Will Canon ever make a lens such as this ???

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

--
Photos are my paintings. The camera is my brush.
Website
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[Alastair Norcross]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

Last I checked (one minute ago), the Nikon Z9 is $5500, and impossible to get hold of. The R5 is still selling for $3900. The Z7II is cheaper than the R5, but definitely not a better camera.

 

[R2D2]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Definitely not the one for me. That huge 16+ foot MFD kills it (for my uses). My RF 100-500 has a MFD of 3 feet, even with the TC attached (700mm)! I shoot everything I encounter with it, including very close birds and insects.

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

Where on earth do you find a new Z9 for under $4000 US?

Two of the photogs I shoot regularly with have Z9's, and I'll tell you they've been struggling actually.

R2

--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.
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[Alastair Norcross]

If I were a Nikon user, I'd be wondering whether Nikon will ever make lenses like the amazingly light and cheap RF 100-400, RF 600 F11, and RF 800 F11 (and RF 16 F2.8). I suspect that more people would want to switch to use those lenses. But everyone's different, and I'm sure there might be some (at least you), who really really want a large, heavy, expensive (but not as large, heavy and expensive as some other options) 800mm lens, and would switch systems for that one lens. As for whether Canon will ever make a lens that's similar, I have no idea. I doubt it, because I don't think the market is big enough, but maybe.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

Last I checked (one minute ago), the Nikon Z9 is $5500, and impossible to get hold of. The R5 is still selling for $3900. The Z7II is cheaper than the R5, but definitely not a better camera.

Wow. TY for that correction. Don't know why I thought it was only like $3500... But anyway. But what's $1500 ? ....when one is looking at a $6800 lens and thinking about "how cheap it is" ? lol

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Definitely not the one for me. That huge 16+ foot MFD kills it (for my uses). My RF 100-500 has a MFD of 3 feet, even with the TC attached (700mm)! I shoot everything I encounter with it, including very close birds and insects.

Ya' know, I'd definitely prefer a shorter min focus distance. But I got my RF 800 F11 yesterday (rented it a while back) and right away, I reminded myself "how close" 19 ft actually is ! I was so concerned about this before I rented it, and yet in the week I had it, their were SO few times that I had a subject too close to me. Turned out to be so rarely a problem. On the other hand, even at 800mm, their were MANY X's I was not able to get close enough.

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

Where on earth do you find a new Z9 for under $4000 US?

Yea, my mistake.

Two of the photogs I shoot regularly with have Z9's, and I'll tell you they've been struggling actually.

Id definitely rent both the camera and lens, before making any drastic decisions

R2

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were a Nikon user, I'd be wondering whether Nikon will ever make lenses like the amazingly light and cheap RF 100-400

WAY too short for me.

and RF 800 F11

Rented one a while back, and then bought it. Just received it yesterday. Obviously, I think it is a great lens for what it is > a great value. But it is very slow.

(and RF 16 F2.8). I suspect that more people would want to switch to use those lenses. But everyone's different, and I'm sure there might be some (at least you), who really really want a large, heavy, expensive (but not as large, heavy and expensive as some other options) 800mm lens, and would switch systems for that one lens.

I might be one of those guys. Granted, I've almost never been in the "majority" with SO many things in life

As for whether Canon will ever make a lens that's similar, I have no idea. I doubt it, because I don't think the market is big enough, but maybe.

Well, that might save me some money, but then again, I don't know.... If I found an extra $17K laying around, I might dump it on an RF 800mm F5.6. The price, and the weight would suck, but I know that is a bad @$$ lens !

EDIT: OMG ! I was just noticing the minimum focus distance on that Canon 800mm F5.6 is only 8.5ft !!! Holy %#$+ ! I remember a few times I was sitting beside a water feature in South Padre Island Texas and Atascosa, and had all these amazing neo-tropical birds coming in at like 9 to 12 feet from me ! A min focus distance of 8.5ft would have been unbelievable ! I guess I can only dream....

Second edit: On B&H I saw that this lens only had one 2 star review, and the guy said it wasn't very sharp, and now he only uses it for video. Ha. I find that exceedingly hard to believe. Let me put it this way, if I paid $17K for a lens and it didn't make eyes bleed, Id be sending that combo straight to Canon to get that issue fixed ! And if it were not 100% rectified, I'd be returning it. Maybe its just me, but if I spend $17K on ANYTHING, I better be thrilled with it, or I'm returning it.

--
Photos are my paintings. The camera is my brush.
Website
www.LightInEveryCorner.com
DPreview gallery; http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/5075216809
No time or attention given for negativity or trolls.

 

[RogerZoul]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

The grass is always greener....and there is no perfect lens.

