Building a system - EOS RP

I recently dipped my toes into more serious digital photography, and picked up:

EOS RP

RF 24-240 F4-6.3 IS USM

RF 35 F1.8 IS STM MACRO

I'm using the 24-240 as a jack-of-all-trades lens, for family pictures when we're out hiking, or candids of the kids out playing, pictures of my wife baking, or taking as a one-lens solution on road trips and vacations.

The 35 gets used for low-light shots, indoors after hours, around the campfire, or for street walks.

So far, I've been thrilled with the system that I have, and it's lived up to my expectations. Just need to keep practicing and taking lots of shots.

We were in Costa Rica recently and found that we loved spotting and taking pictures of wildlife, and the long end of the 24-240 still needed some big crops. I found myself wishing for an RF 100-500, but the budget isn't there for it.

I also find that I'm wishing for better lighting indoors, or for some fill flash out and about.

As a next step, I'm trying to decide between:

• Godox V860 and X2 trigger so that I can have some lighting. Worried that the V860 will feel too big when mounted on the camera and I'll never use it as a walking-around flash.
• Canon RF 100-400 F5.6-8 IS USM. I'm worried that it overlaps a lot of the range of my current 24-240 and isn't really buying me that much more reach.
• Canon RF 800 F11 IS STM. I'm worried that between the lack of close-focus and not having any zoom that I'd miss a lot of opportunities, but maybe that just means carrying the 24-240 and switching lenses as needed.

Trying to figure out where to go from here, any feedback?

Some of the shots that I've enjoyed so far:

Hummingbird, but wished for a lot more reach

A landscape that I really enjoyed

Monkey just posing for us. Wished for a little more reach

Anhinga posing on the shoreline for us, felt my framing worked out well here

I have the RF 35mm and the RF 24-240 as my only RF lenses.  I find the EF lenses to be easily as good or even better than they were on DSLR on the R cameras with adapters.  Opens up a lot more choices to possibly fill out your collection

And forgot to mention, I have to Godox v350c as a speedlight on the R6 and it works great, not too big and bulky

the_mac wrote:

I recently dipped my toes into more serious digital photography, and picked up:

EOS RP

RF 24-240 F4-6.3 IS USM

RF 35 F1.8 IS STM MACRO

I'm using the 24-240 as a jack-of-all-trades lens, for family pictures when we're out hiking, or candids of the kids out playing, pictures of my wife baking, or taking as a one-lens solution on road trips and vacations.

The 35 gets used for low-light shots, indoors after hours, around the campfire, or for street walks.

So far, I've been thrilled with the system that I have, and it's lived up to my expectations. Just need to keep practicing and taking lots of shots.

We were in Costa Rica recently and found that we loved spotting and taking pictures of wildlife, and the long end of the 24-240 still needed some big crops. I found myself wishing for an RF 100-500, but the budget isn't there for it.

I also find that I'm wishing for better lighting indoors, or for some fill flash out and about.

As a next step, I'm trying to decide between:

• Godox V860 and X2 trigger so that I can have some lighting. Worried that the V860 will feel too big when mounted on the camera and I'll never use it as a walking-around flash.

A flash helps indoors in a room with white walls and white ceilings.  For me a flash is not a walk around tool anyway. Indoors some added weight isn't a problem, as you can simply put the gear at a table or so between the shots.

A flash is nice, but a bright lens combined with a flash is better. If you can't bounce to the ceiling forget about the flash, a bright lens is what you need.

• Canon RF 100-400 F5.6-8 IS USM. I'm worried that it overlaps a lot of the range of my current 24-240 and isn't really buying me that much more reach.

Overlaps are good, as it saves you lens changes. A zoom starting at 240mm is a pain.

• Canon RF 800 F11 IS STM. I'm worried that between the lack of close-focus and not having any zoom that I'd miss a lot of opportunities, but maybe that just means carrying the 24-240 and switching lenses as needed.

Maybe the 600mm is the more practical option. More affordable, smaller, less weight, but most importantly: 800mm can be easily too long.

Trying to figure out where to go from here, any feedback?

Some of the shots that I've enjoyed so far:

Hummingbird, but wished for a lot more reach

A landscape that I really enjoyed

Monkey just posing for us. Wished for a little more reach

If you had to change to 400 or 600mm, you probably would have missed the shot.

Anhinga posing on the shoreline for us, felt my framing worked out well here

None of those are imperative purchases, to my view. You have two lenses that give you a lot of shooting options. I'd probably use them for a few more months then decide afterward. With a 1.8 stabilized lens, there are few situations where you wish you have a 1.4 and using a flash may not be the solution.

