p.1 #1 · Flying to Houston in a few months time what RF birding lens to bring?
Before lockdown I typically use a EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM in the Philippines but because of its weight/size during my 2018 trip to Houston I instead brought a 7D Mark II + EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 2x III.
Will be flying over to Houston, TX in a few months time with a R1 or R7 body. What lens to buy & bring with me?
p.1 #2 · Flying to Houston in a few months time what RF birding lens to bring?
With the R1 you probably need a longer lens like 200-800. If you R7 then 100-500. EF 70-200/2.8 IS II is not so great with the 2x. The 100-500 also works well with either of the R5/R5 II. That's probably more reach than you had before anyways.
If you are staying a while in the States you could also rent gear while you are here. LensRentals is quite good.
p.1 #5 · Flying to Houston in a few months time what RF birding lens to bring?
I travel quite a bit and have 200-400, 200-800 and 600f4. 200-400 and 600f4 (eg 800 1200 too) are hard to travel with unless you file business. There is a whole lot of stress about whether the lens will have room in the overhead bin unless you are first on. There is a whole lot of stress if you fly a connector (what bin size).
Personally if I was doing lots of transfers I would stick to 200-800 for weight and size with r7 and r5ii. But 100-500 1.4x and r7/r5ii achieves the same at a little lower weight. If I was flying direct on my go to airline that puts me on first even in economy, and I flew direct, I would bring the 600f4.
That said, I flew Southwest and they let you pay to get on first (Priority Boarding for <$100) 24 hours in advance. And they have increased their leg room. It is my new go to usa airline. The downside is that you have to not miss your call (before zone 1) or the space will fill. Still inconvenient/stressful because you might not be available to buy Priority Boarding within 24 hours. [I just walked out once when my wife booked me a flight that did not have enough room for my 600f4 and found another flight the next day).
p.1 #6 · Flying to Houston in a few months time what RF birding lens to bring?
EB-1 wrote:
I've used the RF 600/4 and 1.4x with excellent results on the R5/II. The 1200 is more of a special purpose lens.
EBH
Thanks for the reply EBH! The rental of the RF 1200mm would also serve as a week-long audition whether I'll indent order one in Manila or not. The offer are pretty attractive.
Scott Stoness wrote:
I travel quite a bit and have 200-400, 200-800 and 600f4. 200-400 and 600f4 (eg 800 1200 too) are hard to travel with unless you file business. There is a whole lot of stress about whether the lens will have room in the overhead bin unless you are first on. There is a whole lot of stress if you fly a connector (what bin size).
Personally if I was doing lots of transfers I would stick to 200-800 for weight and size with r7 and r5ii. But 100-500 1.4x and r7/r5ii achieves the same at a little lower weight. If I was flying direct on my go to airline that puts me on first even in economy, and I flew direct, I would bring the 600f4.
That said, I flew Southwest and they let you pay to get on first (Priority Boarding for <$100) 24 hours in advance. And they have increased their leg room. It is my new go to usa airline. The downside is that you have to not miss your call (before zone 1) or the space will fill. Still inconvenient/stressful because you might not be available to buy Priority Boarding within 24 hours. [I just walked out once when my wife booked me a flight that did not have enough room for my 600f4 and found another flight the next day)....Show more →
Than you for the response Scott! What you describe flying domestic in the US is what I experienced traveling domestically in the Philippine and flying to Bali with the EF 800mm, 500mm & 400mm.
A quick question on your purchasing of the RF 200-800mm non-L vs not buying the RF 100-500mm L lens.
If I am not mistaken the 200-800mm is 685g heavier and f/8.0 at 500mm vs 100-500mm f/7.1 at 500mm. This makes the 200-800 1/3rd stop darker. Been watching many YT videos on the lens choice of L vs non-L and it's evenly split.
My route in April would be
- JFK
- ATL
- HOU
- Other stops depending on family/friends availability
p.1 #7 · Flying to Houston in a few months time what RF birding lens to bring?
dolina wrote:
Thanks for the reply EBH! The rental of the RF 1200mm would also serve as a week-long audition whether I'll indent order one in Manila or not. The offer are pretty attractive.
Than you for the response Scott! What you describe flying domestic in the US is what I experienced traveling domestically in the Philippine and flying to Bali with the EF 800mm, 500mm & 400mm.
A quick question on your purchasing of the RF 200-800mm non-L vs not buying the RF 100-500mm L lens.
If I am not mistaken the 200-800mm is 685g heavier and f/8.0 at 500mm vs 100-500mm f/7.1 at 500mm. This makes the 200-800 1/3rd stop darker. Been watching many YT videos on the lens choice of L vs non-L and it's evenly split.
My route in April would be
- JFK
- ATL
- HOU
- Other stops depending on family/friends availability
Will likely exit via SFO, LAX or SEA airport....Show more →
I bought the 200-800 over the 100-500 because:
- I find 200-800 from the car and walking, small enough and sharp enough particularly in centre. If I can work slowly I prefer 600 or 200-400.
- I can get 100-500 to work at 750 with 1.4X with near the same fstop but it I would lose 100-320mm. And its fstop slow. And the weight gap narrows with 1.4x where I normally reside.
- I already have 200-400 (to 560 f5.6). And I like it better for easy 200-560 and f4 /f5.6
- I already have rf 100-400 for hiking
- I have 600f4 and 1.4X and 7d for extreme shooting.
In summary 600- 800, it’s pretty good at 800 and I already have enough lens overlap.
