EF 500mm f/4.5L does birds

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

Here are some recent bird pictures taken with the trusty old EF 500mm f/4.5L.

I have found this lens to be a very nice alternative to the bigger, heavier and more expensive 500mm f/4L IS USM. So far I have found it very good for flight photography and not too bad to travel with. The only complaint I have at this time is that I am not able to get it to AF on my 20D with any 1.4x TC, even with taped pins. Aside from that I would say it is an outstanding wildlife lens. As I understand it the Sigma version offers very nearly the same optical performance but will work with 1.4x TC and taped pins.

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

the_wrench · Mar 6, 2006

Greg:

Great shots! Were these from SW Florida? I went down there in early February and shot similar birds/surroundings.

Mike

Bob Foisel · Mar 6, 2006

Nice captures. several great ones IMO.
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Allias. dancin Wainwright
http://www.pbase.com/bob_foisel/galleries

Bob Foisel

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

The first few shots were in Venice, FL but most of them were actually from around Houston, TX including the spoonbills.

Thanks,

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

Kai Hui · Mar 6, 2006

Does 500mm f4.5 Autofocus with canon 1.4X TC on 300D/350D/10D/20D? What about Tamron 1.4X TC. Basically I thought about this lens, but was afraid that I could not use a 1.4X TC on a non 1 seres camera.

Kai

fred vachss · Mar 6, 2006

Kai Hui said:
Does 500mm f4.5 Autofocus with canon 1.4X TC on 300D/350D/10D/20D?
What about Tamron 1.4X TC. Basically I thought about this lens, but
was afraid that I could not use a 1.4X TC on a non 1 seres camera.

The short answer is no you can't. When I had the 500/4.5 I tried taping pins of the EF 1.4x and using the cheap Tamron 1.4x. While of the thwo the Tamron worked better, both showed a tendency to rapidly oscillate or jitter around the proper focus point. The Tamron would settle down after about a second to the proper focus while the Canon never would. Even the response with the Tamron was not what I would call usable.

This is really a pity as in some ways (weight, manual focus system) I prefer the 500/4.5 to the 500/4. After switching though, I really found the IS to be worth the extra cost. The ability to AF with the 1.4x was just a side benefit.

George F · Mar 6, 2006

it appears your 500 f/4.5 has some focus issues. if you want, you can send the lens to me and i will take my time (several months) and test it for you. all kidding aside they are some very nice shots. i have been looking for the 4.5 version myself but i have yet to find one. i almost gave up looking and started to check out the f/4 IS version but your wonderful shots renewed my interest in the f/4.5 once again. thanks for sharing those shots with us.

George F

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

I have not been able to get the lens to AF with the 1.4x TC (from any manufacturer) even with taped pins. In my mind this is the one drawback of the lens but I am not letting it keep me from taking pictures with it.

I do not know if this is just something with my lens or with the model in general. I have tried two different 500mm f/4.5's and they both behaved the same way. I have, however, read that others have been successful using the 1.4x on a 1.6x crop body in terms of AF.

The 1.4x TC works great with the 1D2 as far as AF is concerned.

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

I sort of went the other way. I had the 500mm f/4 IS first and pretty much stopped using it once I got the 500mm f/4.5. I had actually bought the 500mm f/4.5 for Joanne to use but ended up giving her the 500mm f/4 IS instead.

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

Thanks very much for your comments, I really love the lens and have no regrets about buying it. I searched for quite a while to find mine.

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

axelhi · Mar 6, 2006

Great series, this lens certainly is great. Too bad that you can't use a TC with it. Thanks for sharing.
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Axel
My galleries: http://www.pbase.com/axelhi

PeaceFrog · Mar 6, 2006

Thanks for the comments.

Greg

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http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/

Ptess · Mar 6, 2006

I used that lens for years and loved it. Lenses like that make you wonder how much all the IS talk is hype. Good glass and good technique makes for some awsome images.

Mark Plonsky · Mar 6, 2006

Nice images. #2 is my favorite.
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Happy shooting,
Mark
http://www.mplonsky.com/photo

thx1138 · Mar 6, 2006

Some really great images here. Love the little blue-white bird in #5. Any idea what it is?

vbnut · Mar 7, 2006

Is my assumption that this lens is out of production correct?
What price range does it typically sell for?

Ian Hobday · Mar 7, 2006

vbnut said:
Is my assumption that this lens is out of production correct?
What price range does it typically sell for?

Depending on condition somwhere from $3300 (well-used) to $3900 (pristine) would be reasonable.

I have one of these that will go up on eBay later this week.

Ian
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Ian Hobday
Osaka, Japan
http://hobday.net/photos

gasrocks · Mar 7, 2006

I use the Tamron SP 1.4x with tape on 3 pins on my EF 500/4.5 and it does have smooth, accurate AF without hunting. I believe it does vary from lens to lens though. Just got my Sigma 300-800. I think I will put the 500/4.5 up on eBay later this week. Should go for $3300 - $3800 as just mentioned. Great lens.

askmatrix · Mar 7, 2006

Where these shot in S. Fl?

Knackerman · Mar 7, 2006

Shame on you, now I feel even more lousy! LOL =D

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http://znapper.fotopic.net

EF 500mm f/4.5L does birds

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