Camera Gear Review News (Page 23)

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Review page.

Here is the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens compared to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens.

We have not tested the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens on the Canon EOS 5Ds R, so some discernment is required in the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens vs. the Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM Lens comparison.

Keep in mind that results from a lower resolution camera such as the Canon EOS R6 will show less sharpness degradation from diffraction.

The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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I was recently asked which EF lenses should be replaced first in the DSLR to MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) migration. Fortunately, Canon has made the Mount Adapter EF-EOS R available to significantly ease that transition. With this adapter, EF lenses continue to perform at least as well on an RF mount as they do on an EF mount. Still, many of us will be upgrading our kits to RF lens models.

Here is a list of the available (or announced) RF lenses in priority^* order.

1. Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
2. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
3. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
4. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
5. Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens
6. Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
7. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
8. Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS Lens
9. Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens
10. Canon RF 35mm f/1.8mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens
11. Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
12. Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
13. Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens
14. Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens
15. Canon RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM Lens
16. Canon RF 1.4x Extender
17. Canon RF 2x Extender

^* Disclaimer: photographers have greatly varying needs, and therefore, the priority number for each of us may vary greatly, and my numbers may have little meaning for you.

The easy answer to the "Which RF lenses should I upgrade to first?" question is "Replace your most-used lens." All of the RF lenses have advantages over their EF counterparts, and replacing the most-used lens makes a lot of sense, providing the most value.

Also making sense is upgrading to an RF lens that has a desired capability, such as the image stabilization feature in the RF 24-70, much better image quality such as found in the RF 50 L or RF 85 L, or a super-telephoto length at an affordable price.

Why The Above Order?

The trinity of professional-grade f/2.8 L lenses are listed first, and they are listed in order of use frequency for many photographers. These are the lenses this site's audience considers most important overall.

I dropped the RF 100-500 into the 4th slot on this list. This focal length range is extremely useful, includes very long focal lengths, and has professional-grade build and optics without reaching an extreme price level.

For some, the RF 24-105 f/4 L could have a top position on this list. This lens is great for travel and has great general purpose utility. The professional-grade 24-105 L is less expensive and lighter than the RF 24-70 f/2.8 L.

Bring in the primes. The RF 50 L is the 50mm full-frame lens that many of us have long awaited. It is the first Canon 50mm lens I've personally purchased in (probably) over a decade. Both RF 85 f/1.2 models are phenomenal portrait lenses, and people are the most important photo subject. With stock photos unavailable for most people, portrait photography remains a revenue-generating pursuit. The RF 85 f/2 IS promises solid performance at a lower price, and this lens's close-focusing capabilities will be very welcomed in a kit.

The RF 35 is small, light, bright, close-focusing, inexpensive, and fun. Just get one.

An f/11 fixed aperture lens? Sounds like a crazy idea to many of us. However, getting these extreme focal lengths into the size, weight, and price point Canon achieved is remarkable. The image quality is not bad, especially from the lower resolution imaging sensors.

Having an f/2 aperture available over an entire general-purpose focal length range is awesome. The RF 28-70 is large, heavy, and expensive, but for the niche that needs this lens' advantages (think wedding and event photographers), this lens is priceless.

There are times when only a single lens can be chosen for multi-purpose needs. The RF 24-240mm lens's 10x zoom range covers those needs much of the time.

When small, light, and inexpensive are critical lens attributes, the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 raises its hand to fill the need.

I listed the RF extenders last. At this time, only the RF 100-500, RF 600, and RF 800 are compatible with the RF extenders. The cost of the extenders is approaching the cost of these two low-priced prime lenses that already have very long focal lengths, and the narrow max apertures of these lenses reduces the benefits an extender can provide. Using the 1.4x on the not-yet-available RF 100-500 is going to make a lot of sense, but I'm less sure about the 2x. I expect the extenders to have significantly greater value when high-end RF telephoto prime L lenses become available.

I plan to migrate all of my Canon lenses from EF to RF where similar models exist (except for those required for testing purposes). If your budget enables upgrading, I recommend doing so.

