Finally got my R7 and I am so hyped to take it out to the local wetlands near me next weekend! I really need a reach upgrade though. Im torn between the RF 100-500mm and the cheaper RF 200-800mm. I know the 100-500 is way sharper and better built but man that 800mm end on the other one is calling my name for small birds. Budget is around 2500 bucks so the 800mm actually leaves me some cash for a better monopod. My logic was that for wildlife the extra reach matters way more than weather sealing but maybe thats a mistake? Is the 200-800 too massive to lug around all day?
Jumping in here because I have some mixed feelings after using the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM for a few months. Honestly, it feels a bit plasticky compared to the L-series glass I am used to, and unfortunately the aperture at 800mm makes it really tough when the light drops. I had some focusing issues in low light too, which was super frustrating when trying to track movement. People keep saying reach is king, but if your keeper rate drops because of the lens speed, is it worth it? The Gitzo GM4552L Carbon Fiber Series 4 Monopod is definitely a solid pick if you go that route, but just be careful. Maybe consider finding a used Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM instead if you can stretch, since it just feels more reliable for the long haul.
Congrats on the R7! Honestly, that crop factor is an absolute beast for wildlife. If you're hitting the wetlands, you're gonna want every bit of reach you can get. I used to think the L-series quality was the end-all-be-all, but for birds, reach is king. Picking up the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM was a game changer for me. Sure, it is a bit of a tank compared to the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM, but you get used to the size pretty fast once you see the shots you're pulling from across the pond. Those extra 300mm make a massive difference with skittish birds. The aperture range can be a challenge in low light, but the R7 handles high ISO like a champ anyway. Getting that extra cash for a solid setup like a Manfrotto XPRO 4-Section Monopod is definitely the right move since carrying a big lens all day will wear you out without a good support system. Don't worry about the weather sealing too much unless you're shooting in a literal monsoon, just grab a cheap rain cover and you'll be set. The versatility of the zoom range at the long end is just insane for small details. You wont regret the extra reach, trust me!
Just saw your post. Honestly, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is fantastic if you need versatility and portability, especially for hiking. It feels way more balanced on the R7. But if you are strictly birding, the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is basically a cheat code. You wont miss the extra aperture when you have that much reach, though it is quite bulky for all-day handheld work. If you go with the bigger lens, grab a solid gimbal head for your setup so you arent fighting the weight all day. The image quality is surprisingly sharp for the price, but be prepared for the size. It takes up a lot of space in a standard bag.
