topic Re: RF Mount Sports Lens, Suggestions? in Gear Guide

RF Mount Sports Lens, Suggestions?

DriftShutter13 — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 08:08:26 GMT

Hi all,

I've recently & finally made the full-frame leap to an absolutely wonderful R8!

I worked out a deal with the dealer that I had purchased it from to trade-in the kit lens that came with the R8 immediately on purchase, towards a brand new Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3.

I am using a CPL filter as well; that's a topic for another post but a good disclaimer.

However, it has left me wanting more for some reason & I can't help but feel as though I should've went with a lens that had a little more zoom capability & a little more "sport" oriented.

I am impressed with the camera & the amount of data that I am now able to capture, plus other features, but I just haven't been "wow'd" by my output as much as I thought I would have, in comparison to what I was using prior.

For reference; I am a motorsport photographer shooting mostly drifting, fmx, stunting, monstertruck, etc. with the occasional landscape & portrait in there. It's mostly all action.

So my question is; What are your suggestions on sport RF glassware? My budget would be in the area of $2,000 CAD.

Thank you for your time & input,

- Andrew Heffernan

AutoHobbyPhotography

Ft. McMurray, Alberta Canada

Re: RF Mount Sports Lens, Suggestions?

ebiggs1 — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:39:20 GMT

Best choice is the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens.

Almost every new photographer person buys a zoom in the modest FL range thinking it is a good tele. You are not alone we all have been there. And you almost always end up wanting more FL like you have. Experience is the best teacher.

Remember no single lens is going to do everything. That is why you have a interchangeable lens camera. Personally I am not a fan of a zoom that has a 10:1 zoom ratio and try to stick with a 3:1 ratio if possible. In photography you always give something to get something. There is no free lunch.

Canon knows everybody is different and their requirements are different so they make many, many models of lenses.

Re: RF Mount Sports Lens, Suggestions?

shadowsports — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 14:51:00 GMT

Greetings Andrew,

My initial recommendation would be for the RF 100-500 but it exceeds your budget by quite a bit. It might however be something to aspire to.

If you're looking for something in excess of 240 mm on a $2000 CAD budget, your options are more limited.

RF 100-400 (below budget) this is available new or refurb USA

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-rf100-400mm-f5-6-8-is-usm

RF 200-800 (slightly above budget Canon refurb)

Refurb currently out of stock.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-rf200-800mm-f6-3-9-is-usm

New

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/rf200-800mm-f6-3-9-is-usm

Obviously my references are for Canon USA, you'll need to check the Canon Canada website for pricing and availability in your region.

https://shop.canon.ca/en_ca/lenses/all-lenses

Canon Canada doesn't seem to offer refurbished products, instead they have a "damaged box" designation. These are new products that come in a damaged box.