A lovely series of birds and informative for me ... I've had the R7 for a year and am planning to upgrade this year ... humm to the R5ii or the R3? Be well.
The R3 does get a lot of negativity from people who don’t own it and never used it because of the megapixels. I think it’s the best Canon camera I ever owned and use it with the 100-500 and RF600 F4 and have never worried about it. Typically though I have the R3 on the 600 and R5 on the 100-500 and it’s a great wildlife combo. But I will admit I’ve been looking into maybe trading the 100-500 in on the new RF100-300 2.8. I’m thinking that will be a better combo for when I go back to Africa.
Thanks for watching and commenting and adding your thoughts to the discussion. There are many great combos out there and it all depends on what we do the most with regards to our subject matter. Personally, I can't wait for Canon to bring out the new variable TC and the 200-500 f/4. I might just replace my 600f/4 and 100-500 with that combo.
Its the same for me - quite simply the best camera I have ever used. Yes, I'd like more pixels, but like you I use R3 on 600 and 100-500 on R5. I even bought a second R3 for my wife, and its the only camera she ever uses these days, with my 100-500 if she can steal it! The pictures out of the camera are always great and the R3 is lighter than an R5 with a grip too, and the batteries are more convenient.
I really appreciate you walking through the focusing strategies, as well as taking the time to. show the menu options. Very helpful in helping us understand the factors in using this technology. Question: You showed us some very clear stuff at 4000 ISO. Do you think clear R3 shots are possible at even higher ISO? What have you found trying to push that dimension to find a limit? I have been thinking about buying this camera for sports and I will occasionally hear some pretty bold claims about ISO with the R3, such as clarity at 12800. I'm currently topping out around 3200-4000 with a 5D-mkIV and could use a little more. Do you have any sense of what ISOs on the R3 might be equivalent to 3200 on a 5D-iv?
Hi Ron Hope your very well 🙂 I recently got the Canon R7 and the 100-400 RF lens. I previously used the Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500 F5.6 which was very successful and reliable for me for capturing fast moving birds in flight. I have been struggling to get anywhere near the same success with the R7. I have very poor light conditions here in Ireland throughout the year. Would I need to purchase the 100-500 RF lens to capture birds in flight or do you prefer the Canon R5 or Canon R6II over the R7 for birds in flight? Thank you very much and I really enjoy your channel. Stephen 🙂
Sorry , for the late reply. From my experience the R7 is more than capable of producing world-class images. I am about to publish a new video featuring the R7 and I am still impressed with its performance. I would say that the 100-400mm may be a bit of a liability. I have found the 100-500 is much better, but of course, it should be given it is much more expensive. Overall, it is about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your setup and the R7 given it is a cropped sensor does get noisy at higher ISO settings. And, if you find yourself cropping in a lot then this could be an issue in getting good detail in your subjects. Given your low light situation in Ireland, a full frame sensor camera may be a better option and the R6II with its lower res does very well in low light. So, if you can deal with the lower res, the R6II may be a good option. Not sure I helped much. Ron
I’ve looked at this and your back button video multiple times, and I’m confused over your detail settings for the AF On button. Can you provide that list, or images of the option list? I love your videos.
Hey, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. When you state "detail settings" are you referring to the secondary menu you access by hitting the INFO button while in the Custom Buttons menu for the AF-ON Button? If so, i generally do not have any of those options check marked, so none of them are active. This is because I almost always have my AF-ON button set to "AF and Metering Start" and I let the settings in the main AF menu dictate what the button initiates. However, I do change my back button assignments, mostly among three AF areas/methods, from time to time depending on the shooting scenarios I find myself in. The three areas/methods I use almost exclusively now are ZONE (most often set up on the AF-ON button with that button set to AF and Metering Start), Eye AF (most often set up on my * button via the custom buttons menu), and SPOT (most often on my AF point select button set up via the custom buttons menu and register and recall a shooting function). I hope this helps. If not let me know.
Very informative video and stunning images/videos! I currently have 1DX Mark II; and I do a lot of bird photography, especially bird in flight. I have EF 600mm F4L II + 1.4x; and still crop them. I love everything about the 1DX II and no complaint. The only thing I don't like it is the weight so I am thinking of upgrading to R3. Is R3 much lighter/smaller than 1DX II? Should I upgrade to R3 now or wait for R1? Will I regret not waiting for R1?
Glad it was helpful! I would wait for the R1. That camera has to be out before the Olympics summer 2024, so if you can wait that long that is what I would do.
Hi Ron. I always look forward to your videos and find your input to be valuable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images. Have you compared IQ using the Canon 100-500 lens with/without the teleconverter but in both cases cropping into 800mm, versus the 800 f11 lens? I have the R5 and 100-500 and do wish it were a little faster than f7.1, but I know people who cannot carry much lens weight and therefore absolutely adore that lens, so I'm happy for those people that they have the 1-5 to use. I do think the 1-5 lens excels at video, and is probably why Canon released it, because I think they see a growing market demand for creators like yourself ($$$$). As for me, I'd prefer a little faster lens at 500mm (f5.6), even though it would be a little heavier (but still hand holdable for most), so that I can 'milk' the lens for every bit of light I can get during the first and last 2 hours of light or on cloudy days -- especially with moving subjects. I typically will not go above ISO 3200 with my R5 when I want an image for large prints (16x16 inches or larger, or 12x18 inches or larger from a professional lab) because based on my preference, the IQ just isn't there in the final product with higher ISO than 3200, and I use denoise software on all my photos. I've tried DXO Pure Raw 3, Topaz products, and now Adobe. However, for small 'ish social media images, I'll go up to ISO 12800 on my R5 -- again, using denoise software. In general, when the ISO gets too high, the images coming out of denoise software start to look too cartoon 'ish for my taste, especially with large prints. Kind regards -- Jeff
I think the 100-500 with and without the 1.4xTC cropped in yields better image quality than the 800 f/11. I have the 800 11 and for the price point is decent. However, the 100-500 gives you more flexibility especially with the zoom capability. I agree, about the ISO setting on the R5. That is why I am shooting the R3 more and more. The R3 punches above its weight of 24mp. The R5 II should have a BSI stacked sensor and better ISO performance. Can't wait to see what that camera can do along with the R1. I do wish Canon would bring out a lens comparable to the Sony 200-600. The new 200-500 f/4 with an external variable TC will be awesome, but super expensive. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
Hello, i would like to thank you for all your videos about R3 and AF parameters. I have R3+100-500 combo (and 800f/11 which is very surprising) and your videos are very usefull, thanks again You are a great photographer, your images are absolutely stunning. Greetings from France. Johan
I have. In general, I have found all the Mk. II EF lenses that I have used on the R3 to perform as well or better than they did on my 1DxIIs. The 300 2.8 is just an awesome lens, period IMO.
