I noticed most of the camera details listed with the stills said "R5"? Is that a typo since you were talking about the R8 mainly in this video? R6mkii owner here and thinking of an R8 as a backup secondary body. Nice shots regardless!
Wow, do I LOVE this channel ! I watch a number of wildlife photography-videography channels and yours is my favourite by a country mile. Your engaging, folksie, no-BS style plus your vast knowledge from hands-on experience are simply great. And who doesn't love Alaska and its awesome scenery and wildlife? Keep on keeping on Scott, Rudy in Ottawa.
You're on a roll Scott ! I love the drone pipers (and their photographer), also amazing was the 270 degrees eagle rotation !! And that grey headed otter swimming on his back was marvelous as well 👍 You're really doing a great job in keeping those many us on the waiting list drooling over that lens, hahah. Before you had it (~ "about that lens") you only seemed moderately interested in it .. a few more of these videos and your Nikon gear will angrily start jumping on your shelves 😛
Scott, such an awesome experience you had! I especially liked the overhead shots of the sandpipers. I ran into someone yesterday shooting the 100-500 on the R6Mk2 and he was impressed with my 200-800. I suggested he check out your channel as he's also been to Alaska a few times, and specifically to check out this video.
I just tested out this combo (R8) for some bird photography and I was surprised by both the performance of the R8 and how well the image stabilization works on this lens. I didn't really miss the IBIS or at least I didn't really notice there wasn't IBIS. The AF on the R8 is very good as well. Thanks so much for the video! Cheers.
Thank you for another excellent video Scott, you`re hitting it out of the park! Video production and editing have really come on, great content with the stills and drone shots of the sandpipers. Looking forward to getting my 200-800, keep up the great work, you`ll soon be at 20k subscribers!
Amazing video quality, and your photos are absolutely beautiful. It's an automatic subscription for me. As for the RF200-800, there is no doubt it's a great lens, and it's not surprising even the cheap RF 600 and RF800 are great quality lenses. I'm honestly happy I already have the RF 100-500, because it will be a real nightmare to have to choose between these 2.
I normally don't use grips on my cameras. But with R8 I got the grip, it is really cheap, and I got it so I could use two batteries at the same time. What I did not realize is how great it works with R8, it does not add much weight but it makes the camera very stable with longer lenses (I use it with 800 F11 RF). Yesterday I shot 4500 photos (mostly at high speed) on R8 and my battery sign showed only one third out. So I will likely to leave this grip on permanently, unless I really want to go out light with something like 50mm 1.8 RF. And with a little cable, ability to shoot vertically is a nice bonus.
Been eyeing the RF 200-800 for my R8 for a few weeks (currently running the the RF 100-400 for wildlife). I think this video sealed the deal for me, hopefully I can get my hands on it before the spring migration down here in Nevada.
The caption of the still shots said R5 but I’m assuming that was a mistake and should have said R8. Boy it must have been a cold day, love your enthusiasm. I have R8 and the Vello Battery grip and agree they are a great combination. Just ordered the 200-800 and get to pick it up on Monday 24 June, can’t wait 😜
Yes it was the R8. Long days and fast edits to stay on that weekly + schedule and I goofed. Grats on the lens, it's a lot of fun working in that 600-800mm range.
Great video again. Do you have a video about using a monitor at a camera (R5/R7) for long angle bird shots. I'm struggling a little bid with it how to use it. Would be nice... :) And maybe some advice about the different kind off them (price, quality, etc.).
Thank you for the video Scotty. And thank you for how quick you review an item and listen to your viewers, you already have 5 videos on the 200-800mm. Keep it up man. 👍
@@WILDALASKAamazing. Thank you again. Can’t wait for the next videos, btw I love how the vids are released on Sunday morning. I make my coffee, sit and watch. 📸
I hear the apsc cameras have pulsing but the full-frame cameras do not. Jan Wegener for instance says that the r7 misses focus fairly regularly on the 200-800 but the r5 has a "dramatically" higher focus success rate.
The R7 focuses very well with the 200-800. I have shown and talked about this a lot on the channel. There's not an issue with the focus really, just the who is behind the camera and understanding how the camera works with the given focus of the camera. Watch Sundays video for an even cheaper lens that shows how well it focuses.