Have you tried using the 1.6 shooting mode of your RP? That kind of stretches your 240mm to 384mm. Gives you an idea if 400mm will be enough.

If you're already sure you're hooked to wildlife and landscape, make a list of lenses again some time later.

Btw I have four external flashes. The one that's always in my camera bag is the EL-100. My former favorite 470EX-AI I often just use for product photography or studio portrait photography.

the_mac wrote:

I recently dipped my toes into more serious digital photography, and picked up:

EOS RP

RF 24-240 F4-6.3 IS USM

RF 35 F1.8 IS STM MACRO

I'm using the 24-240 as a jack-of-all-trades lens, for family pictures when we're out hiking, or candids of the kids out playing, pictures of my wife baking, or taking as a one-lens solution on road trips and vacations.

The 35 gets used for low-light shots, indoors after hours, around the campfire, or for street walks.

So far, I've been thrilled with the system that I have, and it's lived up to my expectations. Just need to keep practicing and taking lots of shots.

We were in Costa Rica recently and found that we loved spotting and taking pictures of wildlife, and the long end of the 24-240 still needed some big crops. I found myself wishing for an RF 100-500, but the budget isn't there for it.

I also find that I'm wishing for better lighting indoors, or for some fill flash out and about.

As a next step, I'm trying to decide between:

• Godox V860 and X2 trigger so that I can have some lighting. Worried that the V860 will feel too big when mounted on the camera and I'll never use it as a walking-around flash.
• Canon RF 100-400 F5.6-8 IS USM. I'm worried that it overlaps a lot of the range of my current 24-240 and isn't really buying me that much more reach.
• Canon RF 800 F11 IS STM. I'm worried that between the lack of close-focus and not having any zoom that I'd miss a lot of opportunities, but maybe that just means carrying the 24-240 and switching lenses as needed.

Trying to figure out where to go from here, any feedback?

That 24-240 and 35 are killer lenses...really good.

The 800mm is by all accounts a fine lens, but pretty much for an excursion where you know you aren't going to be close and where the sacrifices involved with long reach are worth it.

In about the same price range you might want to consider the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary; it's a great value. Big and heavy, but works great with the EF to RF converted, and well stabilized, since your RP doesn't have that.

My first choice would be the RF 100-400. Maybe add a 1.4 TC when you can afford an additional item.I just added the 100-400 and really like the lens.

I have the 800mm f11 and the lens is very good for the right job. The lens is slow and you need good light.

Someone else recommended the Sigma 150-600mm c. Iq have one and it works well on the R5.

Lots of good options.

Very nice images.  The same is true with the 800mm f11.  You can do a lot with the lens but you need to know photography and take time to practice.

Great value for the money, if you are willing to take the time to make the most of the lens.

Kokopelli_Rocks wrote:

My first choice would be the RF 100-400. Maybe add a 1.4 TC when you can afford an additional item.I just added the 100-400 and really like the lens.

I have the 800mm f11 and the lens is very good for the right job. The lens is slow and you need good light.

Someone else recommended the Sigma 150-600mm c. Iq have one and it works well on the R5.

Lots of good options.

If you have the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary, where do you find yourself choosing to carry/use that lens compared to the RF 100-400mm?

Anything longer than 300mm is liable to be heavy and bulky, and not much fun to cart around. If you get a 400mm, you will hanker after an 800mm...

I also use the 35mm and 24-240mm lenses with my RP, and am very satisfied. I got the RF50mm because it was cheap, but rarely find a use for it. I do have an EF17-40mm and a Venus 12mm that I use from time to time. But I dont have them permanently with me. If I ever have the opportunity, I may get the RF16mm

PS: Why did you focus on the barbed wire in your second photo? (Quite a feat!)

the_mac wrote:

I recently dipped my toes into more serious digital photography, and picked up:

EOS RP

RF 24-240 F4-6.3 IS USM

I want one of those, and my derelict camera guy has failed to get me one. I might try shopping online, but that's almost sacrilege for me, being a retail real estate broker.

RF 35 F1.8 IS STM MACRO

I have and love this lens. It is my only RF lens.

I'm using the 24-240 as a jack-of-all-trades lens, for family pictures when we're out hiking, or candids of the kids out playing, pictures of my wife baking, or taking as a one-lens solution on road trips and vacations.

The 35 gets used for low-light shots, indoors after hours, around the campfire, or for street walks.

So far, I've been thrilled with the system that I have, and it's lived up to my expectations. Just need to keep practicing and taking lots of shots.

