Unboxing my new Canon 100-500mm RF lens and testing it for wildlife photography

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Book your stay at Antares Bush Camp: www.antares.co.za/
I recently sold my old Canon 100-400mm ii EF lens and upgraded to the Canon 100-500mm RF lens, specifically for wildlife photography. Having recently upgraded from a Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR camera body to a Canon R6 mirrorless camera body, switching from a 100-400mm lens to the Canon 100-500mm RF lens was always very likely.
You see, the Canon R6's sensor a substantially smaller than that of the 5D Mark IV and thus, I've never felt comfortable cropping my photos very much. As a result, the Canon 100-400mm lens always left me feeling a little bit 'short' when I photographed wildlife, especially birds.
What I love so much about the Canon 100-500mm RF lens is the fact that it also allows me to zoom out all the way to 100mm (unlike the Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm lenses), but it has those extra 100mm to help me get a bit closer to my subjects.
In this video, I unbox my brand new Canon 100-500mm RF lens and take it on a field test to the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and Antares Bush Camp in the Greater Kruger, where we photograph elephants, zebras and birds from within the amazing eye-level Umgede Hide. I then share a view photos of you in the office.
My first impressions of the Canon 100-500mm RF lens are very good! It was able to capture sharp images at 500mm of a pair of servals that were sitting nearly a hundred meters away from us in Manyeleti - something that very few zoom lenses would be able to do!
The it captured nice, sharp images after dark when we stumbled upon a relaxed male leopard in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, despite its minimum f-stop of f/7.1 when zoomed in all the way.
At Antares Bush Camp, the versatility of that 100-500mm zoom range came in extremely handy when I photographed wide shots, portraits and extreme close-ups of elephants and zebras. I was also able to get great, tight portraits of birds around the waterhole and, when paired with the R6 and its incredible animal eye-tracking focus capabilities, those images came out remarkably sharp!
All in all, my first impression of the Canon 100-500mm RF zoom lens is that it's an excellent option for wildlife photographers! Not only is it about the same size and weight as the Canon 100-400mm ii EF lens, but it's as sharp and even more versatile.
If you enjoyed this video, please leave a like, consider subscribing to the channel and feel free to ask any questions you might have in the comments below.
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10 июл 2022

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Комментарии : 82

@dustybootstravel 2 года назад

Good day Villiers, we agree 100% The R6 with the 100-500mm RF lens is a winning combination on safari.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻😎 What a combo!

@mstrathmore 2 года назад

Enjoy it mate! I recently upgraded to the R5 with the 100-500; taking it on its first trip to the Kruger shortly- can’t wait! I do exactly the same with the box and packaging.

@ericviera5120 2 года назад

I have an R6 and the 100-500 lens is scheduled to arrive in three days. I'm looking forward to taking it out and getting some bird and hopefully reptile photos.

@GreaseAndGravel 2 года назад

Those leopard shots are insane!!! In the dark... that lens is awesome :)

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Thanks man! Glad to have shared it with you 💪🏻

@alanbedford-shaw9 2 года назад

Have exactly this combination and just back from ten days birding in Uganda - very very happy

@raylander6329 2 года назад

Yep, great lens; sharper then sharp!

@martinaa5571 2 года назад

Got me an R6 and a 100-500 as well. Looking now forward to my safari end of September. The video showed me that it was te right decison. Thank you

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Enjoy!!!

@vp9239 2 года назад

Half way through the video I was curious how this lens would fare in a hide and I was surprised to see you land up in Antares and covered that aspect too..so all in all a great review...Thank you so much..

@rodc271 2 года назад

Love mine with the R5. Can’t wait to visit SA again later in the year, will be the first time since the start of Covid.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I’m sure you can’t wait, Rod 🤩

@WernerBirdNature Год назад

Hi Villiers, once again you showed absolutely awesome images !! The 100-400Lii has served me well while I was still shooting the 70D. But like you, I was struggling a bit with its limited range on great but low mpix of the R6. It was great for shooting puffins in Iceland, but more difficult for smaller more distant birds. You may recall our conversation on your R6 vs R7 video. Recently a video by Duade Paton made me aware the 100-400Lii is not exactly reaching 400mm, but rather some 370mm .. I had seen that info when I bought it, but for APS-C at the time it was plenty. Just this morning I managed a deal to swap in a few days my R6 & 100-400Lii with the R5 & 100-500, and it will cost me only 500Euros more compared to keeping the R6 and adding the R7. As you said, just using one body is more practical. really excited about that ;-)

@maemu_matshete 2 года назад

I've just finished watching the video, i can't say much the lens can talk for itself. But the honeybee photograph it's very stunning and still stuck on my mind. I'm patiently waiting to unwrap mine soon. All in all awesome video 👌🏾

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

🍀🍀🍀💪🏻😎

@amandareed6985 Год назад

Stunning Leopard 🐆 😍

@sydive130 10 месяцев назад

I replaced my EF 100-400 mk2 ( last EF lens)with the RF100-500 for my R5 as we are coming out to SA from UK for a safari at Phinda reserve next year. It defiantly looks like I’ve made the right choice. Great video, thank you.