Thanks for sharing. Great footage and very inspiring thoughts from you. I have a question regarding Crop Mode on the R8/R6m2: Is the Crop mode on these full frame cameras useable, if I need more reach compared to my R7? / Greetings from Per Christensen, Denmark
Thank for this great review. I got a Q, how do you do to get the distance info of the birds. Is that only from the R8 or do I have it on my R6 as well. All the best /Thomas
I bought the vello grip after I saw your video about it Best purchase Ive ever made(after getting the R8 ahahah) I tried to shoot without it after purchasing it. I simply cant use the R8 without it. 1st, it is comfy with the grip and 2nd, even the lightest lenses feel front heavy.
If you were starting a system from scratch would you go for the R5 + 200-800mm (or 100-500mm) or the Nikon Z8/Z9 + 180-600mm? Now that the AF is on par I'm tempted to pick up a Z8 to see how it compares to my R5. Nikon seems more invested in it's wildlife lens lineup, firmware updates, and not limiting video features (Canon cripple hammer). What are your thoughts on the cameras/systems now? Also will you be doing a comparison between the 200-800mm vs Nikon 180-600mm (and any experience with the Sony 200-600mm?)
Currently Nikon is winning as far as sensors and lens selections. But a few years ago canon was. It swings back and forth. My advice, find the best lens you can afford then build the bodies around that. the lens will last for 10-15 years. bodies every 3-5 years.
Thanks Scott. Question. I have an R5. Am still awaiting the 200-800 lens. I'm thinking for what we do, why do I need an R5 which wastes my storage space when I could be using with the 200-800 an R6 MKII and taking advantage of its smaller storage requirements yet gaining from its superior auto focusing and lower ISO capabilities. I do photos only. Not video. What do you think? I'm not worried about cropping ability with the R6 MKII's censor size when combined with the 200-800 clarity and reach.
Hi. I recently subscribed to your channel because I’ll be shooting in Maine which has similar conditions. This lens review was great and I’m planning on buying it after I decide on a camera. I’m an intermediate photographer and wanting to do more wildlife photos. What Canon would you recommend for someone new to the mirrorless market with an intermediate budget? Thanks!
Man so jealous I've had my 200-800 on back order since November.... I must have been a little late for the first shipment. I'm hoping to get it sooner than later.
Great video Scott :) Hey so about DXO Pure Raw, I can hardly live without it. Now, I had heard that DXO Pure Raw will still work to convert shots taken with the 200-800 from RAW to DNG, and in doing so, will remove most of the noise, but that it just wouldn't do specific lens corrections ? Is this true ? Of course I have Topaz too, but I find Topaz a lot more time consuming, because I have to try multiple settings to get it dialed in. While DXO Pure Raw is just drop them in and hit 'process'. Plus, I'd greatly prefer to start with my Photoshopping, on an image that is already clean. I use DXO Pure Raw before processing, and Topaz (if I absolutely have to) afterwards, as a final step.
It will process and do some very small noise and sharpening, but you don't get the full noise and sharpen without the lens and all the settings turned on. With them turned on it errors out without the correct profile. Basically it doesn't do enough to change what Lightroom will do.
@@WILDALASKA hmmm. Okay thank you. Who knows how long it's going to take me to get the 200-800 anyway? Hopefully by then DXO will come out with the profile. I had heard they were saying sometime in January.
I had this lens for almost a month, but ended up returning it. I found it to be sharp maybe 30-40% of the time, but otherwise it was soft. Could have been a bad copy.
I'm looking to upgrade from a Sigma 150-600 to the Canon 200-800. Would you feel that it's enough of an improvement to justify the jump from the $800 Sigma lens to a nearly $2,000 Canon lens?
He uses templates for his editing and in his last video he used the R5 with the 200-800mm. He most likely forgot to change the header of footnote while editing
Wait so the ONLY major difference is battery life and IBS? No way. Lol. It's so much cheaper than the R6 Mk II. Same autofocus greatness and everything?? Wow.
It also the form factor as it uses the battery and some of the buttons like the joystick. I have a full video on the r6mkii vs the r8. but for the major things that make an image good its the same
I get fed up with so called pros. always testing lenses with the latest camera's. I have an r6. why not test it on that and some othere older mirrorless camera's.
I noticed most of the camera details listed with the stills said "R5"? Is that a typo since you were talking about the R8 mainly in this video? R6mkii owner here and thinking of an R8 as a backup secondary body. Nice shots regardless!
all r8 just mislabeled
I really love that you include the distance when showing the photos you took!