Fall is rapidly approaching, and that means my spirit birds will return (Ruby- and Golden-Crowned Kinglets). This time I will have my r7 (along with the R5s) and that will give me 800mm FOV at 4ft with no TC (on the RF 100-500). And I always get very close to them. This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Life is short. If you think that Nikon lens (and system) is right for you, you should be about selling your R5 and moving to your happy place! I think it is very unlikely that Canon will follow Nikon on that lens.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

The grass is always greener....and there is no perfect lens.

I know this is true

Fall is rapidly approaching, and that means my spirit birds will return (Ruby- and Golden-Crowned Kinglets). This time I will have my r7 (along with the R5s) and that will give me 800mm FOV at 4ft with no TC (on the RF 100-500). And I always get very close to them.

Edit: I got so excited when you said 'Kinglets' that I forgot to respond to this lol ... Yes ! I think that camera might do fantastic with that lens ! And btw, I had strongly considered buying that cameras as a backup to my R5.... and at the very least, renting is for a backup on my cross country birding trip next Spring. Might have to rent the 100-500 again for that too. BTW, I have bought a 75mm RF extension tube, to see how much I can get my min focus down, with my 800mm F11. I don't think I could get it way down to 4.5 ft... but with 800mm, if I could get it down to 10ft, I think that would be really good, and acceptable for 99% of my bird shooting.

This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Ha ! I LOVE Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets So now I have to show these off

Life is short. If you think that Nikon lens (and system) is right for you, you should be about selling your R5 and moving to your happy place! I think it is very unlikely that Canon will follow Nikon on that lens.

--
Photos are my paintings. The camera is my brush.
Website
www.LightInEveryCorner.com
DPreview gallery; http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/5075216809
No time or attention given for negativity or trolls.

 

[RogerZoul]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

The grass is always greener....and there is no perfect lens.

I know this is true

Fall is rapidly approaching, and that means my spirit birds will return (Ruby- and Golden-Crowned Kinglets). This time I will have my r7 (along with the R5s) and that will give me 800mm FOV at 4ft with no TC (on the RF 100-500). And I always get very close to them.

Edit: I got so excited when you said 'Kinglets' that I forgot to respond to this lol ... Yes ! I think that camera might do fantastic with that lens ! And btw, I had strongly considered buying that cameras as a backup to my R5.... and at the very least, renting is for a backup on my cross country birding trip next Spring. Might have to rent the 100-500 again for that too. BTW, I have bought a 75mm RF extension tube, to see how much I can get my min focus down, with my 800mm F11. I don't think I could get it way down to 4.5 ft... but with 800mm, if I could get it down to 10ft, I think that would be really good, and acceptable for 99% of my bird shooting.

This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Ha ! I LOVE Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets So now I have to show these off

Life is short. If you think that Nikon lens (and system) is right for you, you should be about selling your R5 and moving to your happy place! I think it is very unlikely that Canon will follow Nikon on that lens.

Very nice, Fishchris. Too bad we can all get every lens!

 

[PicPocket]

I don't think I could get it way down to 4.5 ft... but with 800mm, if I could get it down to 10ft, I think that would be really good, and acceptable for 99% of my bird shooting.

10ft is a stretch, but extension tubes should be able to get you to about 14-15ft range. I vaguely remember you asking something similar a while ago

This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Ha ! I LOVE Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets So now I have to show these off

Nicely done

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were to sit down with engineers and have them design me a birding lens, honestly, I think this might be the lens. If I were going to nit pic, maybe if it could have just a tad shorter min focus distance > but not if that would change anything else drastically, such as weight, or price.

I LOVE my R5, but "even if" I could afford the RF 600 F4 + TC's, or RF 800 F5.6 (which I can't) I wouldn't want the extra weight.

Honestly, if Canon hasn't made something similar, in a similar price range in a couple more years, I will totally consider jumping ship. After all, I've never been a fan boy of "any" particular brand. I just want the best gear I can get, for a price I can afford.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1679311-REG/nikon_nikkor_z_800mm_f_6_3.html/specs

Heck, the Z9 is even cheaper than my R5, and judging by reviews, it might be a tiny bit better camera.

The grass is always greener....and there is no perfect lens.

I know this is true

Fall is rapidly approaching, and that means my spirit birds will return (Ruby- and Golden-Crowned Kinglets). This time I will have my r7 (along with the R5s) and that will give me 800mm FOV at 4ft with no TC (on the RF 100-500). And I always get very close to them.

Edit: I got so excited when you said 'Kinglets' that I forgot to respond to this lol ... Yes ! I think that camera might do fantastic with that lens ! And btw, I had strongly considered buying that cameras as a backup to my R5.... and at the very least, renting is for a backup on my cross country birding trip next Spring. Might have to rent the 100-500 again for that too. BTW, I have bought a 75mm RF extension tube, to see how much I can get my min focus down, with my 800mm F11. I don't think I could get it way down to 4.5 ft... but with 800mm, if I could get it down to 10ft, I think that would be really good, and acceptable for 99% of my bird shooting.