@TheSafariExpert 10 месяцев назад

I’ve used my 100-500 RF now for just over a year and I LOVE it! 😄

@Daniel_OB 2 года назад

On Thursday I saw you drive next to me in kruger and i was so exited because i saw you and my grandparents waved at you and you waved back

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

😊😊😊

@bruno_alb 2 года назад

Nice lens :) But as I more into mammals and don't have a lot of opportunity to use it, I recently sold it to get instead a R7 + 100/400 which gives a backup for my R6 (with a 24/105) and even more reach / crop :) All ready for kruger trip in september.

@colmranger 2 года назад

I just sold my Sony gear and now I'm finding it difficult to decide between Canon R7, R6 or R5 I want this to be my long term all use camera for wildlife and landscape

@vimalneha 3 месяца назад

You video is helpful as I am also waiting for this lens. It will also be quite useful if you say the approximate distance that each mm covers the whole of the frame, say at 500mm cover an object 50 meters away to full of a photo frame or like a headshot.

@Duelweb 2 года назад

Hello fellow South African !!! - From New Zealand !

@fgb3126 Год назад

@6:48 mark you have not told me what camera you are using with that new 100-500mm lens! Ah! finally! @7:43 you tell me, it's the R6 (I assume that is the Mark 1 version?)

@TheSafariExpert Год назад

Yep, it’s the Mark I

@grahamfloyd3451 Год назад

I love my new 100-500! Fantastic image quality. However I got the 1.4x teleconverter and it's awful. It's fine if you don't intend to crop your images, but it destroys your image quality.

@yaakovcomley 2 года назад

Hi Villiers, Thanks so much for your incredible and much appreciated presentations. I enjoy all your podcasts even though I use Sony cameras and lenses. I am also a relatively new photographer (wildlife and birds). I have also acquired two of your Udemy courses (photography for beginners/ Lightroom classic). I shall be visiting a lodge in Mjejane game reserve next to Kruger in September. I have not seen any videos re this area done by you. Appreciate your comments. Hope to hear more from you on Sony equipment...I have Sony a7riv /a9ii . Will be taking the fe200 600 and fe70 200 lenses Thank you again sir.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Thanks for the kind comment, Yaakov. I’m glad that you enjoy the videos and that you can learn from the courses. And enjoy your Sony equipment and time at Mjejane! I’m not sure when or whether I’ll be able to visit that area or when I’ll be able to review Sony equipment any time soon, but if you keep following my adventure here on RU-vid, you’ll be the first to know 😉

@AjaySingh-228 2 года назад

Wow amazing Sir..I love it..I am a huge fan of telephoto lens.....😍I am planing to buy a camera and a telephoto lens..i think i will buy it soon

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Good luck 🍀

@AjaySingh-228 2 года назад

@@TheSafariExpert Thank you sir

@steffenmarx4426 2 года назад

Hey Villiers, great to see you made it up to the rf lens. As I am using the r6 comvined with the Tamron g2 for some while I always wonder if the upgrade is worth it. I would absolutely love to see a comparison between the canon rf 100-500mm and tamron/or Sigma 150-600. How do the combinations with the r6 work in regard of autofocus, sharpness and is. Congratulations to the upgrade.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Thanks Steffen - I’m so excited about the upgrade! I’m not sure when I’ll be able to do that comparison, but I agree that it would be great. Experience tells me that the Tamron 150-600mm G2 will be ever so slightly softer than the 100-500mm RF, but for bird photographers using an R6, it’s possibly still the better option because of the reach.

