Im so stoked to finally take my R7 out into the field next month for a trip to Yellowstone! I know the crop sensor makes my current glass feel longer but Im struggling to pick a dedicated wildlife lens. Ive read the RF 100-500mm is basically the gold standard but damn, that price tag is tough to swallow. Also looked at the 600mm f/11 prime since its way cheaper and lighter, but Im worried about losing the versatility of a zoom when stuff gets close. Is the extra reach worth sacrificing the zoom, or should I just bite the bullet and save up more for the 100-500mm before I head out?
Saw this earlier but just now getting to a keyboard. Honestly, sticking with the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is the only way to go if you want keepers. I've spent years lugging gear through national parks and having that flexibility is everything when an elk decides to cross the road right in front of your car.
- The L-series glass on the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM is just in another league. You get sharpness across the frame that the cheaper primes just cant touch.
- Dealing with a fixed f/11 aperture like on the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM is a massive headache. Even in Yellowstone, you lose light fast under the tree canopy or during those early morning hours when the animals are actually active.
- If the price is the main hurdle, check the used market for a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM. With the control ring adapter, it performs incredibly well on the R7 and saves you a ton of cash while keeping that zoom versatility. Personally, dont risk a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Yellowstone with gear that might fail you when the light drops. Save the extra cash or look for a used copy of the 100-500. You'll thank yourself when you see the results on your monitor later.
Regarding what #2 said, they are totally right about the flexibility. If the price is just too much, have you looked at the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports? Using it with the mount adapter works well on the R7.
- Gives you that extra reach
- Cheaper than the Canon L glass
- Solid build quality Honestly, I am super satisfied with mine. It saves you enough cash for extra batteries or gear insurance for your trip.
Honestly, I took the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM to a park once and honestly, it works fine for stationary birds, but tracking anything moving is a nightmare. I missed so many shots because the fixed aperture was just too limiting when the light dropped.
- Rent the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM instead.
- You wont regret the versatility.
- Reliability is way more important for a big trip.
I am literally in the exact same boat as you, staring at my cart and just cant pull the trigger. Ive been agonizing over this same dilemma for months now, trying to decide if the weight and cost are actually worth it for my setup.
- Honestly, I cant figure out if I should just sacrifice the zoom or keep saving.
- It is so frustrating not knowing which way to go when you have a big trip coming up.
- My gear bag has been sitting half-packed for weeks while I just keep cycling through specs online. Building on the earlier suggestion, I just want to find something that actually lasts in the field without me worrying about it breaking or missing shots. Hopefully one of us figures it out soon because this uncertainty is driving me crazy.