What is your RF lens plan?

OK, maybe not "finished" as I will likely continue to update these reviews for a long time, but these reviews are now extensive enough to be called finished for the moment. As the R5 and R6 are similar in many regards, selecting the review of your preferred model and reading the comparison will likely give you the information you need. Get a coffee and start reading:

Canon EOS R5 Review

Canon EOS R6 Review

Should I Get the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6, or EOS R? An Extensive Comparison

I have not been this excited about a camera in a long time — two R5 bodies are now part of my kit. It will now be hard to go back to a DSLR.

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Get in line for the Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Preorder the Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Rent the Canon EOS R5 from Lensrentals.

Rent the Canon EOS R6 from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens page.

This is an interesting lens from numerous perspectives, but focal length per dollar (euro, pound, etc.) is one, and focal length per lb (kg) is another. Here is a comparison with Canon's other 600mm lens, both set to their widest apertures:

Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens vs. EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens

At f/11, the RF 600 is already being impacted by the softening effects of diffraction. Another interesting comparison is between the same two lenses at f/11.

Canon RF 600mm vs. EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens at f/11

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results have been added to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens page.

This is a top-selling lens. Our review of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens was interrupted by the new Canon gear arrival, but the test results are very helpful in telling this lens's story.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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The Canon EOS R5 Review and Canon EOS R6 Review are works in progress with the latest updates being the AF section and the addition of frame rate examples. Scroll down one of the two reviews (same frame rate, same AF technology, same content in each) until a horseback riding image shows in the performance section.

These cameras are very impressive performers. The sample image included in this post shows the eye-tracking AF point following the galloping horse rider near the edge of the frame during a 20 fps capture.

Resolution test results have been added to the Canon EOS R5 Review page.

Resolution test results have been added to the Canon EOS R6 Review page.

These cameras are very sharp — I think you will like these results.

The R5 and R6 results were processed using Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) and the same low contrast, low sharpness settings (Neutral Picture Style, Sharpness = 1) as all of the other Canon camera test results included in the comparison tool. Use these results to compare the camera's resolution and sharpness to any other camera tested with the same lens using the same aperture setting (use f/5.6). I'll get your comparisons started:

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5Ds R

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5Ds

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R6

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS R

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS-1D X Mark III

Canon EOS R6 vs. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Good news is that B&H is now indicating that the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens will arrive Aug 28th. This lens was formerly expected in September.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

As with the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens, several of you have been asking for a glimpse of the image quality that the new Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is capable of. I spent half of yesterday chasing birds with these two lenses. The 600mm spent its time on the Canon EOS R6, so this image was captured with the higher-resolution Canon EOS R5 upon return from the trip.

This coneflower image is a 100% crop from near the center of the frame. This tripod-captured image's settings were 1/100 sec., ISO 100, and you know the aperture. The RAW image was processed with sharpness set to "2" (0-10 scale).

As with the 800mm crop just shared, this result exceeds my expectation. Add slightly more sharpening (try it yourself — copy and paste this image into your image processing software) and the result is especially sharp.

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H and Amazon USA.

Canon Europe has the Canon EOS R5 owner's manual available to download.

Can Canon RF Extenders be used on the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, even at 200mm?

Sorry folks, that answer is "No."

With some of Canon's EF lenses specified as not EF extender compatible, such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L, the rear element moved far enough forward to provide clearance for the extender to fit, and these combinations worked fine (as long as the impact was avoided). The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens came with the minimum RF extender compatible focal length specified (300mm), showing Canon now taking advantage of the partial range of rear element clearance.

All of Canon's EF 70-200mm lenses are compatible with EF extenders, but the RF 70-200 was not on the RF extender compatibility list. The question on many of our minds was if the RF 70-200mm lens would indeed be compatible, at least at the long end, despite being omitted from the list.

I've tried twice (just to be absolutely sure) to mount an RF extender to the RF 70-200 at 200mm, the focal length with the most rear element clearance. The RF extender does not fit into the back of this lens.

