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500 vs 600 lens
- Thread starter Zena Marx
- Start date
While the sigma can deliver good image quality, I would say that for $1000 more, it's a no brainer to get the Canon. Why?
1. IS - invaluable feature
2. f/4 vs. f/4.5 - with the 1.4xtc, the sigma won't AF with anything outside the 1 series. Even with the 1 series, you only get the center AF point.
3. Resale value - a used 500 IS is running for about $5100. That's $200 off the grey product. With the sigma, it would be very difficult to get this kind of resale value.
1. IS - invaluable feature
2. f/4 vs. f/4.5 - with the 1.4xtc, the sigma won't AF with anything outside the 1 series. Even with the 1 series, you only get the center AF point.
3. Resale value - a used 500 IS is running for about $5100. That's $200 off the grey product. With the sigma, it would be very difficult to get this kind of resale value.
ajax
Senior Member
Zena, both these lenses are acknowledged to be among the finest long teles ever made. The images from either should be superb. How is it going to help you "choose" by seeing differing images?
If you are serious about this "choice", IQ is not going to be the factor that helps you make your mind up. It will be a host of other factors of which size and weight are foremost. And you have had much useful input on these factors.
Why do I get the feeling readnig your posts and questions ("what lenses should I get for a Mark III?") that you are wasting our time? Hope I'm wrong.
What does your present photographic experience consist of and what lenses do you have at present, - I think you need to give some background info.
PalmsWestPhoto
Forum Pro
i will probably sell it. I generally dont sell things. ALways think that i might need it later
--
Michael Salzlechner
http://www.PalmsWestPhoto.com
Brok
Active member
The right lens is always important - the right tool for the right job. But....even though this is a lens talk group, I sense that too many bird shooters simply hope to stumble over bird after bird and get good pictures by having invested in a 500 f/4L or similar.
This is ofcourse not a bird forum, but I'm sure that if people learned more about their potential subjects and set up a blind and waited patiently, and waited.....and waited.....and set up the blind in another spot a week later.....and waited....then I'm sure that it would all pay off - you could even set up a couple of EX580 flashes and get good lighting.
This is what I intend to do. I have invested in the 400 f/5.6L because I read Daniella's advice and hope, by using a blind, that I'll be getting some really good pics. I doubt that I'll be able to get too many shots by stalking.
Here in Denmark we don't have a lot of very colorful birds and the light here is not always the best - but I'll make the best of it.
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Flemming
This is ofcourse not a bird forum, but I'm sure that if people learned more about their potential subjects and set up a blind and waited patiently, and waited.....and waited.....and set up the blind in another spot a week later.....and waited....then I'm sure that it would all pay off - you could even set up a couple of EX580 flashes and get good lighting.
This is what I intend to do. I have invested in the 400 f/5.6L because I read Daniella's advice and hope, by using a blind, that I'll be getting some really good pics. I doubt that I'll be able to get too many shots by stalking.
Here in Denmark we don't have a lot of very colorful birds and the light here is not always the best - but I'll make the best of it.
--
Flemming
PalmsWestPhoto
Forum Pro
THats cute when it works but more often than not you cant do that.
I am using a blind when i can as well but like i mentioned this only works so often.
Of course you could simply go and shoot animals in the zoo as well
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Michael Salzlechner
http://www.PalmsWestPhoto.com
They are both about the same quality optically. I can pint you to my 500/4 sampler gallery thta has 100% crops taken with the 10d. Make sure you view them at original size else pBase will compress them with low quality jpeg compression.
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/500f4_sampler
Also, you can look at my downsampled images at:
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/favorites
Most of the recent are wth the 500, some 400/5.6L mixed in, but the info below each image has the lens.
Make your choice based on focal length and weight.
Gene
--
Gene (aka hawkman) - Walk softly and carry a big lens
Please visit my wildlife galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus
http://hawkman.smugmug.com/gallery/1414279
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/500f4_sampler
Also, you can look at my downsampled images at:
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/favorites
Most of the recent are wth the 500, some 400/5.6L mixed in, but the info below each image has the lens.
Make your choice based on focal length and weight.
Gene
--
Gene (aka hawkman) - Walk softly and carry a big lens
Please visit my wildlife galleries at:
http://www.pbase.com/gaocus
http://hawkman.smugmug.com/gallery/1414279
bobbyz
Veteran Member
Peter Nelson
Veteran Member
Well that nay be true but I got an old film lens. My Sigma 500mm f/4.5 APO AF will only work if I set the aperture to f/4.5. If I change it the camera gives an error-99. No problem as I shut off the camera and then turn it back on and re set the aperture back to wide open f/4.5 and now the camera/lens woks perfectly. Af woks perfect. Long telephoto's are optimized to be used at their widest aperture so I really have no problems with this lens. I alsogot the old film Sigma 800mm f/5.6 APO AF and it's incredably sharp even with a Canon 1.4II teleconverter. I use it with a strong tripod and a gimbal head.
I only paid a little over $900 for 500 in EX condition and it came with an aluminum lens carrying case, a carring strap and 4 color filters.
