Wildlife Photography on a Budget: The Ultimate Canon R8 Review for Wildlife and Bird Photography
As a recent addition to Canon's EOS R series, the Canon R8 combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it a compelling choice for seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.
After publishing my preview for the Canon R8 in February 2023, I took the plunge and purchased Canon's seemingly budget yet incredibly powerful latest full-frame camera for wildlife photography. But does this camera meet the needs of wildlife photographers, especially those conscious of their budget?
A year after acquiring the Canon R8, I tested it extensively across various conditions—rain, sun, and the unavoidable mud—to thoroughly understand its capabilities and limitations.
Common sandpiper | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 1.4x III extender | ISO 1250, 1/2000, f/5 @ 420mm
In this Canon R8 review, I will:
Discuss the Canon R8's advantages and disadvantages
Compare it to other Canon and Nikon cameras for wildlife photography
Share my wildlife photography settings for the Canon R8
Share sample photos taken by myself and other wildlife photographers
Most importantly, I'll explain why the Canon EOS R8 may be the best budget full-frame camera for wildlife photography in 2024.
Wildlife Photography Gear Reviews
If you are a wildlife photographer on a budget, you will not want to miss these in-depth reviews about the most affordable gear on the market.
Canon R8 Overview
The Canon EOS R8 launched in 2023 and is a compelling choice for wildlife photographers seeking a balance of performance, portability, and price.
This tiny, lightweight full-frame camera integrates Canon's advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, renowned for its speed and accuracy. Using its electronic shutter, the Canon R8 offers up to 40 frames per second.
Positioned as an entry-level full-frame camera, the Canon R8 is priced to make high-quality photography accessible to more people. It offers a cost-effective solution for amateurs and professionals looking to upgrade to a full-frame system without breaking the bank.
Specifications
Weight: 414 g (461 g with card and battery)
Dimensions: 132.5 x 86.1 x 70.0 mm
Sensor size: 35.9 x 23.9 mm CMOS with 24.2 megapixels (full frame)
ISO: 100-102,400 native range (extendable to 204,800)
Autofocus: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with intelligent subject detection and autofocus sensitivity down to -6.5EV (recognizes and tracks people, animals and vehicles)
Continuous shooting speed: 40 fps (electronic shutter) / 6 fps (electronic first curtain shutter) / 30 fps in RAW burst mode with 0.5 sec pre-shot capture
Magnificent frigatebirds | Canon R8 + Canon RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM | ISO 500, 1/800, f/1.8
Is the Canon R10 good for wildlife photography?
Overall, the Canon R10 is an excellent camera for wildlife photography. That said, no system is perfect. That’s why in this section, I will review the pros and cons of the Canon R10. This section aims to provide an unbiased review of its advantages and disadvantages for wildlife photography, focusing on key features like autofocus, image quality, and battery life.
Advantages of the Canon R8 for wildlife photography
Advanced Autofocus
The R8 comes equipped with Canon's advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system, which is especially beneficial for tracking fast-moving subjects.
In my Canon R10 review, I shared that the autofocus blew me away compared to my old DSLR, the Nikon D500. However, believe it or not, this was an even greater step up.
This system provides rapid, accurate focus across a wide area, with the ability to lock onto subjects almost instantaneously. This feature is particularly effective when shooting through foreground or with difficult backgrounds, such as with a bird in a tree surrounded by branches and leaves. It goes without saying that in more manageable situations without obstructions, you will easily track your subject and lock focus.
Simply put, if you're a DSLR shooter, this autofocus will beat every single camera you've shot before and even most mirrorless cameras, even some that are more expensive than this one.
High Frame Rate Performance
The Canon R8's ability to shoot up to 40 frames per second using its electronic shutter makes it a standout choice for wildlife photography, especially for birds in flight or other fast-moving wildlife.
With so many photos in such a short time, you have many more opportunities to capture the perfect wing position, for example. The R8 allows photographers to document behaviors and action sequences precisely, ensuring you do not miss a critical moment due to shutter lag or slow processing speeds.
