Is This the Best Lens for New Wildlife Photographers?

Wildlife photography can be a tremendously fun and interesting genre, but it often requires very long focal lengths, and the lenses involved can be very expensive. Canon's RF 600mm f/11 IS STM offers the kind of focal length wildlife photographers need at a very affordable price, albeit with some compromises to get to that price level. Is it still worth it? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect. 

Coming to you from DPReview TV, this excellent video review takes a look at the RF 600mm f/11 IS STM. No doubt, at $699, the 600mm f/11 is highly affordable. On the other hand, its very narrow (and fixed) aperture may seem like simply too much of a compromise. Nonetheless, with the autofocus and high-ISO capabilities of cameras like the EOS R5, that f/11 aperture is less of a drawback than it might have been several years ago. On the other hand, that does translate to some advantages beyond the price, most notable being its smaller size and portable weight, making it a great option for someone like a landscape photographer who wants it as a secondary option that will not take up too much space in their bag. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments
4 Comments

Primarily because of its weight and second because of it cost, this has been the perfect long lens for my 11 years old son. I use a 100-400 that is too heavy for him without support. I love we can go on hikes together with the added interest of photography.

Meh ... not for me. tried it and bought the 100-500mm plus 1.4x extender. Much better.

F11 is far too restricting. Most wildlife activity is in the early morning or later in the evening under less than ideal lighting conditions. I think recommending an F11 lens for a beginner in this field is only going to cause frustration.

I suppose if you are doing your wildlife photography at a zoo then this might fit the bill

Nope. Sony RX10 IV is the winner. Zoom, excellent AF, and a fast lens that makes up for the small sensor. And best of all, tiny in size and price in comparison.