👍
The capture of the white faced otter was beautiful. Good job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow, do I LOVE this channel ! I watch a number of wildlife photography-videography channels and yours is my favourite by a country mile. Your engaging, folksie, no-BS style plus your vast knowledge from hands-on experience are simply great. And who doesn't love Alaska and its awesome scenery and wildlife?
Keep on keeping on Scott,
Rudy in Ottawa.
Wow, thank you!
Couldn't have said it better... I also want one of those caps!
Great video and alot of useful information! Safe travels and take care
Thanks, you too!
4:36 Your Drone gave us your best shot LOL
Yes the drones above the sandpipers was fun
Great shots of the sandpipers snd otters.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great work Scott! Awesome to see the river otters sliding like that. Never have seen anything like that before. Thanks for doing what you do so well.
Glad you enjoyed it
what a wonderful combination of beautiful nature, relaxation and laid back tech talk. Love this! You are doing a splendid job.
Thank you very much!
You're on a roll Scott ! I love the drone pipers (and their photographer), also amazing was the 270 degrees eagle rotation !! And that grey headed otter swimming on his back was marvelous as well 👍
You're really doing a great job in keeping those many us on the waiting list drooling over that lens, hahah.
Before you had it (~ "about that lens") you only seemed moderately interested in it .. a few more of these videos and your Nikon gear will angrily start jumping on your shelves 😛
Glad you enjoyed it
Scott, such an awesome experience you had! I especially liked the overhead shots of the sandpipers. I ran into someone yesterday shooting the 100-500 on the R6Mk2 and he was impressed with my 200-800. I suggested he check out your channel as he's also been to Alaska a few times, and specifically to check out this video.
Very cool. Thanks
I just tested out this combo (R8) for some bird photography and I was surprised by both the performance of the R8 and how well the image stabilization works on this lens. I didn't really miss the IBIS or at least I didn't really notice there wasn't IBIS. The AF on the R8 is very good as well. Thanks so much for the video! Cheers.
Yes. My experience also
Outstanding video and footage, Scott. Love those Otters. Keep up the great work
Thanks 👍
Outstanding and so much fun. Love the channel. Thank you. Love your enthusiasm. Can't wait to get my 200-800.
Thanks
Thank you for another excellent video Scott, you`re hitting it out of the park! Video production and editing have really come on, great content with the stills and drone shots of the sandpipers.
Looking forward to getting my 200-800, keep up the great work, you`ll soon be at 20k subscribers!
Glad you like them!
Amazing video quality, and your photos are absolutely beautiful. It's an automatic subscription for me.
As for the RF200-800, there is no doubt it's a great lens, and it's not surprising even the cheap RF 600 and RF800 are great quality lenses. I'm honestly happy I already have the RF 100-500, because it will be a real nightmare to have to choose between these 2.
Awesome, thank you!
Well done. Thanks for the review
Thanks for watching!
That 1 river otter was hamming it up for you guys. Sliding and looking at the cameras! I think they all knew they were in front of a lens... 👍👍
They are always hams
I normally don't use grips on my cameras. But with R8 I got the grip, it is really cheap, and I got it so I could use two batteries at the same time. What I did not realize is how great it works with R8, it does not add much weight but it makes the camera very stable with longer lenses (I use it with 800 F11 RF). Yesterday I shot 4500 photos (mostly at high speed) on R8 and my battery sign showed only one third out. So I will likely to leave this grip on permanently, unless I really want to go out light with something like 50mm 1.8 RF. And with a little cable, ability to shoot vertically is a nice bonus.
Grips can really make a camera feel more stable with bigger lenses for sure
I agree, I have the same set up and love it!
Really like the sunset image of the eagles😁
Thanks
Great reviews and details! I love the Rock Sandpipers footage! Btw, one of the shorebirds in the footage is a Dunlin.
I didn't see one myself. They have light and dark plumage. Ill have to check again later and look.
Nice video, but I'm confused. Your videos are all listed as shot with an R5, along with the other settings. Is this a misprint?
misprint. getting videos out at 1-2 times a week it gets messy in editing
Been eyeing the RF 200-800 for my R8 for a few weeks (currently running the the RF 100-400 for wildlife). I think this video sealed the deal for me, hopefully I can get my hands on it before the spring migration down here in Nevada.
