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Lens choice dilemma ...500 or 600

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msbeezy

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Today I ran across a used (used once apparently...imagine) uu 600mm f4L IS for quite a good price I'd think..$5500 CDN with a 190pro and 322 manfrotto combo head and tripod.
The dilemma is I actually really want a 500mm (for the lesser size/weight).

I currently have 7D, 5DMKll , (old D60) , 300mmL IS 2.8 , 100-400L IS , 70-200L, 16-35L and several others (Sigma..etc)...1.4 / 2.0 tele's

Should I not pass this up and grab it or hold out for that usually elusive used 500mm deal.. or is this really not that great a deal ?
 
The only reason to get a 500 over 600 is the weight issue. You already have 300 2.8 so

if you want light lens you can take that. 500 with tripod and all is only marginally lighter

than 600 so dont waste your time waiting for 500 just get 600 and enjoy your life.

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/divdude007/
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If the owner was using the 600 f4 on that tripod and head it might explain why it may have only been used once!

I'd go for the 600. People pay a lot for those 100mm jumps, and it sounds like a good deal on that bruiser. 3 1/2 lbs and 3 inches penalty, by my math, vs the 500 and whatever setup you have/acquire that is suited for the 500 will be fine for the 600.

Look into hiring a sherpa.
 
The 190 is a lightweight tripod, I'd leave that out of the reckoning.

I think the key to this is to clarify why you want the 500 when you have the 300/2.8 plus TC's - which is actually more compact and more versatile than the 500. When you've answered that, simply ask yourself whether the 600 satisfies the same requirement.

I think there could be a lot of 600's on the market in 2011. Of all the MkII superteles the 600 is the one which offers the biggest weight saving, and that alone could tempt many to upgrade.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone..

I think I shall ask the seller to take the tripod/head out of the equation and if I can get it for say $5200 without.... maybe go for it.

I agree with the new release of the MKll series lenses these MKl will soon appear on the market but not likely at a cost any cheaper than this.
Merry Christmas
 
I have both the 300 2.8 and the 500. Another poster asked why both when you have tc's? If your shooting static objects then the 300 is pretty damn good but if it's bif or any action, I find the focus is too slow with the 2x. Not bad with the 1.4x but it's still no 500 bare. There is a 600 for sale locally where I live too and would be tempted if I didn't have the 500 already, but after having the 500 I couldn't imagine handling the 600. I would say its a great deal though and if your planning on only shooting with a tripod then it'll see alot of use. If you like to handhold more often then it wil be a beast. I find the 300 2.8 feels like a 70-200 f4 after using the 500 for awhile :)
 
KeanuReeves said:
I have both the 300 2.8 and the 500. Another poster asked why both when you have tc's?
Click to expand...
Actually just to be clear, I wasn't asking why - I was suggesting that the OP should clarify his reasons why, because that might inform the decision about the 600. Not the same thing at all !
 
Do you hand-hold ? If yes then forget about the current 600mm f4 L IS ! The 500mm f4 L IS is a challenge hand holding for an extended period of time. The 600mm is a lot worse than you may think from the weight difference.



Handhold like that and you will break your back...
 
No offence Steve, but when I read your response it was simply the way "I" understood it. I asked myself the same question 300 vrs the 500 when I compared with tc's on static objects. I was pretty impressed with the 300's IQ with the 2X but dissapointed with action focus :) The price is great but the thing I notice most is that people will readily give up that 100mm for the weight reduction in the 500. I may be wrong though.
 
KeanuReeves said:
No offence Steve, but when I read your response it was simply the way "I" understood it.
Click to expand...
As you wish, but it doesn't say what you claim it does. Not only that, but by mis-reading it you miss the entire point of what I said.

Why do people on this forum never just admit they made a mistake? Is it really that hard on the ego?
 
I have all three -3002.8is, 500mm, 600mm

C$5500 is a great price on the 600! I'd confirm the history on the lens before buying however but if it's only been used once it's hard to pass up at that price.