@paulgibbings9553 2 года назад

I can't comment on the Tamron, however I have used the Sigma 150-600C extensively with my R6. A few weeks ago I borrowed the RF100-500 from Canon. I only had it for 4 days, but for me it was noticeable that the auto focus although maybe marginally quicker (and that's most probably subjective), but it held focus better once locked on. With my Sigma a burst of 10 shots will have 2 or 3 pin sharp, whilst with the Canon it was 7 or 8. For the first time ever I got some house martin in flight shots that I was happy with. I have seen quite a few reports that this is an issue with the Sigma lens on Canon mirrorless, and even with a static object and using a tripod the focus will almost oscillate. I don't know if this is the same with the Tamron. So far I haven't purchased the Canon lens, I could guarantee that I would get more shots to choose from and to my eye the IQ appears marginally better. To me the biggest obstacle is the cost. If I was a pro, I'd say the improved performance would definitely justify the difference in price. For me, as an amateur I would love to own it, but I am struggling with that £3000 UK price tag.

@ElephantSoul 2 года назад

Interesting ....

@yorkshirekoi2246 Год назад

why not use the 1.4 x for the 100-400 II ? it gives you good results.

@ShoebSaiyad Год назад

Hi , do you think this is worth the upgrade form Tamron 150-600 G2 ?

@wildlife-shorts 2 года назад

Hi, Villiers! I'm a guide in the Pantanal, one of the best places for wildlife in Brazil (I'm sure you would love it). The lodge where I work is one of the best places for Jaguars (We see then almost every day around here) and I'm really struggling with my 100-500 mm and the animal eye AF of my R6 with Jaguars. It does not lock on the eye. It goes crazy with the rosets and spots of the jaguar's fur. I would like to know if that's normal, if you know somebody who have trouble with spotted wildcats as well. I tried every AF case and couldn't find a solution.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Hi Fabio. Thanks for your message. I have tested the R6 extensively with leopards here in South Africa, all be it, not necessary with the 100-500. The animal eye AF definitely jumps to the leopard rosettes as well, but to be honest - I'm not surprised. The technology is probably looking for something dark and round, which leopards and jaquars are covered in. I don't think you can expect it do differentiate. What I've been doing, is using Face Tracking instead for leopards, and it works well. I hope that helps.

@kind2cats 2 года назад

Great lens but out of my range , however I wanted to ask what do you shoot your videos with ? I like taking photos but when I get home and show family friends they want to see the videos where you also get the sounds and the movements of what we experience. Maybe a tutorial video on wait for it , yes shooting videos . Thanks for all the great info 🐱 I shoot with a bridge Sony rx10 with 28 to 600 not bad photos but shoots great videos .

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I actually shoot most of my video footsge with the same setup: the R6 with the 100-500 RF. Only some of the wider shots are taken with either a GoPro Hero10 or my iPhone 12Pro

@pennyoliver7799 2 года назад

Love the videos and the new lens. Do you think the lens would perform as well on the canon R7:🇬🇧

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I think it will be a great lens to use on the R7 🤩

@ppoletto 2 года назад

hello Villiers. I have an unrelated question (sorry). You’ve mentioned your beanbag the I thought I might ask you. I’d like to know what do you prefer to use to fill it, especially when travelling. I’ve just bought one for my trip to Namibia in a few weeks and I don’t know what would the best option to fill it when I get there. Thanks and keep the frat videos, as always. Greetings from Brazil

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I use a relatively small one and hence I can travel with it filled (with its original plastic beads). If, however, you have a big one that needs filling, you could use rice or even coarse river sand, or…beans 🤩 I hope you come right 🍀

@beautifulcreation190 Год назад

Wow the leopard edit, awesome. Can I ask, what software are you using for editing and where can one find it?

@TheSafariExpert Год назад

I use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic

@68spires Год назад

Hi Villiers. For the big game, would you still recommend having the 1x4 extensor for this lens? Thank you for your time.

@TheSafariExpert Год назад

No. I would not use a converter on it.

@stefanrobinbeekhuizen9306 2 года назад

Hi Villiers, Next year we’re going to Uganda. Thinking of buying the R6 with the 100-500. Any idea if it will also be good for gorilla or chimpansee trekking? Other suggestions, like the rf 24-105?

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Hi Stefan. The R6 will perform very well in the low light of the forest, but I fear that the 100-500 RF will not handle it very well. Rather look at getting/renting something like a 70-200 f/2.8 lens. The 24-105 f/4 is a good range for gorillas, but f/4 might be a bit 'slow' for the dark forests. I'd still take it over the 100-500 though. I hope that helps.

@richb5263 2 года назад

Thanks for the thoughts as always. Interesting that you mention the 150-600 from Tamron and Sigma and the reasons you don't go for them. Had you considered the Sigma 60-600mm? If so what was the reason for choosing the 100-500 over that?

