I recently purchased a Canon EOS R with the newer RF mount. Great camera but I was surprised at the costs of those lenses. I’m retired on a fixed income so I don’t want to error on a lens purchase.

I’m looking for a lens for wildlife in the 600-800mm range. I’m considering a Canon RF 800mm that I can purchase new for $900 BUT this glass is fixed at f-11.

As background, I typically shoot at f-8 or lower for background blur in nature photography. I also want to step up the quality of my photos.

SO my question - is a fixed aperture lens at f-11 worth buying? Would I be disappointed at the image quality or lack of f-stop control of this lens?

Your constructive feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Hi-
I am a hobbyist photographer who mainly shoots macro nature (flowers, foliage) and some sea and landscapes) and of course, my 4 kids:))
About a year ago, my employer asked if I would take some mini (15 min session) holiday family portraits, on-site. I work at a beautiful nursery/home decor place, perfect setting for photos. I have continued it this year, purchasing a portrait lens, etc, practicing and learning everything I could about this type of photography. I’ve had a very positive response to the images and have truly enjoyed this genre. They have all been daytime, outdoors, natural light.
My boss just asked if I could run out to her house to take a holiday picture of her, her husband and baby. Because of her work schedule, it has to be nighttime and she would like if outdoors, in front of their new house, with Christmas lights. I said yes, of course, but am panicking because I don’t ever shoot at night. I have a speed light but am not even sure how to use it. I have a Nikon d7200. The speed light I own (Altura) cannot not be set-up for TTL? (just learning about off-camera flash) so has to be manual and I am not sure of the settings I should use. Help! Please be kind. I never use flash and was hoping for a quick lesson so I can get a decent shot for her tonight.
Thank you in advance!
Martha
adding a photo from one of the sessions-a new baby! Really have enjoyed capturing these special moments!

Pensacola Fishing Pier on a cold February morning. I have posted a few others taken on this day, but I found this one last night while going through the archives and was intrigued by how the light caught the waves.


Full resolution is available by clicking on the image

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50164252503_74aaeb76da_h.jpg
Pensacola Pier at Sunrise by Tony H, on Flickr