You have exactly what I would buy, if I started today.

We were in Costa Rica recently and found that we loved spotting and taking pictures of wildlife, and the long end of the 24-240 still needed some big crops. I found myself wishing for an RF 100-500, but the budget isn't there for it.

I also find that I'm wishing for better lighting indoors, or for some fill flash out and about.

As a next step, I'm trying to decide between:

• Godox V860 and X2 trigger so that I can have some lighting. Worried that the V860 will feel too big when mounted on the camera and I'll never use it as a walking-around flash.

I rarely use flash. I have and need two for portraits. Using flash for candids is a real buzz killer at parties, especially at night. Your subject won't be able to see for 10 minutes. Just when their eyes start to adjust, BAM, another flash in their eyes. I am more likely to use on camera flash for candids in full sun to tone down the harsh shadows.

Crank up the ISO and play with better noise reduction software and techniques. Exposure has to be more precise at higher ISO, which is why some high ISO shots look better than others with no obvious differences in the light and settings.

• Canon RF 100-400 F5.6-8 IS USM. I'm worried that it overlaps a lot of the range of my current 24-240 and isn't really buying me that much more reach.

You have to ask yourself if it's longer enough.

• Canon RF 800 F11 IS STM. I'm worried that between the lack of close-focus and not having any zoom that I'd miss a lot of opportunities, but maybe that just means carrying the 24-240 and switching lenses as needed.

That's where I would go in your situation. Maybe, as another poster said, the 600 is a better length. I will say that I struggle to capture wildlife at 400, so I would lean toward the 800. Maybe rent both and see for yourself.

Trying to figure out where to go from here, any feedback?

Some of the shots that I've enjoyed so far:

Hummingbird, but wished for a lot more reach

A landscape that I really enjoyed

Monkey just posing for us. Wished for a little more reach

I like the framing of the monkey. Is it cropped much?

Anhinga posing on the shoreline for us, felt my framing worked out well here

If you like landscapes, maybe think about the RF 16 F2.8. That's another one that my derelict camera guy has failed to produce for me.

If I didn't already have the EF 85 F1.4, I would definitely buy the RF 85 F2. I only use a 35 and an 85 for low light events and never wish I had anything else. I consider 85 to be the perfect portrait length.

the_mac wrote:

Kokopelli_Rocks wrote:

My first choice would be the RF 100-400. Maybe add a 1.4 TC when you can afford an additional item.I just added the 100-400 and really like the lens.

I have the 800mm f11 and the lens is very good for the right job. The lens is slow and you need good light.

Someone else recommended the Sigma 150-600mm c. Iq have one and it works well on the R5.

Lots of good options.

If you have the Sigma 150-600mm contemporary, where do you find yourself choosing to carry/use that lens compared to the RF 100-400mm?

I bought the Sigma 150-600mm right after I bought the R5 early this Spring.  The 800mm f11 was not available, did not receive mine until mid June.  The 100-500 was also not available and 3x the cost. I received a good deal from B&H on the Sigma the lens came with the dock and a nice Sigma filter (about a $180 value for free). The Sigma is nice but heavy.  I have the Sigma TC 1401 1.4 and they pair well together.  The Sigma without the TC is faster than the RF 100-400.

I bought the RF 100-400 for its size and weight.  Nice to have a small light zoom lens. The cost was a factor. I pre-ordered on a whim the day it was announced to get a place in line. I almost canceled twice, but happy I kept the order and received the lens. I may sell the Sigma, trying to decide.

If zoom reach is your requirement and you don't weight and the budget is important I think the Sigma 150-600mm c is a good option.  If budget is not a big deal then I would recommend the RF 100-500 + RF 1.4 TC. I would love this combo but out of my budget right now.

If you want a good all around performing lens and reach is not a big deal I would get the RF 100-400.  Great all around lens. I can already tell I will be using this lens a lot.

davidwien wrote:

Anything longer than 300mm is liable to be heavy and bulky, and not much fun to cart around. If you get a 400mm, you will hanker after an 800mm...

I also use the 35mm and 24-240mm lenses with my RP, and am very satisfied. I got the RF50mm because it was cheap, but rarely find a use for it. I do have an EF17-40mm and a Venus 12mm that I use from time to time. But I dont have them permanently with me. If I ever have the opportunity, I may get the RF16mm

PS: Why did you focus on the barbed wire in your second photo? (Quite a feat!)

Something that was really prevalent on that trip was barbed wire and razor wire, and I wanted to highlight it. I like the idea of a dreamy background you can't get to because of the aggressive foreground.

