topic Buy-once wildlife lens for relative newby in Gear Guide

Buy-once wildlife lens for relative newby

ijpisarcik — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 20:05:11 GMT

Hi all,

I’m shooting with a Canon R6 Mark II and an EF lineup that covers my kids (85mm f/1.4), landscapes (16–35mm f/4), and the occasional wildlife (70–200mm f/4).

I really want to get deeper into wildlife photography. I tend to get really into things, so this probably ends with me backpacking and traveling just to chase great shots.

My philosophy is “buy once, grow into it.” I’d rather spend real money (within reason of course) on a lens that will last than keep upgrading piece by piece. I’m planning to set aside money now and pick up a used wildlife lens next summer — budget is around $2k, but I can stretch if it’s worth it.

Given that setup and mindset, what lenses should be on my shortlist? I’m open to EF or RF glass. My main issue with the 70-200 is that it just doesn’t reach far enough. I see myself shooting a range of wildlife, including birds.

Thanks a ton for any advice!

Re: Buy-once wildlife lens for relative newby

March411 — Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:29:25 GMT

Hey ijpisarcik,

Reading you post it's fairly easy to give a recommendation but when you mention hiking and backpacking it slowed me down. Size and weight would probably need to be a consideration unless you say it's no problem. The older I get this less weight I tote along in my pack.

Three lenses fit into your wish list/budget, well really two, the third is a great lens that I had to add to the list.

RF200-800mmAperture F6.3-9 IS USM - $2100
RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM - $700 + Extender RF1.4x $550 - Total $1250
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM - $2900

You mentioned used, these prices are for new and keep an eye on the Canon Refurbished Marketplace. Good deals pop up and equipment comes with a limited one year warranty.

Out of the three the RF100-400mm and 1.4x is the lightest of the group. With the 1.4x you will end up with 160-640mm. I use this setup frequently because of it's portability and weight and it gives me options. The 1.4x extender fits nicely into the side pocket of cargo shorts/pants. With setup you will lose a little over a stop by adding the extender but end up around the same aperture range as the RF200-800mm. With both grabbing enough light can be challenging. The R6 Mark II which I also own is a good match because of it's sensor.

All three of these lenses produces solid images with nice IQ it really just comes down to price and how much weight you want to carry.

Re: Buy-once wildlife lens for relative newby

ebiggs1 — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:56:23 GMT

This is easy there is only one lens you should even consider the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens. IMHO, of course. If you buy a lens limited to 400mm or even 500mm you will always find yourself wanting more. Always! There is no substitute for FL and native FL is the best.