First Shots with the RF 200-800 and the R6II

[Tronhard]

I got it the day before yesterday and went out yesterday to test it at my 'happy place'.

Here is a selection of images, shot on the Canon R6MkII, hand-held, available light, seriously downsized in PS to post, with default lens corrections and some cropping.

Red Panda@10m: R5, RF 200-800@ 600mm, f/9, 1/500sec, ISO-6400 Emu: 481mm, f/8, 1/500sec, ISO-2500 Emu: 300mm, f/7.1, 1/320sec, ISO-800 2xStick Insects: R6 RF 200-800@200mm, f/7.1, 1/160sec, ISO-6400 Stick Insect: 200mm, f/7.1, 1/40sec, ISO-6400 Gouldian Finch: 570mm, f/8, 1/250sec, ISO-6400 Cockatoo: 570mm, f/8, 1/250sec, ISO-6400  Cotton Top Tamarin: 800mm, f/9, 1/500sec, ISO-6400  Kakariki: 570mm, f/8, 1/400sec, ISO-6400
Takahe: 570mm, f/8, 1/640sec, ISO-400   Ring Tailed Lemur: 227mm, f/9, 1/250sec, ISO-2000 Brolga: 277mm, f/7.1, 1/320sec, ISO-500 
Serval: RF 200-800@800mm, f/9, 1/500sec, ISO-6400  Serval: RF 200-800@ 311mm, f/8, 1/400sec, ISO-5000 Serval: 250mm, f/8, 1/320sec, ISO-2000

I was particularly pleased to get three shots of the Serval (the cat).  It is reclusive in any case, but  because it has incredibly good hearing - it can hear a mouse underground- it is inclined to face away from humanity because we make so much noise.

Overall, I was very impressed with the performance of this lens.

[ccanada]

You have quite an eye. These are AMAZING! I especially like the image of the lemur. The detail in the eyes is striking.

Thank you for sharing Trevor.

[Tronhard]

Thank you, kind sir!  Also, thanks for adding the ref to the lens, it did not seem to come up when I tried myself. 
They are all amazing creatures.  Since NZ is a land of birds, to photograph anything else requires a trip to the zoo or overseas, but the former is cheaper, and I can be home for lunch!

[ata]

Congratulations on the photos, Trevor. Different species and gorgeous colours. The lens gives amazing results. A perfect price-performance lens. Canon has done a great job.

[Tronhard]

Thank you.  I was trying to shoot a range of subjects at different focal lengths and shutter speeds to gauge the performance of the lens and give it a good workout.  I think it's a keeper.
I do have a Sigma 60-600s that I shall retain, because it also works with my DSLRs, and the focal range is amazing!  The 200-800 is another step up in FL though.  I might try shooting the moon on my R5 as it gets bigger, and see how it  behaves on a 1.6 crop - that would be an Equivalent FoV of 320-1280mm, which is up there with super tele bridge cameras.

[Tronhard]

Thank you!   I think the lens fills a unique focal range slot.   Hitherto, I had been shooting with the RF 100-500 and Sigma 60-600s, both of which I keep but obviously offer different magnifications.   They have kept the price quite low and the weight down: the latter thanks to engineered plastics which seem to work fine.
The only drawbacks for me are:
- I wish the tripod mount was like that of the EF 100-400MkII, the foot itself being detachable from the ring around the lens.
- It s a shame that the tripod foot is not Swiss Arca plate compatible
- I really appreciate the inclusion of a lens hood with a non-L lens: that's a huge step forward, however if they were to make it less susceptible to showing scratches and marks - maybe include a rubber area around the open end to make it a bit more robust for when one is inclined to rest the lens nose-down on the lens hood, which is a pretty common thing to do - certainly the Sigma 60-600s has that feature. 

None of these are game-changers and don't in any way detract from the optical performance of the lens.

[shadowsports]

Trevor,

Well done as always.  I applaud you.  

[Tronhard]

Thank you so much Rick, that's extremely generous and much appreciated.

[Tintype_18]

One does not appreciate the variety of wildlife in other countries. Trevor, you have posted some outstanding photos. Thanks for sharing plus sharing the settings and equipment used.

[Tronhard]

Thanks John.  I always do think EXIF data offers a little more context and value to these postings.