Which telephoto lens is recommended for bird photography on a Canon EOS R7?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger on the R7 last week and man this animal eye tracking is basically magic compared to my old 90D days but now im realizing my old glass just isnt cutting it anymore. I was using the EF 100-400mm Mark I with the adapter and its just... heavy. And loud. And honestly it feels a bit soft on the 32.5MP sensor which I guess I should have expected but it still sucks seeing those shots not be tack sharp when I zoom in to look at the feather detail. Im super stoked because I am actually headed down to the Everglades for a week in April just for the heron nesting season and I want to make sure I have the right setup because I probably wont get back there for years and I dont want to regret my gear choices while im standing in a swamp.

I have been looking at the RF 100-500mm L but that price tag is making me sweat a little bit even though I know the quality is there. Then there is the RF 200-800mm which sounds insane for reach but I am worried about that f/9 aperture at the long end since I am often shooting in the shade or really early morning when the light is still kinda garbage. I am really torn between getting that crazy reach or sticking with something faster like an f/4 or f/5.6 if I can find one that doesnt weigh ten pounds.

Here is what I am looking for in a lens:

Budget is around $1800 to $2300 max honestly my spouse might kill me if I go much higher than that

Needs to be manageable for 4-5 mile hikes because I am not a tripod guy at all

Fast autofocus is a must for those quick warblers that wont sit still for a second

Preferably something that plays nice with the R7s ibis since I am a bit shaky sometimes

I have heard people talk about the RF 800mm f11 prime too but that seems way too niche for me or maybe I am totally wrong? I have been doing birding for a decade but this mirrorless transition is throwing me for a loop with all these new f-stop ranges and stuff. What are you guys actually using on the R7 for birds specifically that doesnt break your back or the bank...

sochostreamer · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately my Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM was way too bulky for long treks in the swamp. Honestly, just stick with the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for handheld.

Justin Robert Adams · Answer

> Budget is around $1800 to $2300 max honestly my spouse might kill me if I go much higher than that Ngl, that budget is actually the sweet spot if you keep an eye on the Canon refurbished shop. Picked up the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for right around $2100 and honestly... no complaints. Carrying it for 5 miles is actually doable without needing a chiropractor. Image quality is leagues above that old Mark I EF glass. For the Everglades, having 100mm on the wide end is a total lifesaver because those big birds land right in your face sometimes. Dont sweat the f/7.1 too much. The R7 sensor handles the noise way better than the 90D ever did. Snagging a refurbished deal or a clean used copy would keep the spouse happy and give you the best glass for those warblers. Works really well with the IBIS too... even my shaky hands get keepers most of the time.