topic Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife? in Gear Guide

Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

keronbwan — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 19:14:57 GMT

I’m going to Yellowstone soon, and want a longer reach than my 100-400mm. I put in an order to rent the 200-800 but now I’m thinking I should switch and go with the 100-500 instead. Thoughts?

I have an R50.

Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

shadowsports — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 19:42:09 GMT

Greetings,

It's a matter of preference. On the R50 I'd go with the 100-500. FOV equivalent at max focal length is 800 mm. If you need more than that, I'd get closer. It'll be easier to carry while walking around too.

If you are stationary and want maximum reach the 200-800 is solid. Some people say you always want as much FL as you can get. If you're willing to carry it, go long. 🙂

Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

TomRamsey — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:22:49 GMT

I was at Yellowstone several years ago and at the time my max length was 300mm. I had a lot of good pictures, but I could have had a lot more with a longer length, myself, I would go with the 200-800. I saw a lot of wildlife that was pretty far away, and no way to get closer. I saw bighorn sheep that were on ledges across canyons, grizzly bears high up on hills. And if you want to see wolves, they will be quite a distance as they try to avoid people. Wildlife is everywhere in Yellowstone so you want to keep a long lens on your camera. But you will also want to have wide angle and normal lenses too for some of the volcanic features of Yellowstone. and even some wildlife. We were not in the park very long before there was a "buffalo jam", the buffalo decide they are going to be on the road, so you will wait til they are gone. I was driving and my son had my camera, tried to shoot a buffalo walking past the car, but it was too close to focus with a telephoto. I would suggest having two cameras with you if can, maybe rent a second.

I'll add, get up early and be in the park when the sun rises, wildlife is most active in the morning and evening. There is wildlife everywhere, but especially along the river valleys. I spent time along the Madison River and the Yellowstone River and saw the most wildlife there. Most of the volcanic feature are pretty good too, the only bad one was Old Faithful and it is overrun with tourists. Be alert because there as may be wildlife on the roads and people that drive that are preoccupied (I guess that's everywhere). Have fun and get some great photos!

Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

SignifDigits — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:28:25 GMT

It's really up to you and your preferences for shooting distance. Here's an example of someone using a 1.4x extender AND the 200-800mm and the ranger being nervous. https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/Share-Your-Photos/Grizzly-on-a-downed-Elk/m-p/586173

I don't have the 100-500 to compare. On my R6 Mark II I need as much real image on the sensor as possible so I have the 200-800.

Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

stevet1 — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:20:37 GMT

keronbwan,

I used to live near Yellowstone, and if I could offer one piece of advice, it doesn't relate to lenses, but to the speed limit. The distances you will be traveling don't seem like much on a map, but because you can only go 30-35 mph, it will take you a long time to go any where, so you have to take that into account in planning your photos opportunities.

Steve Thomas

Re: Should I rent an Rf 100-500 or a 200-800 for wildlife?

March411 — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:29:26 GMT

Steve makes an excellent point! I went to Yellowstone last year and rarely drove the speed limit, I was getting past all the time and traveled as slow as possible. People that past me missed so much because they were moving to fast. Have someone riding shotgun with go eyes.

I brought my RF200-800mm and there were a couple of occasions that I strapped on the 1.4x extender for extra reach. The R50 lacks In-Body Image Stabilization so higher shutter speeds may be necessary. You will gain a couple stops of IS with either lens which will help.

Your body, using the smaller LP-E17 with either lens is going to eat batteries. It would be a good idea to have spares and a charger that you can use in the car.

Moving slow is key, I can't count the amount of times people blew past us and within moments we saw wildlife in obscure places. This momma and cub were past by many, my daughter caught them hiding in some brush and we sat it out until they came into view.

Its a fantastic place to visit, so much to see and never enough time. Have a great time!

This bedded Mule Deer could barely be seen but stayed down long enough to grab a shot through the trees.