Another great video Ron. I’m shooting sports cycle racing with R5 paired with an EF 600mm f4 mk2 and 1.4 extender mk3 between 1/1000-2000s, EFCS. Some shots have a ‘micro smear’. Should i increase shutter speed or do you think shutter shock is playing apart?
I would say at those shutter speed shutter shock is not an issue. I would increase my shutter speed a bit and also make sure you are shooting with IS/IBIS in mode 2 or OFF. Overall, at 840mm any lapse in panning technique with the R5's 45mp can result in a bit of motion blur in your images at 1/1000 to 1/2000s.
Hi Ron, You are such a blessing and great teacher!!! I have learned so much from your videos and wanted thank you. I have the R5, and R7. I am using the 100-500mm and 300mm 2.8 along with ef and rf extenders. Are you using zone on the R5 too now or are you still using the settings you shared in your R5 video?
Hey, thanks so much for the compliments. It is always nice to hear people are getting some value out of my videos. To be honest I still use my R5 quite a bit, and I am using the square zone a lot. My settings really have not changed from the last video I did on the R5 set up. The reason I don't use my R5 all the time are two fold. First, the noise at higher ISO can get a bit troublesome. Second, the AF system in the R5 is just a step behind what is provided in the R3 and for the action work I do so often that makes all the difference. The flexible zones available in the R3 and not in the R5 are so valuable to me that I tend to shoot my R3 the most these days. I am sure the R5II will have the flexible zones and a more capable AF system then the R3 has now. I am really looking forward to that camera. Also the R1, which may bring a global shutter to the game.
Thanks so much for watching. Here are a couple of links to other videos I have done regarding setup for videos and shooting video in case you have not seen them: ua-cam.com/video/ps3J8PxQvuc/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/n9LMuBxUbbg/v-deo.html
Hi Ron, great video about the R3, I'm almost tempted but I will wait for the R1, hopefully next year. Love the stills. If I may ask where you booked the hides in Spain? I'm looking for a similar trip but there are a lot of companies out there. Thanks in advance, greetings from The Netherlands.
I am with you in waiting for the R1. Please Canon bring it on. I have been to Spain many times over the past 7 or so years and I like "Aveshides_Cremenes". Also, "Hideseltaray". Good luck
I've only held a Canon R3 one time but it left a lasting impression on me, an ergonomically intuitive camera, light and well balanced. I'm impressed by your images but I sometimes wish Canon had made this camera the R7 with an upgraded 32-meg sensor. I wonder if such a camera could have served both wildlife and sports pro photographers. Coupling such a camera with Canon's 100-500mm lens would have been about as good as it gets short of the big primes. Great video and making an excellent case for the R3.
Thanks so much for adding your input to this discussion. I hear you about bodies and resolution, etc. I do not envy the folks at Canon having to make these decisions. Overall, I think most of the cameras and lens out there these days are so so good, and that includes Canon, Sony, Nikon, Oly, etc. I really want to get people to understand that just because a camera is not 50mp or a lens in not the fastest, does not mean it cannot work for birds and wildlife, and work relatively efficiently. Not too long ago we were shooting bodies with way less resolution and making great images.
Hi Ron ...another great video... I do think the R3 suffers from the people who belief that mega pixels counts for everything a camera has to offer. Quality of the pixels is just has important and the R3 shines in this category ! I have been taking photos in my work and for pleasure for 50+ years and then R3 is the best camera I have ever held. Just a thought on cropping .... Field Craft will get you closer than any lens can ... learn your species behaviour it will get you closer . It takes time but will help your camera achieve better results ... no camera can make a small bird at 30 yards look any good regardless of its pixel count 🙂 Best regards ... Martin
I couldn’t agree more, Field Craft and Patience. Combine the two and the R3 is awesome. I also find that I’m taking more pictures of birds while I used to be busy trying to get my R5 to not focus on background elements. I still like my R5, it’s just that I love my R3. I shoot mostly in wooded areas where light is at premium and that’s where the R3 really shines.
Thanks for this thoughtful video. I have never really understood zone autofocus. When you are using zone, how do you make sure the focus is on the head of the bird as opposed to the background? I honestly don't get it. Spot I get and I use it all the time. I tend to start with spot and then switch to eye detect if the situation warrants it. Are you off the R5 now?
I have the same reservations. The answer is it can obtain sharpest focus on any part of the bird hence my preference for point/surround for birds that move quickly or if I’m feeling lucky I use zones for bird small in the frame
You can tell if the bird is in focus as you shoot and the small blue boxes within the zone tell you what part of the bird the AF is focusing on at any given moment. If you have eye detection on in the main AF menu then the zone AF will look for the eye/head and often finds it and focuses on it.
great video and helped me make my mind up about the 100-500 on my R3. I was using a 500 prime and 1.4 extender but due to injury i was struggling with the weight coupled with a tripod. i also found that hand held i was getting front focusing issues and not being able to calibrate the r3 i was loosing so many images. if i can get results like this in a lighter package them i will be happy.
