All in all, this is a great lens. Here we offer a major update in the progression of the EOS R system with a review of the new 45-megapixel Canon EOS R5, two of its dedicated lenses perfect for wildlife photography—the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM and the RF800mm F11 IS STM—and other EOS R5 and EF lens combinations I use in my nature-oriented projects. Here are 3 of the 7 steps we uncover in this 21 minute video: ['rmockx.RealPlayer G2 Control', Focal length flexibility: The 70-300mm focal length makes for a lot of shooting options. Optically, this lens is superb. I am afraid the tests on TDP are quite inaccurate and not re producible as the tester is often not careful with critical focus and lacks proper long lens technique. Bird photography is often considered to be the domain of the super telephoto prime lenses, but with its excellent image quality, zoom capabilities in a light and compact body, and up to five stops’ in-lens image stabilisation (up to six stops when used with the EOS R5 or EOS R6), a super telephoto zoom like the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM has its advantages in this genre, too. You can start by shooting some wider shots, then a few tighter portraits, then some intense close-ups–the opportunities are endless. It’s slow, especially in low light (when it has a tendency to hunt). This lens focuses up to 3.3 ft (1 m) in front of the camera. But only if you’re in the right location. Here’s why: Yes, it’s ridiculously expensive. The cost different I think is around $1,500 (lately used 500 f4.5 went for And 300mm is definitely too short for most birds. Canon 7D Mark II. And the autofocus is very strong–working extremely well with fast-moving subjects. Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x. At f/2.8, this lens is extremely sharp. But it gives professional quality results–and that’s what matters. On the other hand, this lens is small and light. These are preferred over the 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses. I’ve used the Sigma 500mm Sport and liked it a lot. David Stephens. Additionally, all three IS modes give the equivalent effect of a shutter speed four stops faster, ideally positioning the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM for professional action photography, from sports to … At 300mm, it’s just too short for most wildlife photography. Canon 600mm f/4 II versus Canon 500mm f/4 II. One more thing: Autofocus is both fast and ultra-quiet. You can shoot some close-ups of an animal, and then zoom out for an environmental portrait. The Sigma 500mm Sport sells for about $6,000 new. But that’s a minor drawback, compared to the overall value of this lens. The Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM is equipped with the second generation Image Stabilizer, which gives a gain of 4 f-stops when hand holding. Canon 500mm and 600mm f4L IS II These expensive but exceptionally-built lenses are a gold standard for wildlife photographers . This lens is big, but not too big. And that doesn’t change across its range. Second, this lens offers amazing image quality. For one, this lens has an incredible maximum aperture of f/2.8. Unfortunately, this lens comes with one main drawback: Is this lens frustratingly expensive? My experience is different from Arash's. Not in the slightest. For those looking for more of a ‘walk-around’ wildlife lens, this could be the right choice. There is also a trend among bird photographers to go for the new 600 instead and use it with a full frame camera. You can handhold it if needs be–and you can take it on hiking trips without too much difficulty. Canon 600mm f/4L IS II lens or Nikon 600mm f/4 VR lens. The lens seems to AF slower with the series III tele converters vs the series ii. Always a favorite of motor sports, wildlife and nature shooters, the relatively lightweight 500mm lens now adds Image Stabilization for an unbeatable package of handling and sharpness. The exception is in places like Florida, where birds are tame enough to get within a few feet. This lens is amazing overall–and a great choice for more flexible wildlife photography. I had recently traveled to Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand, India for photographing Tigers and Elephants. Optical Stabilization (OS) is a nice final touch. Not to mention the amazing image quality. Now let's zoom in on the 500 L IS and the 600 L IS version I and II lenses. On a six day bird photography vacation to Florida, I decided to leave my Canon 500mm f/4 lens at home and bring only the Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 Mark II lens with the Canon 1.4x Telephoto Extender III. Pros: This Sigma telephoto lens competes against its Canon and Nikon rivals–with a significant reduction in price. For bird photography I like to use a crop body. This adds to the ease with which you can handhold this lens. The 400mm maximum focal length is perfect for bigger wildlife. The main downside is the price. Hands down. But does that make it a bad option? 'rmocx.RealPlayer G2 Control.1', You won’t have any problems dealing with energetic wildlife. But if you’re truly serious about your wildlife photography, then this might be the lens for you. Image quality: The Canon 70-300mm is sharp at every point in its focal length range. And finally, autofocus is ridiculously fast. One unique thing about this lens is its close-focusing distance. But for the serious wildlife photographer, this is the lens to get. I grabbed the Canon 500mm f/4L EF IS II USM Lens, the Canon 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter), and the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) and headed out to the beach. And unfortunately, this lens is no exception. And it’s built to last. This lens offers one of the fastest autofocus systems out there. To my mind, this is the ultimate bird photography lens. Background bokeh is wonderfully creamy. Not when you check out the other specifications. With the crop factor 1.6X of D20, that would make 500mm into 800mm without losing AF (with the old f4.5 which used to be an issue when add 1.4X with most film camera). The Canon 500mm f/4 L II is even lighter, weighing 7.0 lbs, and sells for $9,000 new. This lens is a powerhouse, going from 200 to 400mm (and offering incredible image quality along the entire range). This allows for some focal length flexibility. And with a 1.4X teleconverter, you can grab some extra reach (700mm, to be exact). For serious wildlife photographers, the Nikon 400mm f/2.8E is incredible. And the f/4 aperture will get you some nice, creamy bokeh. No. After 6 years of using my Canon 100-400 lens, I finally got the new