Photographing hummingbirds is one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavors for wildlife photographers. These tiny creatures move at astonishing speeds, making it essential to have a lens that delivers exceptional autofocus performance, sharpness, and flexibility. The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM could be one such telephoto zoom lens. Does it offer the photographer the perfect tool to capture the magic of hummingbirds in flight?
For close-up photography – that is, at a distance of no more than 8 meters – I can definitely confirm this. This lens stands out for several reasons when it comes to photographing fast-moving subjects like hummingbirds:
Hummingbirds beat their wings at an average of 50 to 80 beats per second, so they need a lens with fast and precise autofocus. The RF 70-200mm F2.8L features Canon’s Dual Nano USM motors, which ensure fast and almost silent focusing. This means you can track a hummingbird as it approaches, focus at it, let the focus tracking work, and then trigger the shutter when the hummingbird is in right place. This is a moment you can’t miss!
One of the biggest challenges when photographing hummingbirds is holding the camera in your hand while tracking the hummingbird’s zigzagging movements. The 5-stop image stabilization (IS) in this lens minimizes camera shake and generally allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds, which is obviously not possible with a hummingbird in flight. Nobody would think of photographing a hummingbird in mid-air at 1/60 sec. – unless they are using a flash or pursuing an artistic interest.
Hummingbirds are active in the early morning and late afternoon and often in shady environments, so lighting conditions can be less than ideal. With its maximum aperture of f/2.8, the RF 70-200mm lets in plenty of light and enables faster shutter speeds at low ISO settings, reducing noise and bringing out crisp details in the bird’s feathers.
A focal length of 70-200mm offers the perfect balance of reach and flexibility when photographing hummingbirds in their natural habitat or at a hummingbird feeder. Whether you want to shoot from a reasonable distance or fill the frame with a close-up of hummingbirds at rest, the zoom range allows for versatile composition without disturbing the birds so much that they flee.
Canon’s L-series glass ensures stunning sharpness, accurate colors, and minimal chromatic aberration. The lens’ advanced optical elements and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) reduce glare and ghosting, ensuring that hummingbirds’ iridescent feathers appear vibrant and lifelike.
Tips for Photographing Hummingbirds with the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- Use a Fast Shutter Speed – Set your shutter speed to at least 1/2000s to freeze the rapid wing movements.
- Engage AI Servo Mode – Continuous autofocus mode helps track the bird as it moves unpredictably.
- Shoot Wide Open (f/2.8-f/4) – This allows for maximum light intake and beautiful background separation (bokeh).
- Position Yourself Strategically – Hummingbirds are creatures of habit. Observe their favorite feeding spots and set up in an area with good lighting.
- Use Burst Mode – Enable high-speed continuous shooting to increase your chances of capturing the perfect moment.
- Experiment with Backgrounds – Set up in an area with good lighting and a clean and monochrome background. Be careful not to shoot against the sky. A lush green background can complement the bird’s colors, while a blurred flower can enhance the composition.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM in combination with a Canon EOS R5 or a Canon EOS R5 Mark II is a powerhouse lens that excels in photographing fast-moving wildlife like hummingbirds. With its fast autofocus, outstanding stabilization, and exceptional optical quality, it enables photographers to capture breathtaking images of these fascinating creatures in flight. If you’re passionate about wildlife photography and looking for a lens that delivers both flexibility and high performance, this is an investment that won’t disappoint.
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