Hey, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I am glad you found the video useful. With regards to holding a heavier combo, you might want to check out my Speed-shooter Harness System. If interested you can find more information here: www.speed-shooter.com Cheers, Ron
It would be good to add the image settings, but to be totally honest. I am lazy in that regard. On some of the images I use Topaz DeNoise. Generally I use it when my ISO settings are above 5000 and I need to crop in on the image a bit. Thanks so much for the comment and for watching.
I wanted to ask you a few more questions. First, do you reccomend buing the canon r10 with the canon rf100-400 and the rf800mm or should I wait until nikon releases a crop camera like the r7/r10 and combine it whith the nikon 180-600 f6.3. With the nikon I will create a lot smoother backgrounds which I like better than busy ones. Also do you think that nikon will release a nikon z90 [crop camera like d500] in a few gears [1-2]. Finally do you have any gear to guggest me that will fit my budget? I ask you all these questions because I am only 14 years old and I have a very restricted amount of money to invest in gear but I LOVE wildlife and bird photography. Thank you for all the time you have spend to make all these amazing videos and respond to our mesages. Whith respect Nick Kountouras😀😀😀
Great vid Ron, kind of begs the question why people get so hung up on pixel count! I'm sure most of us wildlife Canon shooters once used the 7DII and were more than happy with picture quality! The R3 definitely punches above it's 24MP, Canon officially claim it out resolves the 5DIV because of it's newer sensor.
Yes, it does. I still have my 5DIV and the realized resolution I am getting from my R3 is better, there is no doubt. In the end 24mp is 24mp when it comes to image dimensions, but what you can do with an image comes down not only to image size but the quality of the pixels the image is made up of. Thanks so much for watching and adding your thoughts. It is much appreciated.
Let me preface by saying that your images and videos are stellar! In no way am I saying that you made an incorrect choice in your setup. Everyone has to decide for themselves what works and what their priorities are. I do think though, that if you are honest with yourself, you will drop the R3 in a heartbeat once Canon puts out a pro body higher resolution camera. In my opinion, the only reason they havent is because it will make the R3 virtually obsolete. I have used it and its an excellent camera, but I dont think it is worth the price. Now, if they make an R3 mark 2 with a bigger sensor, it would be a completely different story. Just my two cents....thanks for an informative and entertaining video!
First, I don't think there will be a R3 Mk. II. In my mind, the R3 was supposed to be the R1, but the Sony a1 and Nikon Z9 being much higher res made Canon change their minds and rename it the R3. When the R1 comes out I will definitely be moving to that body as I am sure it will advance all the great aspects of the current R3 and have 45-50mp. It may turn out to be the Canon camera that finally ticks all the boxes for me as a profession bird photographer. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
I have this combo and it works great. I also have an R7 and an EF 600mm f4 IS II. And either camera works great with either lens. The R3 works great with the 1.4X and 2X extenders I have as well. I do think Canon the 100-500 is disappointing vs the Sony 200-600, and 150-600 from Sigma and and Tampon, though it is a little sharper and faster to focus. With Nikons introduction of a 180-600, the Canon seems... not as fun. Canon published a patent for a 300-800 a year or so ago. That sounds like a lens made for bird photography.
I do agree, that I think Canon missed the boat a bit with not bringing out a less expensive lens to match the Sony 200-600mm. I have no experience with the Nikon 180-600, so I cannot comment on that lens. The thing I love most about the 200-600 Sony is the very short throw to go from 2 to 6. In the end, when Canon brings out their variable TC and 200-500 f/4, that will probably become my go to combo on the R3 and maybe the R1 if Canon ever releases that camera.
Stunning images and video - I am so tied and flipping a coin on whether to get the R3 or R5. I use the EOS R for landscapes, street and long exposures. I need something more versatile for indoor shooting, more wildlife and to get the best out of the RF 100-500. Now i'm leaning towards the R3...
Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching and taking the time to comment. I personally would not get the R5 at this point. The R5II should be announced soon, so if you can wait a bit, that might be the way to go. Then again, it could be a lot longer than I think before the R5II arrives. Of course, you could get the R5 and then sell it when the R5II comes out. With regards to the R3, it is an awesome camera, especially for lower light or when you need to push the ISO a bit. The R3 will be replaced by the R1, which is about a year a way if the rumors of it being available for next summers Olympics are true. I do think Canon has to have the R1 out by then. They are already behind Sony and Nikon in getting out a flagship mirrorless body. So, what to do? Wait for the new bodies or go with the "old" bodies. Either way you will be getting a great camera. Hey, there is nothing wrong with the R5 if you feel you need the extra resolution. Some folks, just need the 45mp and I get that. For me the R3 hold a lot advantages given what and how I shoot. Ron
@@whistlingwingsphotography Cheers Ron - Great advice. Canon needs to start telling the world what is around the corner and get their new stock out there. It is frustrating and I feel they have lost ground to the other brands, due to their slow walk to market. However I will sit on my hands for a while and see what pops up. While i'm waiting I will look thought your videos as they are really awesome. 👍
I actually do not use any metering. I shoot full manual exposure almost exclusively and with Exp. Sim. in turned on I set my exposures based on what I see in the viewfinder. I have my cameras set to spot metering because doing so puts the circle in the middle of the frame and that circle never moves. I use the circle as a reference to the center of the frame when I am shooting in an AF mode that allow the AF point/area to move around the frame with the subject. I like his reference especially when shooting fast action. I hope this makes sense. Ron
Great video! Funny, I've got a few pictures that look just like those--brought back great memories of beautiful birds and super hide set-ups. I think your R3 combo performs better than my R5 combo--I just had too many missed focus even though I was bang on and it still couldn't lock on, but I've got plenty of hits to choose from. Great photo opportunities on that Spain trip. Thanks so much. Your camera set up really facilitates shooting efficiency and is the best I've tried. Catherine
I'm not sure Eye Detection has very much impact overall. The way you talk about it is like a deal breaker on almost all scenarios. I feel when the body doesn't detect eyes it just keep focusing on the subject you are targeting. I have the impression you are mixing up with Subject Tracking in which can definitely make the autofocus goes on every directions when too much elements are in play, that's include spot and zone. The Subject Tracking in my opinion is the one that bring most problems, and I do deactivate it on spot and on zone and it is absolutely banger. I activate Subject Tracking in the situations that is similar to your ED scenarios.