Canon 500mm F4 IS II lens. Positioned above from left to right are the: Easily the most common reason for poor focus and blurry images, Leaving your camera on its default settings will produce blurry results, Post processing won’t fix a blurry image from a slow shutter ​, Expert Photography © 2011-2021. Palm Warbler – 560mm with 1.4X Telephoto Extender Attached I was planning to visit some of the best bird… But if you need an ultra-fast wildlife lens, the 400mm f/2.8 is the way to go. Otherwise, you’re going to struggle to get close enough for frame-filling shots. Fast enough for any wildlife, be it birds in flight or cheetahs on the run. So keep that in mind. We take a look at its performance in bird photography. Here are a few of the best lenses for bird photography. The same lenses are shown below with their lens hoods in place. The lens is made to be dust and moisture resistant. Autofocus is fast and accurate. Canon’s ultimate wildlife photography lens. Nor is it easy to lug around. It also makes it far more portable. Yes, it’s huge and difficult to handhold. This lens is sharp throughout its entire focal length range. At f/4, it strikes the right balance of high focal length and light gathering capabilities. 'RealPlayer'], Dragonflies are intriguing insects and make wonderful subjects for macro photography. The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Yikes! Bottom line? Which is something that you can’t say about most 400mm zooms. And you don’t have to worry about camera shake. I think the 100-400 is lighter than the 300 but has a narrower aperture (F/4 to F/5.6 i think) I currently have a 300mm for sale in the classifieds as i am switching to Nikon And even more exciting is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter. On the other hand, image quality is pleasantly surprising: I've had the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens for a couple of years now, and it's my favorite lens. Overall, this lens is excellent for those wanting to reach 500mm–without breaking the bank. It’s also one of Nikon’s cheapest telephoto options. First, it’s light. Which means that there will be a tradeoff or two. Then check out the Canon 100-400mm IS II. Fortunately, there is no corresponding drop in image quality. Canon 7D + Canon 500mm F4 IS II. But if you don’t mind the weight… And the vibration reduction is just icing on the cake. This stitched pano of a scratching Royal Tern was created from two images made on last Monday’s In-the-Field Workshop at Fort DeSoto with the tripod-mounted Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens, the Canon 2x EF Extender III (Teleconverter), and the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.ISO 400: 1/1600 sec. Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens. The Canon 70-300mm isn’t the flashiest lens on this list. This makes it easy to handhold (much easier than the older and heavier Nikon 500mm f/4G). Yes, you can shoot larger wildlife–if they’re tame. Now, this is a relatively inexpensive lens. But that’s not the main feature of this lens. Finally, the VR is impressive, allowing you to handhold at shutter speeds four stops slower than normal. Patience pays in wildlife photography from stalking your subject to waiting to upgrade your equipment. So you’ll be somewhat limited in low light. Is 300mm long enough for my needs? Privacy Policy Terms of Use. In this article, you’ll discover the 10 best telephoto lenses for wildlife photography. I will also be primarily using the lens for bird photography. It offers incredible image quality–and it’s sharp across the board, from f/4 on up. The Bottom Line. Finding a used version of either lens will lower the price some but, if the lens is in good condition, it still is a serious investment. And speaking of f/2.8, the wide maximum aperture is fantastic for low-light wildlife photography. With the flick of a switch, you can go from 400mm to 560mm. Consider the flexibility that this brings to your photography. ... 500mm f/4 VR II. It’s built like a tank. Canon has recently introduced an RF version improvement of this lens in … Mode 1 helps with both horizontal and vertical stabilization, while mode 2 helps with panning by automatically picking horizontal or vertical stabilizat… Yes. http://www.birdphotographers.net/forums/announcement.php?f=10. This gives you an extra stop of light–which is absolutely critical when in the field. You can also select your interests for free access to our premium training: Choosing the perfect telephoto lens for wildlife photography can be a struggle. You’ve got it all in one lens. Here are 10 tips to help you get started with dragonfly and insect photography.…, Creating a beautiful image of an elusive creature, whether it's a bird, whale, coyote, or another wild animal, is an exciting challenge. I'd get the Nikon 500mm here, here, here or here and I'd get the the Canon 500mm here, here or here. I had to be much more careful than usual. You can shoot some environmental portraits at 70mm–and you can also shoot impressive close-ups at 300mm. Of course, this lens comes with a huge downside: The price. The autofocus system is fast, not to mention accurate. The Canon offers IS; the Nikon doesn't. 300mm is too short for most wildlife, especially if it’s skittish. Let’s start with the pros: I have seen many funny results on that site. I will be investing in a canon super-tele lens shortly, and I have narrowed down my options to 2 lenses the canon 500mm version II and the 600mm version II. This lens is sharp, even at the long end of its range. It’s very sharp, even at 400mm. 'RealVideo.RealVideo(tm) ActiveX Control (32-bit)', I will be using teleconverters with either lens I buy. And at f/2.8, bokeh is gorgeous–which is an added benefit when shooting wildlife. The Nikon 200-500mm autofocus isn’t terrible. When it comes to zoom lenses, one thing to worry about is the image quality. The Canon 70-300mm isn’t the flashiest lens on this list. Yes, 400mm is enough for bird photography. The Canon 500mm f/4 L IS II USM is 1.6 lbs lighter, making it easier to travel with and take around for long periods of time. This lens generally does well when dealing with fast-moving subjects. This lens comes in at 109 ounces (about 3 kg), which is not at all bad for a monster telephoto like this one. Don’t just take our word for it either, have a quick look at the Canon 400mm lens group on Flickr to see an impressive assortment of bird photography images shot at this focal length. So you can use it for all sorts of close-up shots, even of tiny critters. So you can easily capture photos of moving wildlife (even birds in flight). Bokeh quality is nice, as well.