What is the best sports lens for the Canon EOS R1?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on the R1 and I'm literally shaking with excitement to use it. My logic was that since the camera is such a powerhouse I should just go straight for the RF 400mm f/2.8, but then I saw people online saying the 100-500mm is actually fast enough for daytime sports.

I'm shooting my daughters state track meet in three weeks and I'm worried if the weather turns grey that f/7.1 is gonna be a total nightmare for shutter speeds. Budget is around 11k so I can technically afford the big prime but is the versatility of the zoom better for a stadium? I'm stuck between wanting that bokeh and needing to zoom out when they get close to the finish line...

Victoria · Accepted Answer

I would suggest being careful with that 100-500mm because f/7.1 is gonna struggle if the clouds roll in. Since you have the budget, you might want to consider the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM instead.

stays at f/2.8 throughout

way more versatile for the finish line

insane image quality The big prime is great but way too restrictive for track imo.

Shane Waratah · Answer

Before I get into the technical side, I need to ask a quick clarifying question: do you have field access for this meet or are you stuck in the bleachers? Distance to the track changes everything when you are picking between a fixed prime and a zoom lens. Honestly, I have been pretty disappointed with the current RF telephoto lineup lately. It is frustrating that for an 11k budget, you still have to make such massive compromises on aperture or weight. I had issues with the slower glass in the past and they are just not as good as expected when the light starts to fade. Track meets go on for a long time, and you cannot predict the weather. Here is a breakdown of what I would consider for that R1:

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM: This is the gold standard for isolation, but it is a bit of a one-trick pony at a track meet. Once they get close to the finish line, you are going to be way too tight.

Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM: Probably the most logical choice for safety, though I find the price tag a bit insulting. It gives you that f/2.8 cushion which you absolutely need for fast shutter speeds.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM: Do not overlook this. If you are near the finish line, you might actually find the 100mm starting point of the other zooms is still too long. Tbh, relying on the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM for a state meet is a risk I would not take. When you start pushing shutter speeds to 1/2000s to freeze a sprinter, that f/7.1 is gonna force your ISO through the roof... even the R1 sensor has its limits.

benjamin.carter · Answer

Unfortunately, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is not as good as expected.Canon RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM: Quality prime.Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM: Better zoom. Basically, avoid f/7.1.