Such high frame rates help when light is limited or you want to lower your ISO. Shooting several frames at lower shutter speeds increases your chances of getting a sharp shot while controlling noise in your image.
Lightweight and Compact Design
A significant advantage of the Canon R8 is its lightweight and compact design. At 461 g, it is only 32 g heavier than the tinier Canon R10. This makes it perfect for long photography sessions in the field, where carrying heavier gear can take time and effort.
During a wildlife photography trip with a friend through the Chic-Choc Mountains in Gaspesie, Canada, we hiked for several hours carrying my Nikon D500 and 200-500. This was far from a comfortable experience since the gear felt heavier as time passed. If I were to repeat the experience today with the Canon R8 and my trusty Canon RF 100-400, I would be far less sore (and sweaty).
Simply put, this practical camera design allows wildlife photographers to spend more time shooting without getting tired and fitting into tight spaces that wouldn't be possible with larger setups.
Exceptional Low-Light Performance
The EOS R8 shines in its low-light capabilities thanks to its full-frame sensor that provides superior performance in dim lighting conditions compared to smaller sensors. This is essential for wildlife photographers who frequently shoot during dawn, dusk, or in densely covered areas.
But what does this mean in practice? In the field, you can push your ISO higher than with other cameras while getting results with visibly less noise. As such, the R8 can produce clear, detailed images even when light is limited. This is especially true when comparing the Canon R8 to crop sensor models like the Canon R10 or R7.
Data from DxOMark–a company known for providing detailed image and audio quality ratings for cameras and lenses used as benchmarks in the tech community–also backs it up. The Canon R8 scores as one of Canon's top cameras in terms of low light performance, lagging only behind the Canon R6 and R3 but outperforming the popular R5.
Cost Effective
Priced as an entry-level full-frame camera, the Canon R8 makes high-quality photography more accessible without the steep price tag. Wildlife photography can be almost prohibitive for some photographers, particularly those just entering the field or considering upgrading from a basic setup without a significant budget.
The R8 launched for $1,499 in the United States and £1,699.99 in the United Kingdom. However, as of writing this article, Canon lists it for £1,299.99 and $1,199.00, a big discount compared to the original prices.
Although thousands of dollars or pounds are still a significant investment for most people, the Canon R8 is a fraction of the price in contrast to other cameras with similar features. For example:
Canon R5 (£ 3,149.99 / $2,899.00)
Canon R6 II (£ 1,999.99 / $1,999.00)
Canon R3 (£ 5,049.99 / $4,499.00)
Iberian ibex | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM | ISO 640, 1/500, f/2.8
Single SD Card Slot
While the Canon R8 offers many benefits, its drawbacks are worth considering, the first being its single SD card slot. Lacking dual card slots limits two important functionalities:
Backing up your photos to a second card
Not having to switch cards when your first is full
In the former, dual card slots are crucial for immediate backup. The limitation of having only one increases the risk of data loss due to card failure, which can be a deal-breaker for those seeking a more reliable setup.
In the latter case, a single card slot means interrupting a shooting session to switch out memory cards once the first is full. This can be problematic in wildlife photography, where moments are fleeting, and interruptions can mean missing a crucial shot. A minor concern is the increased risk of damaging the card or camera during hurried swaps in less-than-ideal field conditions.
Despite these limitations, for wildlife photographers like me, the risk of heading into the field with a Canon R8 with only one SD card is worth saving thousands of dollars compared to more expensive Canon models with dual card slots. I have been shooting with the Canon R8 for nearly two years without any memory card issues. I make sure to have enough extras in case one fills up.
Lack of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)
The absence of IBIS in the Canon R8 may deter photographers who rely heavily on handheld shooting. IBIS reduces camera shake to capture sharp images at slower shutter speeds. Wildlife photographers, who often need to adapt to their subjects' movements quickly, might find this limitation impacts their ability to capture images without a tripod.
However, as I explained in my review of the Canon R10 (another camera that lacks IBIS), this is a minor disadvantage and far from a deal-breaker for wildlife photography. Compared to short focal lengths, longer telephoto lenses do not benefit much from IBIS.
