Finally got out with a rented RF 800. The birds did not cooperate at a nearby preserve so ironically, the best shot I got was in my backyard. My impressions match those of many reviews. The lens is fine but with the limitations of the minimum focus range and the use of f/11 only, don't see much of an advantage over the 100-400 with a TC. This image will never make a magazine cover, but it is what it is. My plan is to save up for an RF 100-500 someday just to cut out the need for an adapter, gain a little distance, and keep it simple. Then, maybe a 1.4 TC? One other thing which does not matter. When a new image is uploaded to LR, one can see the "rings" from the Fresnel lens for a brief while that then disappear. Not a big deal, I just never used a DO lens before.The 100-400 mm + 1.4xTC is pretty close to the 100-500mm at 500mm. Can’t see myself buying the RF 800.
By coincidence, here is a Shoveller I took with the RF 800 on Saturday. I also used PL4 but it needed further sharpening.Northern Shoveler, R6/100-400L II/1.4x III, DxO PL4. Looking forward to the RF800.
Breeding male.
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Breeding male, molting into breeding plumage.
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Nicely done. CongratsIt's nothing fancy but it's my first bird shot! Shot with the 85mm F1.2L USM on an R5 at 1.8 ISO 640 1/800th. Hopefully some day I'll get to have one of those fancy telephotos! Everyone has some amazing shots. View attachment 196146
I really love the second one, the closeupI had some fun over the weekend watching a pair of blue tits feeding on new buds. (Took a 100 shots with R5 + 100-500mm).