There is 1 left at KEH.com for $898. Go to the KEH web site, click on camera store, canon AF, other mfr prime lens, select view all and it's the 5th lens from the bottom.
--
Artist Eyes
I only paid a little over $900 for 500 in EX condition and it came with an aluminum lens carrying case, a carring strap and 4 color filters.
There is 1 left at KEH.com for $898. Go to the KEH web site, click on camera store, canon AF, other mfr prime lens, select view all and it's the 5th lens from the bottom.
--
Artist Eyes
bobbyz
Veteran Member
Even if aperture can't be stopped down, why $3000 cheaper than the in production Sigma 500mm 4.5 lens?
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Bobby
http://bobbyz.smugmug.com
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Bobby
http://bobbyz.smugmug.com
MichielB.
Forum Enthusiast
Hi Palmwestphoto,
You mentioned you have a 300 f/2.8 as well. I'm looking for a lens that gives me more reach then the 100-400 I allready own. At first I was looking for a 500 f/4 but maybe I should look at a 300 f/2.8. It should give better low light results and combined with 1.4 and 2.0 extenders give more reach (and still focus on a 20D or 1n).
How do you think the 300 f/2.8 + extender (either 1.4 or 2.0) compare to a 500 f/4 and 600 f/4. I can imagine the effects of reach and portability but how about IQ?
Thanks
--
May the vision be with you.
See profile for equipment
You mentioned you have a 300 f/2.8 as well. I'm looking for a lens that gives me more reach then the 100-400 I allready own. At first I was looking for a 500 f/4 but maybe I should look at a 300 f/2.8. It should give better low light results and combined with 1.4 and 2.0 extenders give more reach (and still focus on a 20D or 1n).
How do you think the 300 f/2.8 + extender (either 1.4 or 2.0) compare to a 500 f/4 and 600 f/4. I can imagine the effects of reach and portability but how about IQ?
Thanks
--
May the vision be with you.
See profile for equipment
Peter Nelson
Veteran Member
I don't know ask KEH.com, my guess is because it is called a "film only" lens and almost everybody is shooting with DSLR's. So it looks like people think the lens will not work with a DSLR. In fact , the only reason I thought it would work was because I have another old "film only" Sigma lens that does work with my Canon DSLR's.
I will say that lens is now on sale for $800.
If your interested call them and ask them to verify that it has the CLEAR FILTER insert in the lens. The lens system need's it to focus sharply, as it's part of the system.
I got mine for $935 and it had the lens clear filter insert as well as 4 other filters used in film lenses for warming and or cooling the fim image. Came with a really strong aluminum case & carry strap as well.
My lens is in EX (excellent condition) just as they specified. As far as the IQ of this old "film only" lens, I thought it was sharp but I had another professional photographer check it for sharpness and in his opinion it is sharp. That man is known for his ability to test lenses for sharpness. People come to him all the time.
--
Artist Eyes
I will say that lens is now on sale for $800.
If your interested call them and ask them to verify that it has the CLEAR FILTER insert in the lens. The lens system need's it to focus sharply, as it's part of the system.
I got mine for $935 and it had the lens clear filter insert as well as 4 other filters used in film lenses for warming and or cooling the fim image. Came with a really strong aluminum case & carry strap as well.
My lens is in EX (excellent condition) just as they specified. As far as the IQ of this old "film only" lens, I thought it was sharp but I had another professional photographer check it for sharpness and in his opinion it is sharp. That man is known for his ability to test lenses for sharpness. People come to him all the time.
--
Artist Eyes
PalmsWestPhoto
Forum Pro
MichielB
i have trhe 300 2.8 also because i shoot sports. The 300 with the 1.4 is almost indestinguishable from the 300 without TC in terms of IQ. Focusing us very fast as well. The 300 with the 2x isnt bad either but you do start noticing a little differnece in both IQ and focusing speed
The main difference with the 600 is that i can slap on a 2x on the 600 and get to 1200 or even longer with stacked TC's whereas with the 300 i am limited to shorter fl's
i often go out shooting with both the 600 and the 300 on 2 bodies. IMO a really wonderful combo
i own the 100-400 as well actually it was my first canon EF lens i owned but it doesnt get that much use anymore
--
Michael Salzlechner
http://www.PalmsWestPhoto.com
i have trhe 300 2.8 also because i shoot sports. The 300 with the 1.4 is almost indestinguishable from the 300 without TC in terms of IQ. Focusing us very fast as well. The 300 with the 2x isnt bad either but you do start noticing a little differnece in both IQ and focusing speed
The main difference with the 600 is that i can slap on a 2x on the 600 and get to 1200 or even longer with stacked TC's whereas with the 300 i am limited to shorter fl's
i often go out shooting with both the 600 and the 300 on 2 bodies. IMO a really wonderful combo
i own the 100-400 as well actually it was my first canon EF lens i owned but it doesnt get that much use anymore
--
Michael Salzlechner
http://www.PalmsWestPhoto.com
Luminous Landscape has a GREAT article on this exact question, which you should read here:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/500vs600.shtml
I asked the same question, and have decided on the 500...in part because the 600 is too big to take as a carry-on on airlines...and checking it is like giving it away in many countries.