Eddie Rizk wrote:

the_mac wrote:

I recently dipped my toes into more serious digital photography, and picked up:

EOS RP

RF 24-240 F4-6.3 IS USM

I want one of those, and my derelict camera guy has failed to get me one. I might try shopping online, but that's almost sacrilege for me, being a retail real estate broker.

RF 35 F1.8 IS STM MACRO

I have and love this lens. It is my only RF lens.

I'm using the 24-240 as a jack-of-all-trades lens, for family pictures when we're out hiking, or candids of the kids out playing, pictures of my wife baking, or taking as a one-lens solution on road trips and vacations.

The 35 gets used for low-light shots, indoors after hours, around the campfire, or for street walks.

So far, I've been thrilled with the system that I have, and it's lived up to my expectations. Just need to keep practicing and taking lots of shots.

You have exactly what I would buy, if I started today.

We were in Costa Rica recently and found that we loved spotting and taking pictures of wildlife, and the long end of the 24-240 still needed some big crops. I found myself wishing for an RF 100-500, but the budget isn't there for it.

I also find that I'm wishing for better lighting indoors, or for some fill flash out and about.

As a next step, I'm trying to decide between:

• Godox V860 and X2 trigger so that I can have some lighting. Worried that the V860 will feel too big when mounted on the camera and I'll never use it as a walking-around flash.

I rarely use flash. I have and need two for portraits. Using flash for candids is a real buzz killer at parties, especially at night. Your subject won't be able to see for 10 minutes. Just when their eyes start to adjust, BAM, another flash in their eyes. I am more likely to use on camera flash for candids in full sun to tone down the harsh shadows.

Crank up the ISO and play with better noise reduction software and techniques. Exposure has to be more precise at higher ISO, which is why some high ISO shots look better than others with no obvious differences in the light and settings.

• Canon RF 100-400 F5.6-8 IS USM. I'm worried that it overlaps a lot of the range of my current 24-240 and isn't really buying me that much more reach.

You have to ask yourself if it's longer enough.

• Canon RF 800 F11 IS STM. I'm worried that between the lack of close-focus and not having any zoom that I'd miss a lot of opportunities, but maybe that just means carrying the 24-240 and switching lenses as needed.

That's where I would go in your situation. Maybe, as another poster said, the 600 is a better length. I will say that I struggle to capture wildlife at 400, so I would lean toward the 800. Maybe rent both and see for yourself.

Trying to figure out where to go from here, any feedback?

Some of the shots that I've enjoyed so far:

Hummingbird, but wished for a lot more reach

A landscape that I really enjoyed

Monkey just posing for us. Wished for a little more reach

I like the framing of the monkey. Is it cropped much?

Forgot to mention in the original post, all those were SOOC JPEGs uncropped. I'll start working with RAW files and post-processing at some point in the future maybe, but for now I'm just working on JPEGs with a little cropping, a little color balance changes.

Anhinga posing on the shoreline for us, felt my framing worked out well here

If you like landscapes, maybe think about the RF 16 F2.8. That's another one that my derelict camera guy has failed to produce for me.

If I didn't already have the EF 85 F1.4, I would definitely buy the RF 85 F2. I only use a 35 and an 85 for low light events and never wish I had anything else. I consider 85 to be the perfect portrait length.

I really would love to add the RF 85 F2, but that's the next-next lens for me I think. I don't know if/when I'd find use for the RF 16, since I haven't ever played with an ultrawide.

I agree about the RF 24-240, I have been really happy with the images from that lens on my R6.  I had thought about the RF 85mm f2 but still have some crop bodies so ended up buying a EF 85mm f1.8, which gives some really nice images on the R6 and has fast AF for use for indoor sports

the_mac wrote:

davidwien wrote:

Anything longer than 300mm is liable to be heavy and bulky, and not much fun to cart around. If you get a 400mm, you will hanker after an 800mm...

I also use the 35mm and 24-240mm lenses with my RP, and am very satisfied. I got the RF50mm because it was cheap, but rarely find a use for it. I do have an EF17-40mm and a Venus 12mm that I use from time to time. But I dont have them permanently with me. If I ever have the opportunity, I may get the RF16mm

PS: Why did you focus on the barbed wire in your second photo? (Quite a feat!)

Something that was really prevalent on that trip was barbed wire and razor wire, and I wanted to highlight it. I like the idea of a dreamy background you can't get to because of the aggressive foreground.

Ok. That sounds fair enough  I find that when I want to autofocus on something so thin or small, that it is very difficult to persuade the camera that I really mean it.

Great job!