my work. I hope you find a filter system that works for you.
Great video and shots Phil! I'm still debating on buying the 200-800mm, partially because of the AF issues on the R7, but it appears that many good shots can be taken when AF is working.
Hi Phil, I loved all your images and their amazing details, but the open mouth with Bambi eyes was clearly your cutest shot ! Regarding the R7 AF struggles, you may have missed that but Duade had his R7 at some point checked by Canon and they actually admitted it's AF can struggle at the highest framerates, likely due to the relatively slow sensor readout speed leaving less time in between frames to adjust focus. This is in line with your observation to have better results at the lowest ES frame rate. But then I'm wondering why you're not switching from ES to EFCS ? At 1280mm you're not supposed to scare away the birds with the shutter sound, and EFCS avoids rolling shutter you can get using ES, but it also avoids the shutter shock you'd see when using mechanical shutter.
Thank you! I always watch Duade’s videos. I may try electronic first curtain shutter a little bit tomorrow at the black point wildlife drive in Florida.
@@PhilThach Looking forward to how you'll like the EFCS. I do know the R7 has a louder shutter compared to R6/5 etc .. The last months I'm using more EFCS than ES on my R5 because it avoids the rolling shutter but also the Wobble (which I typically noticed in the first few frames of a burst). I might miss some frames, but it does save me a bit of time while culling (which is the least fun part of photography)
Great review, I own a R7, A6600 abd 7Dii and though the R7 is the best camera I own. It does suffer from a slow read out sensor which is about the same as my A6600 and better low light performance than my 7Dii. For the price the R7 is a very capable camera and when it first came out people thought it was going to be the successor to the 7Dii as apsc R5 camera !
Does the autofocus work better with your full frame camera? I was real tempted to get the R8 but I’m holding off and seeing what comes out in the future. I’ve spent enough already… 😂
Thank you! Yes, if you are used to seeing photographs made from the blind, where I am significantly closer to the subject, these will not be as sharp as what you’re used to.
Still waiting for my copy, do you think the autofocus will struggle more or less with my R10? My 100-400 tends to struggle if pointed at sky and sometimes If background is full of trees.
Throughly enjoyed this post Phil. Made me miss East Tennessee ... there so much to photograph 📸 there 😊 ... BTW I like the "ugly" beach ⛱️ vs. the AI generative fill. The AI steals the character of the environment IMHO 😊
I looked at the Digital-Picture comparison tool between this 200-800 vs the Sony 200-600 with 1.4X TC. Looks close with the Sony 200-600 having an observable advantage in sharpness (at 800mm). I am looking to upgrade from my Tamron 150-500 for Sony with Sony A7RIV and may go to Canon R7 with the 200-800. However, from what I am seeing so far not completely convinced. May go with just selling my Tamron 150-500 and getting a Sony 200-600 and Sony 1.4XTC. Using the same tool I see at 500mm the Tamron 150-500 being observably sharper than the Canon 200-800.
Thank you! Just switching from electronic shutter to Electronic First Curtain or full mechanical shutter will completely eliminate rolling shutter problems during in flight shots. Or use an R3 with its stacked sensor will also fix that problem.
My boss (another bird photographer) and I were discussing the R7's autofocus just yesterday. We both think the R7's AF was far, far better with the original firmware. It seems to us that, when they upgraded the AF in the firmware, the AF actually became less reliable. It seems to jump off of focus now, even after it has it! The original R7 AF was amazing -- and better than that of the R5. Now, it's clearly not.
I enjoyed the Video Phil and this Generative Fill interests me although I cant/am not allowed to 'Change' images for entry into Photographic Salons . I can Crop but thats all >> no manipulation allowed as per the Rules of Entry , But for Social Media etc I can obviously remove a stick etc from in front of say a Lion portrait
Phil, thanks for the content. I really like your approach and choice of crop sensor cameras, Most people use full frame, and it makes more sense to me as a wildlife photographer to use crop. I shoot R7 only, I put my 80D in the closet and haven't used it since R7 with EF 100-400II. Since you are like me me with bigger hands, I want to share one of my favorite mods I have doe to the R7. You can find a youtube video that shows brief instructions on how to use older model battery grip and saw off the stem so it can be mounted to the bottom of R7. It is not functional as a shutter or battery, Just a very comfortable grip, especially useful when using large lenses.Keep up the good work! 200-800 is my highest interest now, I don't own one yet, but with your help I will be forced to treat myself to a new lens. Ebay the Canon BG-E2 grip. ruclips.net/video/PUh1p8ps-m8/видео.html
I have always only used Full Frame for African Wild Life & Birds .. Current setup is perfect and my Camera Z8 looks like its going to become a life long and final friend of mine >> 45 M Pixels so if you need to crop ..it gives you plenty to play with > Lens Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6 - f6.3 and if I ever need more on say a small bird or far off Kalahari lion >>>flip to DX and get 900mm @ 20 m Pixels @f6.3 where others start at 200mm f6.3 and here I am working at 900mm @f6.3 >> I have finally found African Wild Life Photography Heaven after shooting Wild Life here for 60 years
This beautifull sandy beach doesn't fit the subject. It is not a grey heron's habitat. I like the original shot much more. Maybe if the foreground was a bit blurred, it would look better.