👍
Love your videos and your presentation.
thanks
The caption of the still shots said R5 but I’m assuming that was a mistake and should have said R8. Boy it must have been a cold day, love your enthusiasm. I have R8 and the Vello Battery grip and agree they are a great combination. Just ordered the 200-800 and get to pick it up on Monday 24 June, can’t wait 😜
Yes it was the R8. Long days and fast edits to stay on that weekly + schedule and I goofed.
Grats on the lens, it's a lot of fun working in that 600-800mm range.
Great video again. Do you have a video about using a monitor at a camera (R5/R7) for long angle bird shots. I'm struggling a little bid with it how to use it. Would be nice... :) And maybe some advice about the different kind off them (price, quality, etc.).
I have one about a shiimbol monitor, but I may make one soon about eh ninja v and a new one im testing now.
@@WILDALASKA Thanks!! Found it, great. Looking forward the test video.
Looking forward to the comparison with the rf800 f11.
👍
Thank you for the video Scotty. And thank you for how quick you review an item and listen to your viewers, you already have 5 videos on the 200-800mm. Keep it up man. 👍
2 more at least coming
@@WILDALASKAamazing. Thank you again. Can’t wait for the next videos, btw I love how the vids are released on Sunday morning. I make my coffee, sit and watch. 📸
Great Idea to add the subject distance ! Thx.
Mainly started that due to the DoF discussions I was having, so you can see the focal distance and focal mm
based on exif data or your estimate ?@@WILDALASKA
EXIF@@sebastienprat
Really need to make the drive down to Homer. Looks like it would be worth it.
it is
Wow this lens is doing quite well when combined with skill
👍
I hear the apsc cameras have pulsing but the full-frame cameras do not. Jan Wegener for instance says that the r7 misses focus fairly regularly on the 200-800 but the r5 has a "dramatically" higher focus success rate.
The R7 focuses very well with the 200-800. I have shown and talked about this a lot on the channel. There's not an issue with the focus really, just the who is behind the camera and understanding how the camera works with the given focus of the camera. Watch Sundays video for an even cheaper lens that shows how well it focuses.
Thanks for sharing. Great footage and very inspiring thoughts from you. I have a question regarding Crop Mode on the R8/R6m2: Is the Crop mode on these full frame cameras useable, if I need more reach compared to my R7? / Greetings from Per Christensen, Denmark
yes its usable but you are getting less pixels on subject compared to the r7
Thinking of getting this lens with my canon R6 mark 1; currently also have a Canon R7 and EF 100-400II with 1.4 extender iii for birds/wildlife.
👍
Love your enthusiasm and genuine style. Out of interest why do you only shoot a f9?
min aperture
Thank for this great review. I got a Q, how do you do to get the distance info of the birds. Is that only from the R8 or do I have it on my R6 as well. All the best /Thomas
In Lightroom on your EXIF data panel just hit settings and add the focal distance
Thank you so much 🙂@@WILDALASKA
Great video,I use r7 with 100-400 ii am thinking about getting 200-800 would love your thoughts on this combo,cheers.
ua-cam.com/video/RDLdyoAyIsk/v-deo.html
I bought the vello grip after I saw your video about it
Best purchase Ive ever made(after getting the R8 ahahah)
I tried to shoot without it after purchasing it. I simply cant use the R8 without it. 1st, it is comfy with the grip and 2nd, even the lightest lenses feel front heavy.
It's an awesome addition for sure. Glad you liked it.
If you were starting a system from scratch would you go for the R5 + 200-800mm (or 100-500mm) or the Nikon Z8/Z9 + 180-600mm? Now that the AF is on par I'm tempted to pick up a Z8 to see how it compares to my R5. Nikon seems more invested in it's wildlife lens lineup, firmware updates, and not limiting video features (Canon cripple hammer).
What are your thoughts on the cameras/systems now?
Also will you be doing a comparison between the 200-800mm vs Nikon 180-600mm (and any experience with the Sony 200-600mm?)
Currently Nikon is winning as far as sensors and lens selections. But a few years ago canon was. It swings back and forth.
My advice, find the best lens you can afford then build the bodies around that. the lens will last for 10-15 years. bodies every 3-5 years.
Thanks Scott. Question. I have an R5. Am still awaiting the 200-800 lens. I'm thinking for what we do, why do I need an R5 which wastes my storage space when I could be using with the 200-800 an R6 MKII and taking advantage of its smaller storage requirements yet gaining from its superior auto focusing and lower ISO capabilities. I do photos only. Not video. What do you think? I'm not worried about cropping ability with the R6 MKII's censor size when combined with the 200-800 clarity and reach.
