Capturing a Dwarf Cuckoo at Long Range with the Canon R5 and RF800 f/11 Lens

[adamrainoff]

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In a field near Hacienda Guadalajara in La Buitrera, Palmira, Colombia, I photographed this Dwarf Cuckoo (Coccycua pumila) from well over 24 meters away.

Using the Canon R5 paired with the RF800 f/11 lens, I shot at 1/350 second, f/11 and ISO 800. The combination of the super-telephoto reach and the R5’s excellent detail retention at distance allowed me to capture the bird’s soft gray head, warm cinnamon-rufous throat, white underparts, and vivid red eye while remaining completely unobtrusive.

The RF800 f/11 proved once again to be an outstanding tool for ethical long-range wildlife photography, delivering sharp results without needing to approach the subject.

©2026 Adam Rainoff Photographer

[LeeP · Accepted solution]

Nicely done

[adamrainoff]

Thank you, Lee. That one was a long wait for a small bird. Means a lot coming from someone who works both digital and film.