After asking Canon, the only C-RAW downside shared with me is that there may potentially be more noise in shadows when increasing brightness during post processing.
I have done a lot of shooting using both and I find a small zone to be preferable, because by using the zone you get the benefit of head/eye detection within the zone if you so desire. Thanks so much for watching and adding your thoughts. It is of great benefit for others to see various ideas on a subject.
I agree. I still love my 600 f/4, but at times you miss shots with it just because you can't get there or shoot in certain situation with such a big lens. The portability alone gets you some shots you would never get otherwise.
One question and one comment, Ron. First, how far away were the woodpeckers and other birds in the example images? As for the comment, I took a 2-week product loan from Canon on the R3. Loved the camera. What people rarely talk about is the difference the big battery makes. With the R5, focus on the 100-500 or 600 f/4 takes a little time to happen. With the R3 (and its big battery), focus on those big lenses is immediate. I figure I would get more keepers with an R3, in part, due to the difference in focus speed / battery. If the R3 had 45MP, I would own one already. Amazing camera. I will add to your comment, though . . . come on, Canon! Give us the R1!
The birds in the examples ranged in distance from too close to get the whole bird in the frame to needing say a 50% crop to make the comp I wanted. I tend not to shoot images where the birds are pin pricks in the frame unless it is for documentary purposes. Canon will soon bring out two new cameras, the R5II and the R1, which I think will end the resolution "issue" for good. If there indeed is a resolution issue. Cheers.
When you show your still images in the video you have them over a blurred background outside of the frame. I find this very distracting. Otherwise, great images and great information.
I have to go with most viewers and the vast majority find the "blanking fill" better than just a bunch of black space around each image. Also, I like to impart a bit of movement to still images to make viewing less static and boring. This cannot be done without a blanking fill. At least not very well. Thanks for your input. Always appreciated.
I absolutely hate my 100-500L. Coming from a 600mm II lens, I’m a bit spoiled with the nicely diffused backgrounds, but I’m selling the lens. If I were shooting only mammals than it’s good. But for birds, canon likes to play these games with us. And with their cameras. They give you just a taste of something and leave out a lot. Or make the aperture so awful that it requires very clear separation to make it look professional for those of us who make some money from our images, and publish. They could have easily made a 100-500 f5.6 and it would make a difference. But they know how to get many different markets targeted at once for profit. I’m as big a capitalist as anyone and from a business standpoint it’s smart, but for the consumer it’s just game playing. I’m sure others disagree but I just don’t like the limitations. For travel I actually like the 300mm f2.8 II and the extenders that give a much better clear separation and professional look. I appreciate your videos and thanks for all the work you put into them. I recently picked up the R3 and like it a lot. I have a R6 that I think is also a great bargain.
Hey, we all have our own views on these things. Sure, they could have made the 1-5 a f 5.6 and I would have loved it. But, it would have been bigger and heavier and more expensive. Its just business. There are so many options out there now we all should have no issues finding the right tools to do the job we are trying to accomplish. Very soon you will have a 200-500 f/4 L as an option. What a lens that will be to get separation of background while giving us the flexibility of a zoom that will have world-class image quality. It will cost. But, for those of use who make money from our images it is the price we pay for the ability to get the best images. Cheers, Ron
Hello I love your work I was wondering would you like to join in a livestream and help our viewers with good information its really hard to get people interested in joing in i realize I am not a big youtuber but it would be fun.
Great class. I learned a lot. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
A lovely series of birds and informative for me ... I've had the R7 for a year and am planning to upgrade this year ... humm to the R5ii or the R3? Be well.
The R3 does get a lot of negativity from people who don’t own it and never used it because of the megapixels. I think it’s the best Canon camera I ever owned and use it with the 100-500 and RF600 F4 and have never worried about it.
Typically though I have the R3 on the 600 and R5 on the 100-500 and it’s a great wildlife combo. But I will admit I’ve been looking into maybe trading the 100-500 in on the new RF100-300 2.8. I’m thinking that will be a better combo for when I go back to Africa.
Thanks for watching and commenting and adding your thoughts to the discussion. There are many great combos out there and it all depends on what we do the most with regards to our subject matter. Personally, I can't wait for Canon to bring out the new variable TC and the 200-500 f/4. I might just replace my 600f/4 and 100-500 with that combo.
Its the same for me - quite simply the best camera I have ever used. Yes, I'd like more pixels, but like you I use R3 on 600 and 100-500 on R5. I even bought a second R3 for my wife, and its the only camera she ever uses these days, with my 100-500 if she can steal it! The pictures out of the camera are always great and the R3 is lighter than an R5 with a grip too, and the batteries are more convenient.
I really appreciate you walking through the focusing strategies, as well as taking the time to. show the menu options. Very helpful in helping us understand the factors in using this technology.
Question: You showed us some very clear stuff at 4000 ISO. Do you think clear R3 shots are possible at even higher ISO? What have you found trying to push that dimension to find a limit? I have been thinking about buying this camera for sports and I will occasionally hear some pretty bold claims about ISO with the R3, such as clarity at 12800. I'm currently topping out around 3200-4000 with a 5D-mkIV and could use a little more. Do you have any sense of what ISOs on the R3 might be equivalent to 3200 on a 5D-iv?
