Is the Canon RF 100-400mm actually the best budget pick, or should I try adapting an EF lens instead? Im in the UK and need something for wildlife shots by next month. My budget is around 600 quid max. Torn between the RF zoom and maybe a used Sigma 150-600 with the adapter, but I dont know if the focus speed will be too sluggish...
Honestly, stick to the RF mount stuff if you can. I tried the adapting route a while back and it just felt like a gamble every time I went out in the field. When you need that shot before next month, reliability is everything imo.
- Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is super light. I took it out to the wetlands last weekend and the stabilization is legit. It saved my bacon when the light started dropping.
- Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary with an adapter is just too bulky for me. Even if you find a used one, balancing it on the R-mount adapter felt kinda front-heavy and weird. I am pretty satisfied with the native RF performance. It just works, you know? No hunting for focus, no weird adapter glitches. Just pop it on and shoot.
Honestly, skip the adapter headache if you need results by next month. I used to run a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM with the adapter, and while it is built like a tank, the weight starts dragging after a few hours in the field. Plus, the price of the adapter eats into your budget for no real gain in focus speed over the native RF options. Here is how I see the main choices for your 600 quid limit:
- Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM: This is hands down the winner for value. It is light, the autofocus is honestly surprisingly fast for wildlife, and it handles the R-series focus tracking perfectly.
- Used Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM: Cheaper, but you lose out on that extra reach. For wildlife in the UK, that 400mm reach on the RF lens is usually the sweet spot unless you are super close. If you want to check out some real-world image quality, look up the Flickr groups for the RF 100-400mm. It'll show you what it can do even when the light is getting a bit dim. You honestly wont regret going native, saves you so much stress with focus hunting. Just make sure to check out MPB or Wex for used deals, they usually have stock and decent warranties if you need it fast. Good luck with the bird shots!
Honestly, just grab the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. Ive been using it for a while now and honestly, for the price, the focus is snappy enough for wildlife. Adapting an old Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary can be hit or miss with the focus speed on R bodies. Stick to the RF native glass, you wont regret it.
bump
