Why I Traded My Faithful Sigma 150–600mm Sport for the Canon RF 200–800mm

For years, my Sigma 150–600mm Sport lens was my loyal field companion — through misty dawns in Baughurst Copse, restless owls, and early light over Tadley. But recently, I made the leap and swapped it for Canon’s RF 200–800mm, and after a few weeks of use, I can honestly say: this wasn’t just an upgrade — it was a revelation.

H2: The Honest Truth About the Sigma 150–600mm Sport

The Sigma Sport was, and still is, a fantastic lens.
It offered rugged reliability, excellent reach, and tack-sharp results when you nailed focus. But with every outing, I began noticing limitations:

• Weight: At around 2.8kg, it pushed the limits of handheld shooting.
• Focus Speed: On a Canon R5 via adapter, AF lag was noticeable with fast-moving birds.
• Ergonomics: The balance felt front-heavy, especially during long walks or wildlife waits.

I realised that great image quality alone wasn’t enough if the lens slowed me down in the field.

Why the Canon RF 200–800mm Won Me Over

Canon’s RF 200–800mm feels like it was designed for my kind of photography — long, handheld sessions chasing elusive wildlife in shifting English light.

1. The Extra Reach Really Matters

That extra 200mm on the long end makes a huge difference. Suddenly, small birds that once needed cropping now fill the frame beautifully. It’s especially noticeable when photographing deer or foxes that keep their distance.

2. Weight and Balance

At roughly 2kg, the lens is significantly lighter than the Sigma Sport. It’s perfectly balanced on the R5, making handheld wildlife sessions genuinely enjoyable again.

3. Native RF Mount Performance

No adapter. No fuss. The autofocus is lightning-fast, accurate, and whisper-quiet. It locks onto subjects instantly — something I struggled with on adapted EF lenses.

4. Stunning Image Quality

Even wide open, the Canon delivers crisp, contrast-rich results with beautiful background separation. The colour rendering feels slightly warmer and more “Canon-like” than the Sigma’s cooler tones.

5. Versatility for Every Situation

Whether I’m shooting woodland birds, distant roe deer, or misty landscapes at dawn, the zoom range feels endlessly flexible. It’s the kind of lens you can leave on the camera all day.

6. Improved Portability

I can finally carry my full kit — R5, lens, and spare batteries — in a smaller bag. That might sound minor, but for early morning treks through damp fields, it’s liberating.

7. Pure Joy to Use

Sometimes gear decisions aren’t about specs. The RF 200–800mm just feels right — responsive, modern, and purpose-built for mirrorless wildlife photography.

Real-World Use in North Hampshire

Most of my photography happens around Tadley and Baughurst Copse, where light changes minute by minute and subjects rarely sit still. The Canon RF 200–800mm handles that beautifully — especially handheld at sunrise. It focuses faster, tracks cleaner, and gives me sharper results with less effort.

Pros – Canon RF 200–800mm

• Longer reach (800mm)
• Lightweight and well-balanced
• Native autofocus speed
• Excellent sharpness and colour

Cons – Canon RF 200–800mm

• Slower aperture at 800mm
• White barrel draws attention
• More expensive than used Sigma options

It’s not just a lens upgrade; it’s a creative upgrade.

The Verdict — Should You Switch?

If you already own the Sigma 150–600mm Sport, you know its strengths. But if you’ve moved to Canon’s RF mirrorless system, the new 200–800mm is an evolution that rewards you with reach, speed, and freedom.

Yes, it’s white, and yes, it stands out — but in use, it becomes invisible. It simply works.

For me, this swap wasn’t about chasing specs — it was about reclaiming spontaneity in the field.

Upgrading to the Canon RF 200–800mm has changed how I photograph wildlife — lighter, faster, sharper. Have you made the switch yet? Share your experience in the comments below or explore my latest RF field tests.

Final Thoughts

Trading the Sigma for the Canon felt like saying goodbye to an old friend, but photography is about growth, not nostalgia. The Canon RF 200–800mm opens up fresh creative possibilities — and that’s something every photographer should chase.

FAQ: Canon RF 200–800mm vs Sigma 150–600mm Sport

Q1: Is the Canon RF 200–800mm worth upgrading from the Sigma 150–600mm Sport?
Yes, if you shoot with a Canon mirrorless body like the R5 or R6. The RF 200–800mm offers faster autofocus, more reach, and better balance for handheld wildlife shooting.

Q2: How much lighter is the Canon RF 200–800mm?
It’s around 800 grams lighter — roughly 2.0kg vs 2.8kg — making it far easier to use handheld for long sessions.

Q3: Can the RF 200–800mm be used with teleconverters?
Yes, it’s compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4x and 2x extenders, giving you up to 1600mm of reach (with a slight aperture drop).

Q4: Is the Sigma 150–600mm still a good choice?
Definitely — for DSLR users or those on a tighter budget, the Sigma Sport remains a fantastic performer with excellent build quality and sharpness.

Q5: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
For Canon mirrorless users, the RF 200–800mm wins for portability, native autofocus speed, and reach. The Sigma 150–600mm still shines for those on EF-mount systems.

Comparison Table

Learn more about the Canon RF 200–800mm on Canon UK

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