This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Ha ! I LOVE Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets So now I have to show these off

Life is short. If you think that Nikon lens (and system) is right for you, you should be about selling your R5 and moving to your happy place! I think it is very unlikely that Canon will follow Nikon on that lens.

Very nice, Fishchris. Too bad we can all get every lens!

TY Agreed !

--
Photos are my paintings. The camera is my brush.
Website
www.LightInEveryCorner.com
DPreview gallery; http://www.dpreview.com/galleries/5075216809
No time or attention given for negativity or trolls.

 

[Zeee]

If Canon released a 500 or 600 5.6 similar to the Nikon PF I would buy it in a heart beat. I would have picked it over the 100-500 if it had been available.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

I don't think I could get it way down to 4.5 ft... but with 800mm, if I could get it down to 10ft, I think that would be really good, and acceptable for 99% of my bird shooting.

10ft is a stretch, but extension tubes should be able to get you to about 14-15ft range. I vaguely remember you asking something similar a while ago

This is a super lightweight combo, too.

Ha ! I LOVE Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets So now I have to show these off

Nicely done

TY. TBH, with you, with each of these shots, I had taken bursts of like 10 to 30 shots, with my Sigma 150-600, some with the 1.4 TC and some without, and probably 75-90% of them were just a touch OOF But then, this is a "known issue"... focus pulsing, with this lens, on a Canon mirrorless camera. Also, typically, if I shot a burst of 10 or 30 shots, Id almost always get 1 or 2 ringers... or at the very least, 1 useable shot. Obviously we want a MUCH higher % of keepers than this, but then, that's why I'm considering, renting, and trying so many different lenses now.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If Canon released a 500 or 600 5.6 similar to the Nikon PF I would buy it in a heart beat. I would have picked it over the 100-500 if it had been available.

You sound like me. Zoom is rarely useful to me, but reach is almost always what I need !

 

[Zeee]

If Canon released a 500 or 600 5.6 similar to the Nikon PF I would buy it in a heart beat. I would have picked it over the 100-500 if it had been available.

You sound like me. Zoom is rarely useful to me, but reach is almost always what I need !

Yep. I'm at 500 with my 100-500 90% of the time. 1.4 works good but I think it would be better on a prime. An old article by Roger. TC's are tuned for primes but I'm not sure if that still applies today. Tech has changed so much.

https://wordpress.lensrentals.com/blog/2009/01/teleconverters-101/

 

[Kokopelli_Rocks]

If I were a Nikon user, I'd be wondering whether Nikon will ever make lenses like the amazingly light and cheap RF 100-400, RF 600 F11, and RF 800 F11 (and RF 16 F2.8). I suspect that more people would want to switch to use those lenses. But everyone's different, and I'm sure there might be some (at least you), who really really want a large, heavy, expensive (but not as large, heavy and expensive as some other options) 800mm lens, and would switch systems for that one lens. As for whether Canon will ever make a lens that's similar, I have no idea. I doubt it, because I don't think the market is big enough, but maybe.

 

[Chris Wolfgram]

If I were a Nikon user, I'd be wondering whether Nikon will ever make lenses like the amazingly light and cheap RF 100-400, RF 600 F11, and RF 800 F11 (and RF 16 F2.8). I suspect that more people would want to switch to use those lenses. But everyone's different, and I'm sure there might be some (at least you), who really really want a large, heavy, expensive (but not as large, heavy and expensive as some other options) 800mm lens, and would switch systems for that one lens. As for whether Canon will ever make a lens that's similar, I have no idea. I doubt it, because I don't think the market is big enough, but maybe.

I agree Alastair. The RF 100-400 is great for its size, weight and IQ. I keep hearing people using other systems for their weight but an R7 or R5 with the RF 100-400 are the lightest 100-400 combination available. I am a big fan of the RF 800mm f11. Yes, the lens is not for everyone and has limitations, but for those of us who will never be buying 5K-12K+ lenses it is a great option. What really surprised me is how well it works with the 1.4x TC.

Well that's great to hear, seeing as I bought the RF 1.4 TC with the same purchase as my RF 800 F11 I had actually seen it used successfully on a couple of YouTube vids as well

I first tried it more just for fun, but I really liked the results. Just to limit the 'light' comments, yes you need good light. If you are a crack of dawn shooter with lots of cash this is probably not your lens. For those who have limited funds it is a great option.

Still thinking about the 100 - 400 for the super short min focus though. I doubt I would use it that often, but if the only other lens I'm carrying is the 800 F11, then I kind of need it... Plus the price is good

 

[Victor Engel]

Ten lbs. is pretty heavy - about 50% heavier than Canon 600mm f/4 + 1.4x TC. Yes, cheaper.

 

[gossamer88]

Well, that might save me some money, but then again, I don't know.... If I found an extra $17K laying around, I might dump it on an RF 800mm F5.6. The price, and the weight would suck, but I know that is a bad @$$ lens !

I held and swung it at B&H Optics this year and it was shockingly light...for 5sec LOL