thanks so much for the beautiful shots you shared, love that face shot of the little deer so much, thanks again.
Thank you! That is the one Heather said she likes the best as well.
The backlit closeups of that deer are beautiful!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing again Phil. Great video. Greetings from Per Christensen, Denmark
Thank you!
Totally gorgeous photos! ❤. I think I love the lens! 👍. Thank you for the video!
Thank you!
You got some awesome shots in this video Phil. The deer shots were amazing.
Thank you! It was a good morning for deer. 🦌
Thanks Phil! I really appreciate your continued coverage of the 200-800 with the r7.
Over the past week, I tested the r7 hard, using my 400 mm f4 DO mk 2 lens, which gets me to 640 mm FF effective FOV. Note that i have owned the r7 since it hit the streets. As you noted, it is not as consistent with AF as the r5, but it can still hammer home winning shots, at a cost of a lot less than and r5. On the DO, I think it can “see” better than on some other lenses, like maybe the 100-500, though I’m not 100% sure on that. But I got some really good shots at a hit rate that seems more than good enough. I was shooting at lot of distant birds at f4 but stopping down for closer birds.
I’m going to Panama in March and an trying to decide on the best gear to bring given that light will be low and we will be doing a lot of walking. So my 500 mm f4 mk2 is ruled out do to weight. My 100-500 is ruled out due to the 7.1, though I could get by on the r5 with it, but the r7 may struggle. But the f4 DO, on either the r7 or r5, along with the 1.4x tc, seems like the way to go. I would go with the r5 on the DO for close birds, and use the r7 for more distant ones. Then I would put the 1.4x tc on for the Harpy Eagles we plan to see high up in a nest. Of course, if my 200-800 should arrive in time, I may be using that on the r5!!
Thank you! A friend has the 400 DO and loves it. If I’m traveling by plane the 100-500 is my go to because of its tiny size. We are in Florida now but we drove so I’ll be working with the 200-800 tomorrow at the Black Point wildlife drive.
This is the combination I have used the most. I have been going out with my RF 100-500 on my R5 and the RF 200-800 on my R7. My initial thought was I would use the R5 setup for BIF and really close subjects or when I wants to get a wide view. I have been pleasantly surprised with the ability to use the RF200-800 on the R7 for BIF. This lens is amazing. If I could only have one lens, this would probably be it.
Thank you! I think I would pick the 200-800 as well if I could only have one.
Great shots, Phil!
Thank you!
Nice shots! I really liked the different deer shots. I liked the generative fill shot at the end. I have been using generative fill to remove people from my photos and really like the results.
Thank you, Stephen!
Some impressive shots! Nice!
Thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always
Thank you!
Great video... I am still waiting for my backordered lens to arrive.
Thank you! I hope you get yours soon.
Thanks for this video and test, Phil! (I don't know when you made this, but our daughter was married at Harrison Bay State Park on New Year's Eve. As we were being photographed after the ceremony, she and I identified the birds we heard as they visited. Bird nerds.)
Thank you! The second day of this video, which was the majority of this video, was made on Christmas Eve morning.
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion on AF while shooting at High FPS burst rate. Do you think using an 400 F2.8 LENS EF II would work better(because of more light) in getting, "in focus" keepers at 30 FPS❓I am asking because I have the lens would love to take advantage of the 1.6 crop factor. I almost ordered an R7 and just held back since I was not confident if I could use it for Bird in Flight shots at a high keeper rate.
I think you would definitely get more keepers than you do at F9 for sure.
I would love to see more in the moment photography. i know it takes a lot more effort, but it would be really cool to watch your process. POV would be especially cool
Thank you!
