Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

[edmidlifecrisis]

Back at nest site once again. The nest has to be rebuilt, though by Ed Spenser, on Flickr

 

[MontanaDave]

A gray partridge in a snow storm 17-Feb-2026. RF 200-800mm at 800mm. Shutter speed 1/50sec.

 

[MSH411]

Roosevelt Elk..... I think

 

[Cap'n Fishy]

Water rail...

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

Anybody shooting this lens that can comment on AF speed vs. the EF 100-400mm L?

When I switched from the old dust trombone to the latest EF, the difference in AF speed was, well remarkable. I am curious of this much newer RF lens can keep up, despite it's slower f/# ? I'm very interested, but not if it's a slouch

 

[Cap'n Fishy]

Anybody shooting this lens that can comment on AF speed vs. the EF 100-400mm L?

When I switched from the old dust trombone to the latest EF, the difference in AF speed was, well remarkable. I am curious of this much newer RF lens can keep up, despite it's slower f/# ? I'm very interested, but not if it's a slouch

I have both lenses. I'm not aware of any significant difference in focusing speed. That's not to say there isn't one. Just that I have not noticed it. I principally use the RF 200-800 for birds and the EF 100-400 II for butterflies and other bugs. The old EF has better magnification at closest focus distance. I tend to use the EF 100-400 with the x1.4 TC. I also use the RF 200-800 with x1.4 TC, dependent on the light. (As I am mostly shooting birds in winter, light is a major issue ths far north.)

 

[GeoffSFAs10]

Anybody shooting this lens that can comment on AF speed vs. the EF 100-400mm L?

When I switched from the old dust trombone to the latest EF, the difference in AF speed was, well remarkable. I am curious of this much newer RF lens can keep up, despite it's slower f/# ? I'm very interested, but not if it's a slouch

I went from an EF 100-400 to the 2-8 and this new RF lens is WAY faster at focusing then the old Dust Pump was. At least to me it seemed to be way faster then the copy i had.

 

[Cap'n Fishy]

Just in case of confusion. My EF 100-400 is the mk II. I did have the mk I before it, and the mk II is vastly superior in every way, except I did like the trombone zoom on the mk I. The worst thing about the RF 200-800 for me is the amount of cranking I need to do with the zoom ring.

 

[Mike_d]

Just in case of confusion. My EF 100-400 is the mk II. I did have the mk I before it, and the mk II is vastly superior in every way, except I did like the trombone zoom on the mk I. The worst thing about the RF 200-800 for me is the amount of cranking I need to do with the zoom ring.

Yeah the 200-800 is a long throw. When I shot birds with a rented one, I found that initially setting the lens to 400-500mm for target acquisition, then zooming to 800 kept it more manageable.

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

Just in case of confusion. My EF 100-400 is the mk II. I did have the mk I before it, and the mk II is vastly superior in every way, except I did like the trombone zoom on the mk I. The worst thing about the RF 200-800 for me is the amount of cranking I need to do with the zoom ring.

100% re the two versions of the 100-400mm. The "one touch" push pull zoom was the BOMB! Fastest framing of any long lens. But it was the version 2 that was the first Canon zoom lens I ever owned that focused at the speed of thought! It was faster than the 70-200mm f/2.8! (v1 IS)

So thanks for the clarification, that means a lot.

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

Well, it was a crap day, and I have nothing to show for it, so no pics worth uploading, but I have to say that I am amazed at this lens. I fell like it is lighter than my 100-400/TC/EF-RF adapter, despite being much bigger. It handles very well, and yes, the AF speed seems very fast indeed. I can't wait for a chance to really let it shine.
It's much better than the SIGMRON 150-600s were. And I can't quite understand how they fit f/9 at the long end of this zoom at this size and weight when the prime could only manage f/11.

I'm already looking at how to hack this beast though. It's fantastic but,.
- I want the tripod collar/foot OFF!
- I'd love to figure out a good way to make it more one touch push pull friendly. I have ideas

 

[CyberDyneSystems]

I just watched the video, and I was pretty sure I was going to own one of these before spring, BUT! Non-removable tripod collar/foot!? Seriously? This is a hand held lens! What an odd decision.

ROFLMAO! Some things never change. I just searched the nets to see if anyone had successfully pulled the collar off. My search results brought me to this thread, my own posts!

 

[Jan1977]

In the earlier days when the lens came out I remember seeing somewhere on the internet, I think on some forum that someone took the collar of. It was done by partially disassembling the lens and when enough parts were removed, the collar could be taken off. If I remember correctly it started by removing the mount and then working further down the lens to remove parts, until the collar could slide off.

 

[Cap'n Fishy]

Funnily enough, I use the collar most of the time. I mount it on a monopod with a tilting head. It takes the weight off while waiting for the shot, and steadies things up, especially at 800 or 1120 mm, and also when pointing up into trees.

I have a conversion kit that turns the monopod into a walking stick for on the way in and on the way out (I have a dodgy hip).

 

[Mr Roboto]

ROFLMAO! Some things never change. I just searched the nets to see if anyone had successfully pulled the collar off. My search results brought me to this thread, my own posts!

I love the collar/mount - I just never use it for the intended purpose.

It works great as a carrying handle! (Inverted of course)

 

[Mike_d]

Funnily enough, I use the collar most of the time. I mount it on a monopod with a tilting head. It takes the weight off while waiting for the shot, and steadies things up, especially at 800 or 1120 mm, and also when pointing up into trees.

I have a conversion kit that turns the monopod into a walking stick for on the way in and on the way out (I have a dodgy hip).

I found a use for the tripod ring in the week I had it. I threaded the Black Rapid RF-5 fastener into the foot, then used it the attach the OpTech quick disconnect for the sling. The camera+body then rested upside down and balanced at my right hip. It was easy to grab and flip over for use, with the strap staying out of the way under the lens. The lens collar had just enough clearance from the lens barrel for my hand. I had tried using the lens's strap lugs with a non-sling strap. The straps got in the way and I never found a comfortable carrying position.

 

[MSH411]

I threaded the Black Rapid RF-5 fastener into the foot, then used it the attach the OpTech quick disconnect for the sling. The camera+body then rested upside down and balanced at my right hip. It was easy to grab and flip over for use, with the strap staying out of the way under the lens. The lens collar had just enough clearance from the lens barrel for my hand.

I do exactly the same thing on the RF200-800mm and the RF100-500mm and it works out great.

 

[gossamer88]

In the brief time I had it I added the PeakDesign anchors to the tripod collar's strap connector. It's a great idea so as not to put stress on the camera's lens mount if you use straps connected to the camera.

 

[C Scott IV]

I found a use for the tripod ring in the week I had it. I threaded the Black Rapid RF-5 fastener into the foot, then used it the attach the OpTech quick disconnect for the sling. The camera+body then rested upside down and balanced at my right hip. It was easy to grab and flip over for use, with the strap staying out of the way under the lens. The lens collar had just enough clearance from the lens barrel for my hand. I had tried using the lens's strap lugs with a non-sling strap. The straps got in the way and I never found a comfortable carrying position.

That's how I use it for carrying except I have an arca swiss plate with holes for the OpTech connectors and the OpTech dual sling. The camera/lens is upside down and close to horizontal on my left hip. Another body and lens is on the right side.

The foot makes a great handle. I also put the foot on my hand for elevation and so I can tuck my elbow into my chest.

 

[Mr Roboto]