Best budget wildlife lens for Canon EOS R7?

Question

Whats the best budget wildlife lens for the R7? Im super excited to take it to Costa Rica next month! My budget is around $600. I looked at the RF 100-400mm but some forums say an adapted EF 400mm f5.6 is way sharper for birds, so now I cant decide which to get...

Nature-Inspired · Accepted Answer

^ This. Also, consider a used Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD. You can grab them under $500 on KEH, which gets you way more reach than the RF for less cash.

Jack Wombat · Answer

In my experience with the R7 sensor, you really need modern optics to resolve those 32.5 megapixels. The old EF 400mm lacks stabilization and modern coatings. Consider these options instead:

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM

Nano USM motor handles the R7 autofocus tracking speed perfectly.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Canon EF

Used copies run under $600, giving you 600mm reach, though it is heavy.

austin.green · Answer

I took the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM to Costa Rica once, and the lack of image stabilization in the dark rainforest canopy was a nightmare. The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is the safer, more reliable choice:

Stellar built-in stabilization

Super lightweight for hiking

Snappy autofocus Tbh, keeping your shots sharp without IS in the jungle is just too risky.