Just snagged an R5II for my Costa Rica trip next month and I'm hyped to try the new AF! I've been eyeing the 100-500mm but then saw the 200-800mm is way longer for birds. Is the f/9 on the 200-800mm actually gonna be a problem in the dark jungle or should I just stick with the 100-500mm?
Honestly, if you're heading to Costa Rica, you should definitely grab the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM. I've spent plenty of time shooting in dense canopies over the years, and people really underestimate how dark it gets under those trees even in the middle of the day. That f/9 aperture on the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is going to be a massive hurdle when you're trying to keep your shutter speed high enough to freeze a jumping monkey or a hummingbird. In my experience, the 100-500mm is much more practical for travel too. It fits in a standard backpack way easier and the glass is just top-tier. Since your R5 Mark II has a high resolution sensor, you can crop in quite a bit and still get amazing detail, which basically makes up for not having that extra 300mm of reach. Plus, the L-series weather sealing is a total lifesaver in the humidity and inevitable rain showers you're gonna face. The 200-800mm is a fun lens for open areas like wetlands or beaches, but in the thick jungle, it's just gonna force your ISO way too high to get clean shots. I'd stick with the 100-500mm and maybe grab a Canon RF 1.4x Extender to keep in your pocket just in case you really need that extra zoom. It's a much more balanced setup for a trip like this, trust me.