To me... A mere 100mm difference at the long end is nearly insignficant compared with the portability, ability to hand-hold if necessary, and traveling considerations.
-Mark
--
-----------------------
A few Markuson Images...
Look-see at:
http://www.pbase.com/markuson
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/500vs600.shtml
I asked the same question, and have decided on the 500...in part because the 600 is too big to take as a carry-on on airlines...and checking it is like giving it away in many countries.
To me... A mere 100mm difference at the long end is nearly insignficant compared with the portability, ability to hand-hold if necessary, and traveling considerations.
-Mark
--
-----------------------
A few Markuson Images...
Look-see at:
http://www.pbase.com/markuson
MichielB.
Forum Enthusiast
Thanks PalmWestPhoto!
That was what I was secretly hoping to hear
I own a 20D, I'm afraid a 2x converter on a f/4 lens will give met rather poor AF results. The costs of both an additional supertele and a 1D body is a bit much for just a hobby. It will work properly on the EOS 3, but I like the cropfactor when using telelenses.
I hope that the 1.6 crop, 2x converter and 300 mm will give me the framefilling possibilities I'm looking for, withoud loosing to much shots due to poor AF and/or IQ.
One more question, how do the AF & IQ compare between 2.0 extender + 300 f/2.8 and the 100-400 at 400mm?
May the vision be with you.
See profile for equipment
That was what I was secretly hoping to hear
I own a 20D, I'm afraid a 2x converter on a f/4 lens will give met rather poor AF results. The costs of both an additional supertele and a 1D body is a bit much for just a hobby. It will work properly on the EOS 3, but I like the cropfactor when using telelenses.
I hope that the 1.6 crop, 2x converter and 300 mm will give me the framefilling possibilities I'm looking for, withoud loosing to much shots due to poor AF and/or IQ.
One more question, how do the AF & IQ compare between 2.0 extender + 300 f/2.8 and the 100-400 at 400mm?
--
May the vision be with you.
See profile for equipment
Jola013
Senior Member
I also went for the 500/4L IS.
No regrets.
No regrets.
I have to agree with Ajax here. The 5/600mm f/4 or the Sigma 300-800 are all big lenses that are relatively tough to use. If your telephoto lens technique isn’t well developed you will most likely be very frustrated with any of these three lenses. I would suggest starting out with something like the 100-400 IS or the 400mm f/5.6 first and get good with it. I think at that point you will know weather a 500mm or 600mm or even 800mm lens would be best for you.
Greg
--
http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/
Greg
--
http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/
ajax
Senior Member
Greg, I have doubts about the OP and her questions. She asks odd questions, alot of people try genuinely to help, and she hardly appears again. Somehow the picture of a butterfly comes to mind.....
I have to agree with Ajax here. The 5/600mm f/4 or the Sigma
300-800 are all big lenses that are relatively tough to use. If
your telephoto lens technique isn’t well developed you will most
likely be very frustrated with any of these three lenses. I would
suggest starting out with something like the 100-400 IS or the
400mm f/5.6 first and get good with it. I think at that point you
will know weather a 500mm or 600mm or even 800mm lens would be best
for you.
Greg
--
http://www.pbase.com/dadas115/
Peter Nelson
Veteran Member
I'm using an old Sima 500 f/4.5 and it is briefly hand holdable. It is very convienent when using a Bogen 685B Neo Tec monopod and Bogen 3421 Gimbal Head. That tripod can be operated with one hand squeezing a trigger and then squizzing the release all the while stepping on an attachement at the base. So I can pull the lens up or let it down with my left hand and right foot, only. My otherhand is free to hold the camera at the ready to take a photograph.
My Sigma 800 f/5.6 can be used on a monopod. Usually , meaning most of the time I mount it on a sturdy tripod and use the smae Gimbal Head. But then I'm left hand holding the 500.
These lenses and two cameras, tripod and two monopods, a chair, and some water are both being carried around by a new all wood Radio Flyer Wagon with air inflated fat all terain rubber wheels. Paid $79 for it at Target. Self assembly required. Now I can get more than 25 feet from my car. In fact now I bring along my 24-105 f/4 for some landcape photography when the birds are briefly not close enough. I also bring my EOS 1-V and some film. I'm having the best timein years.
--
Artist Eyes
My Sigma 800 f/5.6 can be used on a monopod. Usually , meaning most of the time I mount it on a sturdy tripod and use the smae Gimbal Head. But then I'm left hand holding the 500.
These lenses and two cameras, tripod and two monopods, a chair, and some water are both being carried around by a new all wood Radio Flyer Wagon with air inflated fat all terain rubber wheels. Paid $79 for it at Target. Self assembly required. Now I can get more than 25 feet from my car. In fact now I bring along my 24-105 f/4 for some landcape photography when the birds are briefly not close enough. I also bring my EOS 1-V and some film. I'm having the best timein years.
--
Artist Eyes
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