Hi Ron Hope your very well 🙂 I recently got the Canon R7 and the 100-400 RF lens. I previously used the Nikon D500 and Nikon 200-500 F5.6 which was very successful and reliable for me for capturing fast moving birds in flight. I have been struggling to get anywhere near the same success with the R7. I have very poor light conditions here in Ireland throughout the year. Would I need to purchase the 100-500 RF lens to capture birds in flight or do you prefer the Canon R5 or Canon R6II over the R7 for birds in flight? Thank you very much and I really enjoy your channel. Stephen 🙂
Sorry , for the late reply. From my experience the R7 is more than capable of producing world-class images. I am about to publish a new video featuring the R7 and I am still impressed with its performance. I would say that the 100-400mm may be a bit of a liability. I have found the 100-500 is much better, but of course, it should be given it is much more expensive. Overall, it is about knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your setup and the R7 given it is a cropped sensor does get noisy at higher ISO settings. And, if you find yourself cropping in a lot then this could be an issue in getting good detail in your subjects. Given your low light situation in Ireland, a full frame sensor camera may be a better option and the R6II with its lower res does very well in low light. So, if you can deal with the lower res, the R6II may be a good option. Not sure I helped much. Ron
That’s a great set up r3 with 100-500 can’t complain, takes great photo and videos. Thank you for your input with this set up ,,,,has helped a lot.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
Incredible flight shots.
I’ve looked at this and your back button video multiple times, and I’m confused over your detail settings for the AF On button. Can you provide that list, or images of the option list? I love your videos.
Hey, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. When you state "detail settings" are you referring to the secondary menu you access by hitting the INFO button while in the Custom Buttons menu for the AF-ON Button? If so, i generally do not have any of those options check marked, so none of them are active. This is because I almost always have my AF-ON button set to "AF and Metering Start" and I let the settings in the main AF menu dictate what the button initiates. However, I do change my back button assignments, mostly among three AF areas/methods, from time to time depending on the shooting scenarios I find myself in. The three areas/methods I use almost exclusively now are ZONE (most often set up on the AF-ON button with that button set to AF and Metering Start), Eye AF (most often set up on my * button via the custom buttons menu), and SPOT (most often on my AF point select button set up via the custom buttons menu and register and recall a shooting function). I hope this helps. If not let me know.
Very informative video and stunning images/videos! I currently have 1DX Mark II; and I do a lot of bird photography, especially bird in flight. I have EF 600mm F4L II + 1.4x; and still crop them. I love everything about the 1DX II and no complaint. The only thing I don't like it is the weight so I am thinking of upgrading to R3. Is R3 much lighter/smaller than 1DX II? Should I upgrade to R3 now or wait for R1? Will I regret not waiting for R1?
Glad it was helpful! I would wait for the R1. That camera has to be out before the Olympics summer 2024, so if you can wait that long that is what I would do.
@@whistlingwingsphotography- Thanks for your advice! I've been using 1DXII for years and I can wait a bit longer to get that R1. Thanks again 👍
Hi Ron. I always look forward to your videos and find your input to be valuable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and images. Have you compared IQ using the Canon 100-500 lens with/without the teleconverter but in both cases cropping into 800mm, versus the 800 f11 lens? I have the R5 and 100-500 and do wish it were a little faster than f7.1, but I know people who cannot carry much lens weight and therefore absolutely adore that lens, so I'm happy for those people that they have the 1-5 to use. I do think the 1-5 lens excels at video, and is probably why Canon released it, because I think they see a growing market demand for creators like yourself ($$$$). As for me, I'd prefer a little faster lens at 500mm (f5.6), even though it would be a little heavier (but still hand holdable for most), so that I can 'milk' the lens for every bit of light I can get during the first and last 2 hours of light or on cloudy days -- especially with moving subjects. I typically will not go above ISO 3200 with my R5 when I want an image for large prints (16x16 inches or larger, or 12x18 inches or larger from a professional lab) because based on my preference, the IQ just isn't there in the final product with higher ISO than 3200, and I use denoise software on all my photos. I've tried DXO Pure Raw 3, Topaz products, and now Adobe. However, for small 'ish social media images, I'll go up to ISO 12800 on my R5 -- again, using denoise software. In general, when the ISO gets too high, the images coming out of denoise software start to look too cartoon 'ish for my taste, especially with large prints. Kind regards -- Jeff
I think the 100-500 with and without the 1.4xTC cropped in yields better image quality than the 800 f/11. I have the 800 11 and for the price point is decent. However, the 100-500 gives you more flexibility especially with the zoom capability. I agree, about the ISO setting on the R5. That is why I am shooting the R3 more and more. The R3 punches above its weight of 24mp. The R5 II should have a BSI stacked sensor and better ISO performance. Can't wait to see what that camera can do along with the R1. I do wish Canon would bring out a lens comparable to the Sony 200-600. The new 200-500 f/4 with an external variable TC will be awesome, but super expensive. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thanks very much for your input!
Crank up the ISO, the R3 R5 and R6 can handle high ISO's giving perfectly acceptable images.
Hello, i would like to thank you for all your videos about R3 and AF parameters. I have R3+100-500 combo (and 800f/11 which is very surprising) and your videos are very usefull, thanks again
You are a great photographer, your images are absolutely stunning.
Greetings from France.
Johan
Glad you like them! and thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.
No doubt, the job is done. Thanks Ron, you’re my reference for setting up my R cameras 🦆🐦⬛🦅
Hey, thanks so much for putting your trust in my videos and setups. I greatly appreciate your watching and commenting.
I really enjoyed watching your youtube video. Excellent tips, and very nice video at the end.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.
Wow! All these shots are amazing 😮!
Hey, thanks so much. And thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.
I am going to try your auto focus method. I am guilty of using eye detection too often.
Great videos and pictures.
Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I am glad you found the video had some usefulness for you.
Hi Ron , bit off subject but have you used 300 2.8 mk2 with the R3? thoughts?
thanks
I have. In general, I have found all the Mk. II EF lenses that I have used on the R3 to perform as well or better than they did on my 1DxIIs. The 300 2.8 is just an awesome lens, period IMO.
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thanks Ron, that helps.
Fantastic images, especially the Black Woodpeckers in Spain. Nicely done...
Thanks so much for the compliment and for watching and commenting. It is very much appreciated.
i believe i saw most of your video's.
And again with this one, i still learned some new things!
Thank you very much, Sir!!!!!
So nice of you to say. Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment.
Another great video Ron. I’m shooting sports cycle racing with R5 paired with an EF 600mm f4 mk2 and 1.4 extender mk3 between 1/1000-2000s, EFCS. Some shots have a ‘micro smear’. Should i increase shutter speed or do you think shutter shock is playing apart?
I would say at those shutter speed shutter shock is not an issue. I would increase my shutter speed a bit and also make sure you are shooting with IS/IBIS in mode 2 or OFF. Overall, at 840mm any lapse in panning technique with the R5's 45mp can result in a bit of motion blur in your images at 1/1000 to 1/2000s.
@@whistlingwingsphotography thanks for your response Ron. I will try this the next time I’m shooting
Hi Ron, You are such a blessing and great teacher!!! I have learned so much from your videos and wanted thank you. I have the R5, and R7. I am using the 100-500mm and 300mm 2.8 along with ef and rf extenders. Are you using zone on the R5 too now or are you still using the settings you shared in your R5 video?
Hey, thanks so much for the compliments. It is always nice to hear people are getting some value out of my videos. To be honest I still use my R5 quite a bit, and I am using the square zone a lot. My settings really have not changed from the last video I did on the R5 set up. The reason I don't use my R5 all the time are two fold. First, the noise at higher ISO can get a bit troublesome. Second, the AF system in the R5 is just a step behind what is provided in the R3 and for the action work I do so often that makes all the difference. The flexible zones available in the R3 and not in the R5 are so valuable to me that I tend to shoot my R3 the most these days. I am sure the R5II will have the flexible zones and a more capable AF system then the R3 has now. I am really looking forward to that camera. Also the R1, which may bring a global shutter to the game.
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thank you for the detailed answer Ron!!!
Thanks for the terrific video. Really would love to see one on your video settings and how your go about mixing stills and video in the field.
Thanks so much for watching. Here are a couple of links to other videos I have done regarding setup for videos and shooting video in case you have not seen them: ua-cam.com/video/ps3J8PxQvuc/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/n9LMuBxUbbg/v-deo.html
Hi Ron, great video about the R3, I'm almost tempted but I will wait for the R1, hopefully next year. Love the stills. If I may ask where you booked the hides in Spain? I'm looking for a similar trip but there are a lot of companies out there. Thanks in advance, greetings from The Netherlands.
I am with you in waiting for the R1. Please Canon bring it on. I have been to Spain many times over the past 7 or so years and I like "Aveshides_Cremenes". Also, "Hideseltaray". Good luck
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thanks so much, yes please the R1, we've been waiting for such a long time 🙂.
I've only held a Canon R3 one time but it left a lasting impression on me, an ergonomically intuitive camera, light and well balanced. I'm impressed by your images but I sometimes wish Canon had made this camera the R7 with an upgraded 32-meg sensor. I wonder if such a camera could have served both wildlife and sports pro photographers. Coupling such a camera with Canon's 100-500mm lens would have been about as good as it gets short of the big primes. Great video and making an excellent case for the R3.
Thanks so much for adding your input to this discussion. I hear you about bodies and resolution, etc. I do not envy the folks at Canon having to make these decisions. Overall, I think most of the cameras and lens out there these days are so so good, and that includes Canon, Sony, Nikon, Oly, etc. I really want to get people to understand that just because a camera is not 50mp or a lens in not the fastest, does not mean it cannot work for birds and wildlife, and work relatively efficiently. Not too long ago we were shooting bodies with way less resolution and making great images.
Hi Ron ...another great video...
I do think the R3 suffers from the people who belief that mega pixels counts for everything a camera has to offer.
Quality of the pixels is just has important and the R3 shines in this category !
I have been taking photos in my work and for pleasure for 50+ years and then R3 is the best camera I have ever held.
Just a thought on cropping .... Field Craft will get you closer than any lens can ... learn your species behaviour it will get you closer .
It takes time but will help your camera achieve better results ... no camera can make a small bird at 30 yards look any good regardless of its pixel count 🙂
Best regards ... Martin
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to add you thoughts to the conversation. Always appreciated.
I couldn’t agree more, Field Craft and Patience. Combine the two and the R3 is awesome. I also find that I’m taking more pictures of birds while I used to be busy trying to get my R5 to not focus on background elements. I still like my R5, it’s just that I love my R3. I shoot mostly in wooded areas where light is at premium and that’s where the R3 really shines.
Wow! Incredible photos! Wish I could afford the R3, for now I will have to be content with my R7, 100-500 combo. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure!
Thanks for this thoughtful video. I have never really understood zone autofocus. When you are using zone, how do you make sure the focus is on the head of the bird as opposed to the background? I honestly don't get it. Spot I get and I use it all the time. I tend to start with spot and then switch to eye detect if the situation warrants it. Are you off the R5 now?
I have the same reservations. The answer is it can obtain sharpest focus on any part of the bird hence my preference for point/surround for birds that move quickly or if I’m feeling lucky I use zones for bird small in the frame
You can tell if the bird is in focus as you shoot and the small blue boxes within the zone tell you what part of the bird the AF is focusing on at any given moment. If you have eye detection on in the main AF menu then the zone AF will look for the eye/head and often finds it and focuses on it.
great video and helped me make my mind up about the 100-500 on my R3. I was using a 500 prime and 1.4 extender but due to injury i was struggling with the weight coupled with a tripod. i also found that hand held i was getting front focusing issues and not being able to calibrate the r3 i was loosing so many images. if i can get results like this in a lighter package them i will be happy.