Limited Weather Sealing
While the Canon R8 offers some weather resistance, its weather sealing is less robust than competitors like the Canon R5 or the Canon R6. This makes the R8 less suitable for adverse weather, such as rain or dust, potentially limiting the shooting opportunities for wildlife and outdoor photographers who frequently work in challenging conditions.
Similar to the battery life and IBIS, this is a minor con with proper care for your equipment. To protect your Canon R8, you could implement the following precautions that I use:
Be careful not to get it too wet or covered in mud.
If it does get wet or dirty, be sure to clean and dry it well afterward.
Purchase a silicone case to protect your camera body further.
Though it lacks the extensive weather sealing of more expensive cameras, I often wonder if "weather sealing" is used as a marketing strategy to justify increased costs. With appropriate care, your camera should manage most outdoor conditions without issue.
No Mechanical Shutter
The R8's reliance on an electronic shutter, without a mechanical shutter option, may introduce challenges such as rolling shutter effects when capturing fast-moving subjects. This can be a drawback in wildlife photography, where the action is fast and unpredictable, possibly resulting in distorted images that don't accurately represent the subject's motion.
Battery life
A significant disadvantage is the Canon R8's short battery life (which makes me miss my DSLR days).
Although it varies depending on usage and settings, the official battery rating states that it typically provides about 370 shots when using the LCD and approximately 220 shots when using the viewfinder under normal temperature conditions (23°C).
However, I've been able to take over 3000 photos during sessions of several hours without any issues. This is nothing compared to DSLRs; I regularly used my old Nikon D500 or D700 for multiple days without recharging.
For wildlife photographers who spend long hours in the field, a camera with a longer battery life would no doubt be better. However, the Canon R8's reduced battery life is sufficient for the price if you know how to work around it.
I carry multiple batteries in the field, especially when access to charging facilities is limited. I recommend this and charging your batteries at home after every session to any R8 shooter. Thankfully, compact LP-E17 batteries are relatively affordable.
Ergonomics
If you're accustomed to higher-end cameras, like the R6 II or R5, you will be disappointed by the different, lower-quality ergonomics the Canon R8 inherited from the Canon RP. While not a deal breaker, the ergonomics on my R10, including the fit and the joystick, are miles ahead of the R8 for my liking.
The full-frame camera lacks a joystick, so you must rely on a D-pad to move your autofocus box around. In addition, the autofocus button on the back is in an awkward position for your thumb, which can become more uncomfortable the longer you shoot. Nonetheless, I have large hands, which might play a factor when using such small cameras.
Overall, Canon could improve its ergonomics significantly, but it's an easy tradeoff for the money you save.
Woodchat shrike | Canon R8 + Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM | ISO 1250, 1/250, f/2.8
Competitors: How does the Canon R8 compare to other cameras?
Canon R6 vs Canon R8
Pros
Low light performance: The R6 also boasts excellent low light capabilities with a similar ISO range to the R5, ensuring quality images even in poorly lit conditions. This feature supports a broad range of wildlife photography scenarios.
In-body image stabilization (IBIS): Like the R5, the R6 includes effective IBIS, making it suitable for low-light and long-lens photography where camera shake can be an issue.
Weather sealing: With comprehensive weather sealing, the R6 is prepared for harsh environments, ensuring reliability when shooting in variable outdoor conditions.
Price: While still a high-end model, the R6 is generally less expensive than the R5, making it a more accessible option for those needing professional features at a slightly lower cost.
Cons
Battery life: Despite being robust, the R6's battery life might fall short during extended fieldwork compared to some competitors, requiring additional batteries for long shooting days.
Ruddy turnstone | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 1.4x III extender | ISO 1000, 1/2000, f/4 @ 420mm
Canon R6 Mark II vs Canon R8
Pros
Ergonomics: The R6 Mark II features improved ergonomics over the R8, making it more comfortable.
IBIS: The R6 Mark II offers up to 8 stops of image stabilization, depending on the lens used.