Another great idea was to mount an RF extender to the back of a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. The idea is that all EF lenses suddenly become extender compatible. Sorry, but this answer is also "No." The RF extender does not fit into the mount adapter.

That said, the baffle physically preventing this installation appears to be plastic, and plastic is easily modifiable. I can't spare an adapter for this mod right now, but if you have a donor adapter you want me to try modifying, let me know.

Thanks to Canon USA, the rest of the end-of-July-arriving new gear is in-house, including:

Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens
Canon RF 1.4x Extender
Canon RF 2x Extender
Battery Grip BG-R10

My first impression is that these super-telephoto lenses are amazingly compact and light.

Again, please feel free to ask questions — I can't promise to get to every one, but will attempt to answer many.

Also again, this photo was created using the Canon EOS R and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens combination.

As you've likely read, I've been using the Canon EOS 5Ds R as my primary camera since it first became available. While I still love the image quality this camera produces, the 5Ds R is beginning to feel aged. In particular, I wanted to know how the dynamic range of the new Canon EOS R5 compared to that of the 5Ds R. Some additional testing, over and under-exposure captures from the 5Ds R, makes that comparison now available in the site's camera noise comparison tool:

Canon EOS R5 Dynamic Range Comparison with 5Ds R

In that 2-stop-overexposed comparison, the R5's dynamic range is clearly superior (keep in mind that the brightest color value is below RGB 255,255,255 in the base exposure).

As expected, the +3 EV comparison more clearly shows the R5's improved performance.

Learn more about the Canon EOS R5.

When photographing fast action while counting on the camera's frame rate to capture the perfect point in time, the buffer depth must be adequate to cover the period during which the potential best image could happen. Therefore, buffer capacity matters.

To obtain the best-available buffer capabilities, the EOS R5 and R6 were configured to manual mode (no AE time lag) using ISO 100, a 1/8000 shutter speed (no waiting for the shutter operation), a wide open aperture (no time lost due to aperture blades closing), and manual focus (no focus lock delay). The lens cap remained on (insuring a black image with the smallest file size), the battery was near full charge, and freshly-formatted fast memory cards were used.

The ProGrade Digital 325GB CFexpress 2.0 Cobalt Memory Card and a ProGrade Digital 64GB 200 MB/s UHS-II V60 Memory Cards were used for this testing.

Here are the results for the R5:

Even at 20 fps, the R5 can capture an impressive over 7 seconds of action when using the CFexpress card, and the 5.5 seconds of 20 fps capture with an SD card is still very good. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously is minor at 20 fps, but more significant when capturing at 12 fps. That said, the need to record at 12 fps for longer than the 9 seconds provided by the SD card is reaching a niche level.

Here are the results for the R6:

Yes, ADHD kicked in after capturing a crazy-high 1,900 images in the 12 fps R6 test. The camera would likely continue at that frame rate until the cards were filled, achieving a number of images adequate for everyone. Even at 20 fps, the R6 can capture 9 seconds of action when using this SD card. The penalty for recording to two cards simultaneously at 20 fps is minor.

The numbers in the table above are excellent, adequate for most professional purposes. Switch to CRAW, JPG, or HEIF image formats, and the numbers go far higher (if possible).

Speed matters when selecting a memory card, and a memory card upgrade can be a low cost method of improving camera performance. These buffer capacities should be considered best-possible for the referenced cards, and your in-the-field results will likely vary.

The R5 and R6 clear the buffer quickly, and memory cards format almost instantly, both important aspects for camera selection.

Comparing same-size imaging sensors, the lower the resolution, the larger the photosites. Larger pixel wells can collect photons at a higher rate than smaller ones, generating a higher SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) that results in lower noise levels. Therefore, do not expect pixel-level noise performance from an ultra-high-resolution imaging sensor to match that from a similar generation low-resolution imaging sensor.

That said, the final output size is what matters in the real world. To make the Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R6 comparison relevant, the R5 image (oversampled in this case) must be reduced to 20 MP. An R5 image can be very simply downsized to R6 image dimensions, and then the R5 noise levels appear at least as good the R6 noise levels. DPP was used for downsizing the R5 images in that example.

