Hummingbirds at 800mm head to head - RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Lens ~VS~ RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Nice comparison and great video. I have been thinking about buying 200-800 but have not bought it yet. I have 800 F/11 and paired that with R8, the combo is amazing. Lighting fast focus and images are very sharp. I rarely had a bird that was sitting less than 20 ft from me. So min focus distances is usually not an issue. Price and weight are a huge factor. I sold Sigma 150-600 as I could not carry that weight all day long on 2-3 hour birding trips. 800 F/11 is ultralight and very cheap. My only issue with the lens is its usage over period of time requires dusting off the sensor once a month with a blower.

This comparison is very useful, since many face this exact choice. But I have to admit, it's the images that bring me back each time; the hummingbirds are exquisite. Thanks for sharing.

Phenomenal shots. Thanks for sharing.

Watching your videos at midnight from germany is kind of a vibe 🙌🏻🙈

What a phenomenal place to photograph hummingbirds, and you got some beautiful pictures with both lenses. We have always loved the 800 F11 and anxiously awaiting the 200-800. We always enjoy your videos.

Nice video Jonny! 😀

Nicely done! I love my 200-800 paired with my R3

Great video, will love to see this both lens on the r7

Awesome again.

Good video, thanks!

John, Thank you for your videos, just got in your channel recently. The way you approach the cons, problems and things are very lightweight and comforting. The perfection syndrome hits me a lot and made me stop photographing. I will definitely get back at photographing (i thought out of focus shots only happened with me lol)

You got hummingbirds. We are still several months away from ours coming back. Like the lens comparison.

Nice!

Great video. I agree with your assessment of both lenses. Neither is prefect but if you accept the limitations of each lens you can get great shots with either.

What I’ve noticed is the depth of quality and color is far superior on my 100-500 over the 800mm. I was considering buying the L 800 but truthfully, these do a great job with the shots. Of course the 100 to 500 is an L lens and it’s clear by the quality. The price is really good.

Love my RF800 on my R8, also have the EF 100-400 usm ii L with 1.4tc and I really don’t feel the need for anything else. Great video John..

Nicely done!

Great video! I'd like to see a similar comparison of hummers and butterflies 100-500 vs 200-800. Specifically can you get more bird in the frame with the closer min focus of the 100-500 or the more reach of the 200-800. Maybe even just shoot a static subject to see.

Great presentation, Johnny. I commented on one of your earlier videos re my indecision between the 1-500 or 2-800 on an R6 and you almost had me sold on the latter lens. BUT... I have both the RF600 & 800 f11 and do you know I hardly ever use either. Also I've got the ef 100-400 ii and an R7 for extra reach, plus a 1.4 iii tc if I need to go further - I can live with af issues and slight degradation of image quality. But when on walkabout I like to also take landscape and insects and the missus always wants a portrait, so I think I might go for the RF 100 2.8 (I can get this for GBP 830) for the R6 which can be easily carried with the R7-with-zoom so I don't have to switch lenses. Apologies for rambling but thank you, my friend, you have saved me a shedload of money! I'll maybe look at the 2-800 later in the year when all the fuss has died down and the discounts and cashbacks kick in. All the best from sunny England!

I'm new to your channel and just subscribed. I don't know what camera you shot the video on. I do know that my R6 sometimes struggles to focus when the background is very busy, which might explain both lenses' struggles too. The R6 II supposedly has the R3's superior AF. I hope and expect the R5 II to get it too. Maybe you could find a less-busy background and do this comparison again. Cheers!