So I finally upgraded to the R7 and now Im stuck on what glass to get for birding at the nature reserve nearby. I was thinking about the RF 100-500mm since everyone raves about the L series sharpness but then I saw the 200-800mm is out now and my logic was that more reach is always better right??
But then I read some threads saying the f/9 aperture on the long end of the 800 makes it basically useless in the woods or early morning and now Im second guessing everything. I got about $2500 saved up and Im trying to buy something before my trip next month. Is the 100-500 gonna be long enough on a crop body or am I gonna be cropping like crazy anyway...
honestly, that r7 sensor is kinda picky about glass because of the high pixel density. i've been through this and you gotta be careful with that f/9 aperture on the big zoom. if you're under a thick canopy or it's a cloudy morning, your iso is gonna skyrocket and the noise gets real ugly. leaning toward the safer bet is probably smart since you have the cash saved up...
- the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is just built better for the field. it’s an L lens, so the weather sealing is actually reliable if you get caught in some rain.
- reach on a crop body is already 1.6x, so that 500mm is basically 800mm equivalent. that’s usually enough for most birds unless they're super tiny and far away.
- make sure to check the weight too. the 100-500 is way easier to handhold for a few hours than the 800mm monster. sticking with the L glass for the trip is my advice. it's just more consistent and the colors are way better. the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is tempting for the reach, but f/9 in the woods? man, that's asking for trouble. you'll end up with a lot of grainy, blurry shots when the sun isnt blasting. grab the 100-500 and maybe look into the Canon Extender RF 1.4x down the road if you really feel the itch for more range... but you probably wont even need it.