Hey, thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment. I am glad you found the video useful. With regards to holding a heavier combo, you might want to check out my Speed-shooter Harness System. If interested you can find more information here: www.speed-shooter.com Cheers, Ron
Phenomenal images. It would be good to include the iso/shutter/aperture settings next time. Did you use Topaz or DXO processing?
It would be good to add the image settings, but to be totally honest. I am lazy in that regard. On some of the images I use Topaz DeNoise. Generally I use it when my ISO settings are above 5000 and I need to crop in on the image a bit. Thanks so much for the comment and for watching.
Hi Ron! Which place of Spain did you visit?
I lead my tour in two different areas of Spain. One in the north near Leon and the other just SW of Madrid. ron
@@whistlingwingsphotography Looking at the images I'd.....El Taray,...even recognise some of the setups
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thanks!!!👍
@@paulsamuelswildlifephotogr6260 Yep, one area was El Taray, but also another. Care to hazard a guess at the other?
I wanted to ask you a few more questions. First, do you reccomend buing the canon r10 with the canon rf100-400 and the rf800mm or should I wait until nikon releases a crop camera like the r7/r10 and combine it whith the nikon 180-600 f6.3. With the nikon I will create a lot smoother backgrounds which I like better than busy ones. Also do you think that nikon will release a nikon z90 [crop camera like d500] in a few gears [1-2]. Finally do you have any gear to guggest me that will fit my budget? I ask you all these questions because I am only 14 years old and I have a very restricted amount of money to invest in gear but I LOVE wildlife and bird photography. Thank you for all the time you have spend to make all these amazing videos and respond to our mesages. Whith respect Nick Kountouras😀😀😀
Great vid Ron, kind of begs the question why people get so hung up on pixel count! I'm sure most of us wildlife Canon shooters once used the 7DII and were more than happy with picture quality! The R3 definitely punches above it's 24MP, Canon officially claim it out resolves the 5DIV because of it's newer sensor.
Yes, it does. I still have my 5DIV and the realized resolution I am getting from my R3 is better, there is no doubt. In the end 24mp is 24mp when it comes to image dimensions, but what you can do with an image comes down not only to image size but the quality of the pixels the image is made up of. Thanks so much for watching and adding your thoughts. It is much appreciated.
Let me preface by saying that your images and videos are stellar! In no way am I saying that you made an incorrect choice in your setup. Everyone has to decide for themselves what works and what their priorities are. I do think though, that if you are honest with yourself, you will drop the R3 in a heartbeat once Canon puts out a pro body higher resolution camera. In my opinion, the only reason they havent is because it will make the R3 virtually obsolete. I have used it and its an excellent camera, but I dont think it is worth the price. Now, if they make an R3 mark 2 with a bigger sensor, it would be a completely different story. Just my two cents....thanks for an informative and entertaining video!
First, I don't think there will be a R3 Mk. II. In my mind, the R3 was supposed to be the R1, but the Sony a1 and Nikon Z9 being much higher res made Canon change their minds and rename it the R3. When the R1 comes out I will definitely be moving to that body as I am sure it will advance all the great aspects of the current R3 and have 45-50mp. It may turn out to be the Canon camera that finally ticks all the boxes for me as a profession bird photographer. Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
I have this combo and it works great. I also have an R7 and an EF 600mm f4 IS II. And either camera works great with either lens. The R3 works great with the 1.4X and 2X extenders I have as well.
I do think Canon the 100-500 is disappointing vs the Sony 200-600, and 150-600 from Sigma and and Tampon, though it is a little sharper and faster to focus. With Nikons introduction of a 180-600, the Canon seems... not as fun. Canon published a patent for a 300-800 a year or so ago. That sounds like a lens made for bird photography.
I do agree, that I think Canon missed the boat a bit with not bringing out a less expensive lens to match the Sony 200-600mm. I have no experience with the Nikon 180-600, so I cannot comment on that lens. The thing I love most about the 200-600 Sony is the very short throw to go from 2 to 6. In the end, when Canon brings out their variable TC and 200-500 f/4, that will probably become my go to combo on the R3 and maybe the R1 if Canon ever releases that camera.
Stunning images and video - I am so tied and flipping a coin on whether to get the R3 or R5. I use the EOS R for landscapes, street and long exposures. I need something more versatile for indoor shooting, more wildlife and to get the best out of the RF 100-500. Now i'm leaning towards the R3...
Thanks so much for the kind words and for watching and taking the time to comment. I personally would not get the R5 at this point. The R5II should be announced soon, so if you can wait a bit, that might be the way to go. Then again, it could be a lot longer than I think before the R5II arrives. Of course, you could get the R5 and then sell it when the R5II comes out. With regards to the R3, it is an awesome camera, especially for lower light or when you need to push the ISO a bit. The R3 will be replaced by the R1, which is about a year a way if the rumors of it being available for next summers Olympics are true. I do think Canon has to have the R1 out by then. They are already behind Sony and Nikon in getting out a flagship mirrorless body. So, what to do? Wait for the new bodies or go with the "old" bodies. Either way you will be getting a great camera. Hey, there is nothing wrong with the R5 if you feel you need the extra resolution. Some folks, just need the 45mp and I get that. For me the R3 hold a lot advantages given what and how I shoot. Ron
@@whistlingwingsphotography Cheers Ron - Great advice. Canon needs to start telling the world what is around the corner and get their new stock out there. It is frustrating and I feel they have lost ground to the other brands, due to their slow walk to market. However I will sit on my hands for a while and see what pops up. While i'm waiting I will look thought your videos as they are really awesome. 👍
@@normansuchorzewski1026 Sounds like a plan.
