R7 and RF 100-400 f/5.6-8 IS USM performance in low light? (1 Viewer)

[Oregon John]

I'm thinking of moving up from a bridge camera that is ok but has very significant IQ problems in low light. I'm pretty much sold on getting an R7, but I'm wondering how much better the R7 and RF 100-400 combo would be in early mornings or on cloudy days. Or should I wait until I've saved enough for an RF 100-500 f/4.5-7.1 lens? ;-)

Input appreciated....

 

[Steve Arlow]

I'm sure the RF 100-400mm lens is decent enough however its not a L graded lens so you may struggle in low light conditions, especially as its f8 at 400mm. The RF 100-500mm is L grade glass and is F7.1 at 500mm but of course there is a big difference in price between the two. Other option is the Canon EF 100-400mm L lens with an EF to RF adaptor. This is a quality lens, works extremely well with the R7 and EF adaptors and will cheaper than the 100-500mm RF lens, but still significantly more expensive the RF non L lens.
As example this image of a Firecrest was taken deep inside a Holly Bush so very low light with up to ISO3200 with the Canon 100-400mm mk2 L glass.

 

[paddyluke]

 

[Oregon John]

I'm sure the RF 100-400mm lens is decent enough however its not a L graded lens so you may struggle in low light conditions, especially as its f8 at 400mm. The RF 100-500mm is L grade glass and is F7.1 at 500mm but of course there is a big difference in price between the two. Other option is the Canon EF 100-400mm L lens with an EF to RF adaptor. This is a quality lens, works extremely well with the R7 and EF adaptors and will cheaper than the 100-500mm RF lens, but still significantly more expensive the RF non L lens.
As example this image of a Firecrest was taken deep inside a Holly Bush so very low light with up to ISO3200 with the Canon 100-400mm mk2 L glass.

Thanks Steve. I'll look into the EF 100-400L.

 

[graham catley]

The RF 100-400 has other facets including weight, size and it focuses down to 0.8m so at the 400 end is brilliant even for small insects if you want versatility. It’s also really sharp for an amazing price. All below with R6 and RF 100-400

 

[pdwinter]

I have the RF100-400 which I use with an R10. I've no problems with the autofocus in low light (high ISO) but you will be using either a low shutter speed or a high ISO at the 400 end so there will likely be some noise in the resulting images. I'm quite happy with record shots in those sort of conditions and don't mind doing some postprocessing to reduce the noise.

The R7+100-400 together weigh about 1200g whereas the R7+100-500L combo is just over 2kg. If you're moving from a bridge then the R7+100-400 might suit you weightwise.

In good light the lens will be produce good images as long as the bird is large / close (same rules for any lens!)