Wildlife photography has become much more enjoyable for me since adding this lens to my kit. Reaching 800mm gives me plenty of room to photograph birds without getting close enough to disturb them, while 200mm still feels useful for larger subjects and more general outdoor shooting. I appreciate having such a broad range available without constantly changing lenses.
Handling has been better than I expected for a lens with such a long reach. It has some heft, but the balance feels manageable when I am out for a longer session. The zoom ring is easy to operate, and I can move from a distant subject to a closer composition without much fuss. The controls are straightforward, which lets me stay focused on what is happening in front of me.
Birds in flight have been one of my favorite subjects with it. Tracking moving birds feels responsive, and the lens pairs nicely with my Canon mirrorless body for fast-moving scenes. I have also used it for perched birds, squirrels, and distant wildlife, where the long reach makes a noticeable difference. Being able to frame small subjects from farther away has opened up plenty of opportunities.
Plenty of daylight makes the lens shine, particularly during morning walks and outdoor trips. Since the aperture is not especially bright at the long end, I am more mindful of shutter speed and available light when clouds roll in or toward evening. The stabilization is useful when I am handholding, especially at longer focal lengths, and it gives me more confidence when I cannot set up a tripod.
One thing I value is how much flexibility I have without bringing several telephoto lenses along. I can head out with one lens and cover subjects at different distances, which makes wildlife outings simpler. The build also feels reassuring enough for regular outdoor use, and the controls have held up well through repeated sessions.
For my style of photography, the combination of reach, stabilization, useful zoom range, and manageable handling has made it an easy lens to reach for. It has given me many more chances to photograph wildlife that would otherwise be too far away, and the results have been consistently satisfying in good light.