The r5 will give you headroom for tripping and more pixels on subject. Plus storage (ssd) are cheap. so load up those megapixels 😜
Hi. I recently subscribed to your channel because I’ll be shooting in Maine which has similar conditions. This lens review was great and I’m planning on buying it after I decide on a camera. I’m an intermediate photographer and wanting to do more wildlife photos. What Canon would you recommend for someone new to the mirrorless market with an intermediate budget? Thanks!
R7 or R8 for sure
Thanks for getting back to me!
Man so jealous I've had my 200-800 on back order since November.... I must have been a little late for the first shipment. I'm hoping to get it sooner than later.
🤞
Your mic did really well in the wind.
Listening to it on headphones I could hear it crack a touch lol.
I notice your still photo are using R5 in this clip, I have R8, I am appreciate if you show some photos using R8 with this 200-800mm?
all the photos are r8. I just missed the camera model in the info clips
thanks a lot
@@WILDALASKA
Great video Scott :) Hey so about DXO Pure Raw, I can hardly live without it. Now, I had heard that DXO Pure Raw will still work to convert shots taken with the 200-800 from RAW to DNG, and in doing so, will remove most of the noise, but that it just wouldn't do specific lens corrections ? Is this true ? Of course I have Topaz too, but I find Topaz a lot more time consuming, because I have to try multiple settings to get it dialed in. While DXO Pure Raw is just drop them in and hit 'process'. Plus, I'd greatly prefer to start with my Photoshopping, on an image that is already clean. I use DXO Pure Raw before processing, and Topaz (if I absolutely have to) afterwards, as a final step.
It will process and do some very small noise and sharpening, but you don't get the full noise and sharpen without the lens and all the settings turned on. With them turned on it errors out without the correct profile. Basically it doesn't do enough to change what Lightroom will do.
@@WILDALASKA hmmm. Okay thank you. Who knows how long it's going to take me to get the 200-800 anyway? Hopefully by then DXO will come out with the profile.
I had heard they were saying sometime in January.
I had this lens for almost a month, but ended up returning it. I found it to be sharp maybe 30-40% of the time, but otherwise it was soft. Could have been a bad copy.
Must be as everything Im shooting with it is sharp
I'm looking to upgrade from a Sigma 150-600 to the Canon 200-800. Would you feel that it's enough of an improvement to justify the jump from the $800 Sigma lens to a nearly $2,000 Canon lens?
Very much so. you are going to get amazing AF and image quality out of the canon vs the sigma lens on the RF system.
Hi there- I’m your camera lens, just over here to your left 😵💫
😳
How do you rate the 200-800 against your 500 f4?
Nothing touches the big primes. The 600/500 f/4's or the 400 2.8's. Juts superior glass in those guys. Hence the big price tag.
Did you shoot the eagles at 4k 60?
Yes
DXo just released the modules.
Thanks. now im getting excited to see what we get 😄
There's something I can't understand. You say you use R8, and all picture examples are with R5??
He uses templates for his editing and in his last video he used the R5 with the 200-800mm.
He most likely forgot to change the header of footnote while editing
Edited this video in 3 hours lol. im amazed that's all I messed up. upload at 2 am for a 5am posting 🤪 Im tired lol.
yes fast edit on on the road.
I am interesting how this lens would work with R10, anybody tried?
Pretty much the same as any other.
Well thats it. Im super hyped about getting the 200-800mm for my R8. 😀
PS: My wallet and GF want to say to you 🖕 😂😂😂
LoL Cassies husband says the same to me. I talked her into the 400 2.8 TC.
@@WILDALASKA hahahha
Wait so the ONLY major difference is battery life and IBS? No way. Lol. It's so much cheaper than the R6 Mk II. Same autofocus greatness and everything?? Wow.
It also the form factor as it uses the battery and some of the buttons like the joystick. I have a full video on the r6mkii vs the r8. but for the major things that make an image good its the same
I get fed up with so called pros. always testing lenses with the latest camera's. I have an r6. why not test it on that and some othere older mirrorless camera's.
Cause I don't own it and can't rent it 🤣 Send me yours and I'll test it LOL. Thanks for watching
Still waiting for the ef 100-400mk2 review with the r7 🙂🥲
Its going too be a bit 😉 Lot of other videos in the pipeline before it.