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How good is the RF 100-400 for Sports?

Started Feb 25, 2022 | Questions thread
Skookum New Member • Posts: 1
Re: How good is the RF 100-400 for Sports?
1

Same exact setup (R6 with strap) and use case (kids soccer).  The handling on this RF100-400 lens is just wonderful...shockingly light, and the zoom range covers really quickly, so it's easy to keep things in frame even during an oncoming fast break without re-gripping the zoom ring.  I was worried about the depth of field vs my 70-200L, but its so thin at 400mm that faces still pop really nicely despite the f8 aperture.  Autofocus is as good as my L and the stabilization is excellent.

My kids' games are typically a little after noon so I generally have plenty (if not too much) light to work with.  The R6 seems to handle high iso situations well regardless.

There's probably better options for golden hour or indoor sports, but if your use case scenario is similar to mine, I'd say the RF100-400 is a no-brainer.  I've rented the RF150-500 and although it's an awesome lens, I'm keeping that money saved until I see if Canon does an R7 or if Tamron/Sigma makes an RF version of their 150-600.  Even a new version of the 300 f4 would get my attention if it's on their road map.  The one I have is at least 15 years old, and just doesn't quite keep up with the frame rates of the R6, although it curiously works pretty well on an adapted M6ii (fun setup for getting a younger kid into sports photography FWIW).

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