Cons
Price: The R6 Mark II is the latest model in the lineup. It comes at a premium price (£1,999.99 / $1,999.00), which might be out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
Size and weight: Although compact for its feature set, the R6 Mark II is still bulkier and heavier at approximately 670g compared to the more streamlined Canon R8.
Price: The R6 Mark II is much more expensive than the R8, which might be out of reach for budget-conscious buyers.
Greater flamingo | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM | ISO 2000, 1/400, f/2.8
Canon R5 vs Canon R8
Pros
Megapixels: The R5's higher megapixel count at 45 MP offers superior image resolution, which is beneficial for capturing fine details in wildlife photography.
Weather sealing: The R5 offers robust protection against the elements, making it ideal for outdoor photography, something the R8 lacks.
IBIS: Like the R6 Mark II, the R5 offers up to 8 stops of stabilization, providing excellent performance in low light and handheld shooting.
Cons
Size and weight: At 738 g, it is significantly heavier and bulkier than the R8, a disadvantage for those who prefer lighter equipment.
Autofocus: While overall still very reliable, the R5's autofocus lags slightly behind the R8, which benefits from far newer technology.
Price: The Canon R5 is a higher-end model than the R8 and is priced accordingly (£3,149.99 / $2,899.00).
Canon R7 vs Canon R8
Pros
Megapixels: The R7 offers higher resolution for detailed images and a greater ability to crop.
Weather sealing: Provides more durability under adverse weather conditions.
IBIS: The R7 features up to 7 stops of image stabilization.
Price: As of this review, the Canon R7 is cheaper (£1,379.99 / $1,399.00) than the Canon R8.
Cons
Low light performance: As a crop sensor camera with significantly higher resolution, the R7 performs worse than the Canon R8.
Size and weight: The R7 is larger and heavier, which could become tiring during extended shoots.
Autofocus: The Canon R7's autofocus is great, but the Canon R8 takes it further.
Canon R10 vs Canon R8
Pros
Weight: The Canon R8 (461 g) is marginally heavier than the R10 (429 g). However, the R10's compact and lightweight design can make it a more comfortable choice for extended fieldwork.
Price: The Canon R10 ($979.99/ $879.99) is cheaper than the Canon R8 ($1499).
Crop factor: The Canon R10 is a crop sensor camera with a 1.6x crop factor. More reach is often desirable in wildlife photography.
Cons
Autofocus: Not as advanced as the R8's, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Low light performance: The smaller APS-C sensor may not handle low light as effectively as the R8's full-frame sensor.
Nikon Z6III vs Canon R8
Pros
High-speed continuous shooting: The Z6III can shoot up to 120 fps in 11 MP continuous mode and up to 60 fps at full resolution JPEGs. In regular shooting, it shoots at 14 fps with mechanical shutter and 20 fps with electronic shutter.
IBIS: The Z6III features a 5-axis IBIS system, providing up to 8 stops of stabilization, which the R8 lacks.
Cons
Autofocus: According to my research, the Nikon Z6III’s autofocus lags behind the Nikon Z9 and Z8. Since these autofocus systems are a step behind the Canon R8’s, I assume the Z6III is also worse than the Canon R8. I have not tested this myself.
Weight: The Z6III is approximately 760 g with battery and memory card, making it heavier than the EOS R8, which may be a consideration for extended fieldwork.
Price: The Nikon Z6III ($2,299.95) is more expensive than the Canon R8 ($1499), as of writing this article.
Nikon Z9 and Z8 vs Canon R8
The Nikon Z8 and Z9 share enough advanced features to compare them against the R8. The areas where they beat the Canon camera are:
45.7 megapixel sensor
Robust weather sealing
6 stops of IBIS
However, the R8 does beat them in others:
Iberian green woodpecker | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM | ISO 1250, 1/1000, f/2.8
Canon R8 settings for wildlife and bird photography
Whenever I use my Canon R8, I have a few go-to settings for wildlife photography:
File type: CRAW
Exposure mode: Manual
Continuous shooting speed: 20 frames per second (in most situations) / 40 frames per second (in very low light or fast action)
ISO: Auto ISO with a maximum ISO of 6400 (exposure compensation to control the ISO)
Autofocus mode: Ai Servo (Continuous)
Autofocus area mode: 1-point AF most of the time controls where I focus, but Spot AF if I need more precise focusing, and Flexible Zone AF 1 for birds in flight sometimes.
