Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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The RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 offers more focal length and can be better combined with converters, but the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 is significantly lighter, more flexible and has a better speed. Which is the better choice for wildlife and bird photography? I have tested both lenses extensively and would like to help you with your purchase decision.

Learn how to get better bird and wildlife photos!
Canon Autofocus guide: https://en.fabianfopp.ch/canon-af/
Nikon Autofocus guide: https://en.fabianfopp.ch/nikon-af/
Bird Photography: A guide towards better Photos: https://en.fabianfopp.ch/bird-photography-ebook/

I use the following software for noise reduction (affiliate links):
DXO PureRAW 6: tidd.ly/3VmJyNR
*** 15% reduction with the code "Fabian-15" ***
Topaz Photo AI: topazlabs.com/topaz-photo-ai/ref/901

Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/fabianfopp


My equipment (affiliate links):
Canon R5 II: bhpho.to/3XvKeRG
Canon R1: bhpho.to/3NsvTzn
Canon R5: adorama.rfvk.net/5gk0GN
Canon RF14-35 f/4 L IS: bhpho.to/3QeMPuq
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro: bhpho.to/3Oa5RBT
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8: bhpho.to/42b8ycc
Canon RF 100-300 f/2.8 L IS bhpho.to/3JO43vu
Canon RF 100-400 f/5.6-8 IS: bhpho.to/474osGx
Canon RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1 L IS: bhpho.to/45FriR5
Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS: bhpho.to/48YNuHT
Canon RF 1.4x Teleconverter: bhpho.to/3RW1cWj
Canon RF 2x Teleconverter: bhpho.to/3GY9YNs