Ron, why do you use spot metering?
I actually do not use any metering. I shoot full manual exposure almost exclusively and with Exp. Sim. in turned on I set my exposures based on what I see in the viewfinder. I have my cameras set to spot metering because doing so puts the circle in the middle of the frame and that circle never moves. I use the circle as a reference to the center of the frame when I am shooting in an AF mode that allow the AF point/area to move around the frame with the subject. I like his reference especially when shooting fast action. I hope this makes sense. Ron
@@whistlingwingsphotography Thank you so much, keep up the amazing videos going
Great video! Funny, I've got a few pictures that look just like those--brought back great memories of beautiful birds and super hide set-ups. I think your R3 combo performs better than my R5 combo--I just had too many missed focus even though I was bang on and it still couldn't lock on, but I've got plenty of hits to choose from. Great photo opportunities on that Spain trip. Thanks so much. Your camera set up really facilitates shooting efficiency and is the best I've tried. Catherine
Hey, thanks for chiming in, Catherine. It was a great tour.
Saving now for the 1.4 extender
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. the 1.4TC is an awesome addition.
I'm not sure Eye Detection has very much impact overall. The way you talk about it is like a deal breaker on almost all scenarios. I feel when the body doesn't detect eyes it just keep focusing on the subject you are targeting. I have the impression you are mixing up with Subject Tracking in which can definitely make the autofocus goes on every directions when too much elements are in play, that's include spot and zone. The Subject Tracking in my opinion is the one that bring most problems, and I do deactivate it on spot and on zone and it is absolutely banger. I activate Subject Tracking in the situations that is similar to your ED scenarios.
Thanks for adding thoughts. Much appreciated.
After asking Canon, the only C-RAW downside shared with me is that there may potentially be more noise in shadows when increasing brightness during post processing.
I wonder whether anyone has done extensive comparison between small zone vs point/surround for birds in flight
I have done a lot of shooting using both and I find a small zone to be preferable, because by using the zone you get the benefit of head/eye detection within the zone if you so desire. Thanks so much for watching and adding your thoughts. It is of great benefit for others to see various ideas on a subject.
The 100-500 is great. I'll trade a third of a stop at 500 for quick, reliable auto focus, and relatively a small form factor anyday.
I agree. I still love my 600 f/4, but at times you miss shots with it just because you can't get there or shoot in certain situation with such a big lens. The portability alone gets you some shots you would never get otherwise.
One question and one comment, Ron. First, how far away were the woodpeckers and other birds in the example images?
As for the comment, I took a 2-week product loan from Canon on the R3. Loved the camera. What people rarely talk about is the difference the big battery makes. With the R5, focus on the 100-500 or 600 f/4 takes a little time to happen. With the R3 (and its big battery), focus on those big lenses is immediate. I figure I would get more keepers with an R3, in part, due to the difference in focus speed / battery. If the R3 had 45MP, I would own one already. Amazing camera. I will add to your comment, though . . . come on, Canon! Give us the R1!
The birds in the examples ranged in distance from too close to get the whole bird in the frame to needing say a 50% crop to make the comp I wanted. I tend not to shoot images where the birds are pin pricks in the frame unless it is for documentary purposes. Canon will soon bring out two new cameras, the R5II and the R1, which I think will end the resolution "issue" for good. If there indeed is a resolution issue. Cheers.
When you show your still images in the video you have them over a blurred background outside of the frame. I find this very distracting. Otherwise, great images and great information.
I have to go with most viewers and the vast majority find the "blanking fill" better than just a bunch of black space around each image. Also, I like to impart a bit of movement to still images to make viewing less static and boring. This cannot be done without a blanking fill. At least not very well. Thanks for your input. Always appreciated.
I also dislike the blanking fill. It’s annoying and distracting.
Beautiful 😍
Thank you! Cheers!
@@whistlingwingsphotography thank you very much Friend 😘
Thank you for mentioning God!
I absolutely hate my 100-500L. Coming from a 600mm II lens, I’m a bit spoiled with the nicely diffused backgrounds, but I’m selling the lens. If I were shooting only mammals than it’s good. But for birds, canon likes to play these games with us. And with their cameras. They give you just a taste of something and leave out a lot. Or make the aperture so awful that it requires very clear separation to make it look professional for those of us who make some money from our images, and publish. They could have easily made a 100-500 f5.6 and it would make a difference. But they know how to get many different markets targeted at once for profit. I’m as big a capitalist as anyone and from a business standpoint it’s smart, but for the consumer it’s just game playing. I’m sure others disagree but I just don’t like the limitations. For travel I actually like the 300mm f2.8 II and the extenders that give a much better clear separation and professional look.
I appreciate your videos and thanks for all the work you put into them. I recently picked up the R3 and like it a lot. I have a R6 that I think is also a great bargain.
Hey, we all have our own views on these things. Sure, they could have made the 1-5 a f 5.6 and I would have loved it. But, it would have been bigger and heavier and more expensive. Its just business. There are so many options out there now we all should have no issues finding the right tools to do the job we are trying to accomplish. Very soon you will have a 200-500 f/4 L as an option. What a lens that will be to get separation of background while giving us the flexibility of a zoom that will have world-class image quality. It will cost. But, for those of use who make money from our images it is the price we pay for the ability to get the best images. Cheers, Ron
I hope not, I have this lens on a R6! Spent all my money on the lens, can't afford the R5
Not quite sure of the context of your comment.
@@whistlingwingsphotographyit was a direct reply to the question on your video thumbnail/title. I made it before watching your vid..
@@Scott_Bishell Ah, okay. Sorry I did not pick up on that the first time around.
Hello I love your work I was wondering would you like to join in a livestream and help our viewers with good information its really hard to get people interested in joing in i realize I am not a big youtuber but it would be fun.