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Rich, the quality photos it produces is definitely better, that’s why.

@richb5263 2 года назад

@@TheSafariExpert think of those wide animal in scene shots you could get at the 60 end 😂!

@raylander6329 2 года назад

Let's not forget the weight; Canon 100-500 about 1350 grams, vs Sigma 60-600 about 2.7 Kg; yes, twice the weight!!!

@BenG.1986 2 года назад

The Tamron lenses have an AF pulsing issue on RF cameras when using the eye af. So if you take a series of pictures you get sharp unsharp sharp unsharp. To get rid of that alone is worth the upgrade in my opinion. Plus faster AF and better sharpness 😇👍🏻

@royhakala7999 Год назад

I recently sold my Sigma 150-600 Sport lens because of its bulk and weight, over six pounds, as I found it too unwieldy and uncomfortable to hand hold and transport. The 60-600 is about the same size and weight. Also, the 150-600 Sigma vignetted rather badly when on my full-frame Canon R5. I would suggest testing the 60-600 for vignetting before buying it,

@user-tm6uh4mz8n Год назад

Hi , I am from India and planning to upgrade to R6 with 100-500MM RF lens. I have one query. In one of the video you mentioned that, at the start of the any safari your go to settings are the lowest fstop of the lens you are using. In this case at 500 mm the lowest fstop is 7.1. So during the morning and the evening time what are the settings you prefer, to capture a sharp image with this lens combination.

@TheSafariExpert Год назад

Early morning, I typically start in Manual Mode: f/7.1, 1/500, Auto ISO

@tiaoat2013 2 года назад

I’ve wanted to get this lens to pair with my R6. My hesitation is the f7.1. Did you find this limiting on Safari or should I just make the jump and let the R6 deal with higher ISO?

@jankompan 2 года назад

I have R6 with this lens, far better combination compared to Tamron 150-600G2. F7.1 is not a problem. Cropping is problem on this very sharp lens, if only 20 MP is available .... , R6 is not R or R5.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I have just used the R6 + 100-500 RF for two weeks in Mashatu. For the most part it performed VERY well, but the f/7.1 minimum aperture at 500mm is limiting in low light for sure. But if you're going to just keep one camera and lens on your lap for a safari, it's a fantastic combo!

@AndiusTeijgeler Год назад

Do you face any issues with the aperture? I do shoot with the Canon R3 and decided not to buy it as the aperture above 360 mm becomes worse as with the 100-400mm L II.

@TheSafariExpert Год назад

I find it to be as sharp as the 100-400mm ii across the full range, which for me, is acceptable. It’s only after dark that it starts struggling a bit.

@androidstreak 2 года назад

Nothing beats the prime quality

@matthewbell1968 2 года назад

Nor their price....

@AlphaZuluPhotography 10 месяцев назад

My 500 f4 is collecting dust now that I have the 100-500. Hair as sharp and way easier to travel with. I get shots I’d never have gotten with the big clunky prime. It had its place and I took great shots with it, but technology is taking its advantages away quickly.

@gideondevilliers7378 2 года назад

Hey Villiers. Baie dankie vir die review. Nou weet ek wat om vir my te koop. Baie dankie.

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Groot plesier, Gideon.

@tolava123 2 года назад

How far are you from the elephants?

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

Between 2 and 12 meters

@tolava123 2 года назад

@@TheSafariExpert Thanks.

@tolava123 2 года назад

@@TheSafariExpert what Mm lens should I use to capture birds from a distance of 50ft

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

@@tolava123, probably at least a 500mm lens

@MrMohammedazam 2 года назад

No extra 100mm , because of focus breathing 😥

@TheSafariExpert 2 года назад

I did not experience focus breathing in my test. Did you?

@danielson_9211 Год назад

@@TheSafariExpert Focus breathing? What? I have the 100-500 brother has the 100-400 and based on what we have the 400 has more focus breathing, and its 6.3 at 470 only the last 30mm is 7.1. Brother has the R6 I got the R5 that extra mp makes a difference especially when cropping, or just throw the R5 in crop mode its only 17mp but that's close to the 20mp of the R6 and thats 800mm.

@kennethmcculloch1845 2 года назад

suberb must visit Africa

@brucemcclelland904 10 месяцев назад

What did you mean by “…or *even* an R5”?

@vladimirk9722 Месяц назад

Был бы он 100-600мм с такими же параметрами, было бы круто! А так обрезок какой то!((( Canon украл 100мм у фотоохотников! В итоге купил себе 200-800мм.