A very good review of the R7 and 200-800, one little nit, the minimum FL with the 1.6 crop factor is 320 rather than the 360 you said at 00:43
Thank you, you are correct, I remembered it wrong. Good catch!
congrats, nice shots.
@@diegoramirez6165 thank you!
I purchased the lens the other day and it's amazing! One huge problem for me though is a lot filters do not work with the hood at the same time. The Sigma WR filter overhangs by about half a mm and because of this the hood doesn't slide over it.
That sounds like a problem with the filter, not the lens. I never use a lens how when I'm using a filter. But I never use a filter with a bird photography lens. So, you are experiencing a problem that would never appear in my work. I hope you find a filter system that works for you.
Thank you for your explanation. Does the focus problem still exist in consecutive shots?
Thank you! Yes, they R7 definitely, misses focus from time to time, even in the middle of a burst.
@@PhilThach It is unfortunate that canon produced a camera with 15 shots per second, but did not use this feature
Great video and shots Phil! I'm still debating on buying the 200-800mm, partially because of the AF issues on the R7, but it appears that many good shots can be taken when AF is working.
Thank you! The lens doesn’t appear to focus any better or worse than other lenses on the R7.
Nice results!!
Thank you!
Hi Phil, I loved all your images and their amazing details, but the open mouth with Bambi eyes was clearly your cutest shot !
Regarding the R7 AF struggles, you may have missed that but Duade had his R7 at some point checked by Canon and they actually admitted it's AF can struggle at the highest framerates, likely due to the relatively slow sensor readout speed leaving less time in between frames to adjust focus. This is in line with your observation to have better results at the lowest ES frame rate. But then I'm wondering why you're not switching from ES to EFCS ? At 1280mm you're not supposed to scare away the birds with the shutter sound, and EFCS avoids rolling shutter you can get using ES, but it also avoids the shutter shock you'd see when using mechanical shutter.
Thank you! I always watch Duade’s videos. I may try electronic first curtain shutter a little bit tomorrow at the black point wildlife drive in Florida.
@@PhilThach Looking forward to how you'll like the EFCS. I do know the R7 has a louder shutter compared to R6/5 etc .. The last months I'm using more EFCS than ES on my R5 because it avoids the rolling shutter but also the Wobble (which I typically noticed in the first few frames of a burst). I might miss some frames, but it does save me a bit of time while culling (which is the least fun part of photography)
Great review, I own a R7, A6600 abd 7Dii and though the R7 is the best camera I own. It does suffer from a slow read out sensor which is about the same as my A6600 and better low light performance than my 7Dii.
For the price the R7 is a very capable camera and when it first came out people thought it was going to be the successor to the 7Dii as apsc R5 camera !
Thank you!
Hello Phil, great content !! In your opinion , which is better , canon R7 wit 100-500 or canon r6 mk2 with 200-800 for bird photography ? thank you !
What about R7 with 200-800?
@@PhilThach very tempted yes , indeed , 320-1200 mm is a dream , i already have 2 R6 mk2 and i din t know what lens to pick up 😅😁
@@actylise oh, get the 200-800 if you are after small birds, especially if you are using the low resolution full frame R6 Mark II.
Hi Phil, informative video.
I would like to hear if you would recommend 100-500 or 200-800 for wild life photography.
Which one would you recommend?
Thank you! I think I prefer the 200-800, although I think the 100-500 is probably a little sharper.
@@PhilThach Thanks Phil ...
I love you Phil… you know that? You are just the best. ❤
Thank you! :)
Great video and beautiful photos Phil/Heather! BTW, what is the cage you have on the R7?
Thank you! It’s an L-bracket, and I think it’s made by Sunway photo.
with r7 as your only body, would you recomend the 100-500 or 200-800 if you have only one zoom and telephoto lens
Only the R7, I would definitely prefer the 100-500.
Hello,
Just wanted to ask which lens do you prefer the 100 to 500 or the 200 to 800.
If you hasmd to choose one
@@oje101 I sold the 200-800. Love the 100-500.
@PhilThach thank you for your response.
May I ask why.
Have they fixed some of R7 AF issues? I’ve been thinking about getting one. Is yours an older model?
The R7 focuses about the same as it did on the original firmware.
Does the autofocus work better with your full frame camera? I was real tempted to get the R8 but I’m holding off and seeing what comes out in the future. I’ve spent enough already… 😂
Thank you! Yes, I think I have better luck with the autofocus on my R6II, but I still prefer the R7 for birds because of the reach.