In this comparison, Photoshop's Image Size method (using the default auto setting) was used for resizing. In this case, the R5 results are sharper than the R6 results, with noise becoming very slightly more apparent from the sharpening.

Noise levels do not appear to be a good differentiator between these cameras — noise levels at high ISO setting are not a good reason to buy the R6 over the R5.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS R5 Review page.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS R6 Review page.

Create the comparisons relevant to you.

These reviews are a work in progress, being updated as I go. Commentary regarding noise performance is now included.

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R5:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

 
Time to order your Canon EOS R6:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Along with ordering the new Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6, many photographers ordered compatibilty for their existing EF, EF-S, and TS-E lens kits in the form of one of the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R variants. The order volume for the basic and control ring versions of this adapter were so high that they are out of stock nearly everywhere, with B&H indicating 4-6 weeks for availability (7-14 days for the control ring version).

While these mount adapters can be found, such as on eBay, most are selling at a premium price. Alternatives include getting the drop-in adapter (remember that a clear fitler is optically required if no effects filter is installed) or a Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera.

Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Canon Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Learn more about the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.

To qualify for CPS Silver, Gold, or Platinum membership (a very good program), the accumulated point value of the Canon gear in your kit must reach 10, 20, or 50 respectively. As of today, the following tables illustrate most of the point values available. Catching attention is that the R-series cameras and RF lenses appear to be worth fewer points than their DSLR counterparts.

The "Why?" question has been asked. Also, why is the RF 24-105mm F4-7.1 IS STM worth more points than the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM? I would not be surprised to see at least that anomally corrected. Oh wait, the 5D Mark II is worth more points than the 5D Mark III?

(thanks David)

It was like Christmas in July when the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 arrived in the same box. While these two cameras (and most others) come preconfigured for immediate and easy use, serious photographers need to set the camera up for the way they work. Following are the 42 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box R5 and R6 ready for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to get support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap (if using).
5. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
6. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options).
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: High ISO speed NR: Off (or Low) (noise reduction is destructive to images details — I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 6: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Disp performance: * select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
21. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
22. AF Menu, Tab 1: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
23. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
24. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Face+Tracking, Spot AF, and Single Point
25. AF Menu, Tab 5: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
26. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnify (apx): 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
27. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
28. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
29. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it — all data on the card will be lost)
30. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
31. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
32. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
33. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
34. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
35. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
36. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: AF point button: Direct AF method selection; Set: Magnify; Multicontrollers: Direct AF point selection; Multi-function button: Dial function and press info to set details: turn off ISO (it is readily available on the dial), turn off white balance, turn off flash exposure compensation, enable exposure compensation, turn off AF method
37. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
40. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Expo. simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
41. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Focus mode, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
42. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot — including in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to set it up quickly.

More Information

Canon EOS R5 | Canon EOS R6

 
Order the Canon EOS R5 from:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Canon EOS R5 from Lensrentals.

 
Order the Canon EOS R6 from:

Body: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 STM: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

w/ RF 24-105 L: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Canon EOS R6 from Lensrentals.

For many, especially those already owning the impressive Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, the narrow to-f/7.1 spec on the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens gave us pause. None of us was disappointed by the to-500mm part of the spec, but we wanted to know if the aperture opening size was being sacrificed at the 400mm aperture in order to keep this lens compact and light. Thanks to Drew MacCallum's (Canon USA) effort to answer this question for us, now we know.

What is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens's maximum aperture opening at 400mm?

Answer 1: When the camera is set to 1/3-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/6.3.

Answer 2: When the camera is set to 1/2-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/5.6.

I know, you are now planning to change your R5 and R6 to use 1/2-stop increments. Don't bother as the difference is how the actual opening size is rounded (the true aperture is likely between these two numbers), likely holds for only a short range of focal lengths, and even if there was a 1/3-stop difference, the difference in noise made visible by an offsetting 1/3-stop ISO change will not matter to most.

The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review page is loaded with expectations. This lens should be awesome.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at: B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX