So I finally bit the bullet and picked up a Canon R10 a few weeks ago because I wanted something lighter for hiking but still capable enough to catch some decent bird shots. Im based out of the Pacific Northwest and the eagles and herons around here are just waiting for me to get my act together. The kit lens is fine for landscape stuff but obviously useless for anything further than ten feet away.
I have been losing my mind trying to pick a telephoto lens that doesnt cost as much as my car. My budget is strictly under 600 bucks, maybe 700 if I find a killer deal on a refurb. I have spent way too many nights scrolling through forums and I keep seeing people swear by the RF-S 55-210mm because its compact and cheap, but then I see the other side of the fence where people say it just doesnt have enough reach for serious wildlife. I also looked into the RF 100-400mm but that seems to be pushing my budget way over the edge unless I get super lucky on the used market. Plus, some people on Reddit were complaining about the aperture being too narrow for dawn or dusk shots which is exactly when the owls come out near my cabin.
Im kind of stuck. Do I just grab the 55-210mm and call it a day, or is that going to be a waste of money because I will just want to upgrade in six months anyway? Is there some old EF glass I should be looking at instead? I have an adapter sitting here gathering dust so that might be an option if it actually works well with the autofocus on the R10. Does anyone actually use the 100-400 for birds and think its worth stretching the budget for? I just want to be able to get a somewhat clear shot of a hawk without having to be literally underneath it...
Honestly, skip the 55-210mm. You will feel limited in the PNW woods almost immediately. For birds, 210mm on a crop sensor is decent but not enough to get those crisp shots of hawks in the trees. I really suggest you hold out for the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. It is honestly the sweet spot for budget wildlife. Here is why you should save a bit more:
- The reach is crucial for shy birds
- Autofocus is snappy on the R10
- It is surprisingly lightweight for hiking Yes, the aperture is tight, but modern sensors handle higher ISOs like a champ. Be careful buying used EF glass because the autofocus performance via the adapter can be hit or miss compared to native RF lenses. Just save for the 100-400mm, it is worth the wait.
Honestly, just snag the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. I know it hurts the wallet, but its reach is a total game changer for birds. The autofocus on the R10 works surprisingly well with it, even in lower light if you bump your ISO a bit. Dont bother with the 55-210mm, you'll definitely regret that purchase later on. Save that extra cash and you wont have any complaints.
Jumping in here, just grab the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM.
- It focuses way faster than old EF lenses.
- Reach is everything for PNW birds. Just save up.
Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.