My wildlife photography gear for the Canon R8
I have primarily shot my Canon R8 with the following lenses for different purposes:
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM - to be very light and mobile, but also getting excellent reach and zoom range. You can capture wider environmental photos and also tighter portraits, depending on how far your subject is.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM - for the best low light performance, image quality, and backgrounds. It’s also great for shooting at fast shutter speeds without high ISOs. I also use the Canon EF Mark III 1.4x and 2x extenders.
Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM - to move around but also photograph more skittish subjects or animals at a distance without disturbing them.
Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM - this provides a great zoom range to take more contextual photos of animals that would come very close. This is a more niche use for wildlife photography.
Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM - in terms of focal length and zoom range, this nearly replaces all other lenses. This new addition to my kit provides the flexibility of getting wider and much tighter telephoto shots.
Canon RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM - if you can get close, this lens's bokeh is incredible. You can alternate between shots that look environmental and more classic telephoto portraits thanks to the combination of medium focal length and huge aperture.
Common ringed plover | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + 1.4x III extender | ISO 2000, 1/1000, f/5.6 @ 420mm
Bonus: Canon R8 community feedback and photos!
Matt Parish
Matt is an amateur wildlife photographer based in Ontario, Canada. He's on a mission to showcase intimate, detailed images of animals from his own unique perspective.
"Having used the R10 for approximately a year, enhanced ISO performance was my priority. The R8 fulfilled this requirement, offering increased ISO versatility, which was particularly beneficial when used with slower RF lenses like the Canon RF 100-400 and RF 800 f/11. The autofocus system is incredibly reliable and accurate across various conditions."
Common loon | Canon R8 + Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM | ISO 1600, 1/1000, f/11
Sharp-shinned hawk | Canon R8 + Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM | ISO 12800, 1/800, f/11 @ 300mm
Wilson’s snipe | Canon R8 + Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM | ISO 400, 1/250, f/8 @ 359mm
Great gray owl | Canon R10 + Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM | ISO 800, 1/25, f/8 @ 400mm | Credit: Karim Bouzidi Idrissi
Is the Canon R8 the right choice for wildlife photography?
The Canon R8 holds a distinct place in the market. With its impressive low-light performance, high-speed shooting, and advanced autofocus at an affordable price, this camera is arguably the best budget full-frame camera for wildlife photography.
Although its limitations (i.e., no IBIS, single SD card slot) may put off photographers accustomed to Canon's more expensive cameras, like the Canon R3, R5, and R6 II, there is no doubt that its performance equals and even outperforms its siblings.
For photographers switching from a DSLR, cheaper mirrorless options, or getting their first camera, the Canon R8 is an excellent choice that boasts class-leading portability and cost-effectiveness.
Whether you are upgrading from an older model or purchasing your first serious wildlife photography camera, the Canon R8 deserves strong consideration.
And if you pair it with one of Canon's cheaper telephoto lenses, like the Canon RF 100-400 or the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM, you have a mighty budget kit for wildlife photography.
I hope this guide was helpful for your future gear decisions. Regardless of what you decide, remember that a great photographer will always overcome the limitations of their gear. So get out there and shoot with what you got!
Iberian ibex | Canon R8 + Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM | ISO 500, 1/500, f/2.8
Where to buy the Canon R8
If I were to buy this camera now, I would try to get the cheapest option possible while choosing a platform I felt safe on. I have had a great experience with Amazon, where I bought my Canon R8, which offers excellent security.
Several reliable sites are available for those who want to buy second-hand directly from people. EBay, Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree offer excellent deals. Most of my gear is second-hand, and I have had no significant negative experiences.
These platforms don't offer the same level of buyer protection as Amazon, so you'll need to be cautious. That being said, it's possible to find a Canon R8 for sale in excellent condition on these sites.