Nice video Phil! Only thing is that some of the pics are not as tacksharp as I'm used seeing from you.
Thank you! Yes, if you are used to seeing photographs made from the blind, where I am significantly closer to the subject, these will not be as sharp as what you’re used to.
Still waiting for my copy, do you think the autofocus will struggle more or less with my R10?
My 100-400 tends to struggle if pointed at sky and sometimes If background is full of trees.
So I guess mainly, is the autofocus better than or about same as 100-400
Thank you! It sounds like your R10 focuses about like an R7.
@@PhilThach makes sense. I do find it focuses a lot better at low speed continuous
@@anthonywisdom9214 about the same.
I want this thing. Thanks man. Do u think a full frame R8 will pair well with this?
Thank you! Yes, I think it will be great on an R8.
Throughly enjoyed this post Phil. Made me miss East Tennessee ... there so much to photograph 📸 there 😊 ... BTW I like the "ugly" beach ⛱️ vs. the AI generative fill. The AI steals the character of the environment IMHO 😊
Thank you!
This time, for me @04:44 was the winner.
Thank you! I was pretty happy with that one, too! That’s why I used it for the thumbnail.
I looked at the Digital-Picture comparison tool between this 200-800 vs the Sony 200-600 with 1.4X TC. Looks close with the Sony 200-600 having an observable advantage in sharpness (at 800mm). I am looking to upgrade from my Tamron 150-500 for Sony with Sony A7RIV and may go to Canon R7 with the 200-800. However, from what I am seeing so far not completely convinced. May go with just selling my Tamron 150-500 and getting a Sony 200-600 and Sony 1.4XTC. Using the same tool I see at 500mm the Tamron 150-500 being observably sharper than the Canon 200-800.
Thank you!
Awesome video...How about the rolling shutter while shooting birds on flight?
Thank you! Just switching from electronic shutter to Electronic First Curtain or full mechanical shutter will completely eliminate rolling shutter problems during in flight shots. Or use an R3 with its stacked sensor will also fix that problem.
great shots Phil, the lens really shines on the R7
Thank you!
My boss (another bird photographer) and I were discussing the R7's autofocus just yesterday. We both think the R7's AF was far, far better with the original firmware. It seems to us that, when they upgraded the AF in the firmware, the AF actually became less reliable. It seems to jump off of focus now, even after it has it! The original R7 AF was amazing -- and better than that of the R5. Now, it's clearly not.
Thank you! I don’t remember a significant change in the AF after updating the firmware, but you could be correct.
That is exactly why I have NOT updated the firmware. AF seems ok so why take the chance
I enjoyed the Video Phil and this Generative Fill interests me although I cant/am not allowed to 'Change' images for entry into Photographic Salons . I can Crop but thats all >> no manipulation allowed as per the Rules of Entry , But for Social Media etc I can obviously remove a stick etc from in front of say a Lion portrait
Thank you!
Phil, thanks for the content. I really like your approach and choice of crop sensor cameras, Most people use full frame, and it makes more sense to me as a wildlife photographer to use crop. I shoot R7 only, I put my 80D in the closet and haven't used it since R7 with EF 100-400II. Since you are like me me with bigger hands, I want to share one of my favorite mods I have doe to the R7. You can find a youtube video that shows brief instructions on how to use older model battery grip and saw off the stem so it can be mounted to the bottom of R7. It is not functional as a shutter or battery, Just a very comfortable grip, especially useful when using large lenses.Keep up the good work! 200-800 is my highest interest now, I don't own one yet, but with your help I will be forced to treat myself to a new lens. Ebay the Canon BG-E2 grip. ruclips.net/video/PUh1p8ps-m8/видео.html
I have always only used Full Frame for African Wild Life & Birds .. Current setup is perfect and my Camera Z8 looks like its going to become a life long and final friend of mine >> 45 M Pixels so if you need to crop ..it gives you plenty to play with > Lens Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6 - f6.3 and if I ever need more on say a small bird or far off Kalahari lion >>>flip to DX and get 900mm @ 20 m Pixels @f6.3 where others start at 200mm f6.3 and here I am working at 900mm @f6.3 >> I have finally found African Wild Life Photography Heaven after shooting Wild Life here for 60 years
Thank you!
This beautifull sandy beach doesn't fit the subject. It is not a grey heron's habitat. I like the original shot much more. Maybe if the foreground was a bit blurred, it would look better.
Great blue heron can also be found at the beach. That an interesting idea, blurring the foreground.
@@PhilThach Oh! I mistook English name.