You don't mention what you're shooting or how big you are. If hiking is an option then you want the 500mm -with the right kind of carrier a 5-10mile hike is totally doable whereas 5 min with the 600mm and you're struggling.

Air travel with the 600mm is a hassle as well!

One note however, since I got the 600mm I've hardly used the 500mm!

I shoot wildlife, specifically larger mammals -moose, bears, elk, wolves which I find the 300mm with TCs works best for when hiking/biking into the backcountry. The 600mm comes in handy shooting from the car and for owls that I find by driving backroads and then setting up close to the car.
 
At that price I'd get it quick smart. I don't even know why you're thinking about it.
 
samWebster123 said:
I have all three -3002.8is, 500mm, 600mm

C$5500 is a great price on the 600! I'd confirm the history on the lens before buying however but if it's only been used once it's hard to pass up at that price.

You don't mention what you're shooting or how big you are. If hiking is an option then you want the 500mm -with the right kind of carrier a 5-10mile hike is totally doable whereas 5 min with the 600mm and you're struggling.

Air travel with the 600mm is a hassle as well!

One note however, since I got the 600mm I've hardly used the 500mm!

I shoot wildlife, specifically larger mammals -moose, bears, elk, wolves which I find the 300mm with TCs works best for when hiking/biking into the backcountry. The 600mm comes in handy shooting from the car and for owls that I find by driving backroads and then setting up close to the car.
Click to expand...
Thanks Sam

I called the vendor today and had the intention of purchasing (didn't let him know I was really keen tho) and mentioned I didn't want the tripod/head and was really looking for a 500...he immediately stated they all went together as a package and dropped the price to C$5K !!! Without trying to sound like I was ready to bust out the cash (he was very clear on cash) I arranged a meeting...

Drove the 45 minutes with 5DMKll in hand and Macbook Air (11") for the test drive. (No cash with me..gotta be safe and didn't want to make a hasty decision).

Camera was in case with all acc..no packing box tho..and in absolute new condition altho I noticed what looked like very fine metal dust in two places along inside of first outer element..I guess not element but front screen.. on the inside of the large end barrel...hmm is this normal ? Anyways we took it outside and I fired off half a doz pics..very bright light and tried various f stops..I told the vendor I'd get back to him by Christmas day and he agree to hold it till then.. I didn't view on the Macbook but did when I got home...pics to follow..comments ? Oh I'm 6' 190 lbs..lens for Indy Car race..etc..I have a trek AWll
 
I am trying to figure out myself as well if I want to go with a 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4x or 2x or the 500mm F/4L IS.

I hike often and for long distances so the 300mm F/2.8L IS would be a better choice for me and I basically shoot what ever I see on my hikes so it can be large mammals or small birds. I don't want to be stuck with the 500mm reach all the time and having the TC would be very versatile.

Oh plus when I travel I don't have to worry about it not being allowed in the cabin.

Is there a old thread some place which compares the 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4 and 2x TC to the 500mm F/4L IS?

I would love to see how much image quality I am loosing and if its acceptable to me since everyone has there own standards =)
 
BlueScoobyDoo said:
I am trying to figure out myself as well if I want to go with a 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4x or 2x or the 500mm F/4L IS.

I hike often and for long distances so the 300mm F/2.8L IS would be a better choice for me and I basically shoot what ever I see on my hikes so it can be large mammals or small birds. I don't want to be stuck with the 500mm reach all the time and having the TC would be very versatile.

Oh plus when I travel I don't have to worry about it not being allowed in the cabin.

Is there a old thread some place which compares the 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4 and 2x TC to the 500mm F/4L IS?

I would love to see how much image quality I am loosing and if its acceptable to me since everyone has there own standards =)
Click to expand...
Darn this site says my capacity is up so no pics today...

try this for comparo..note you can add 1.4 or 2X to the 300

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=249&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=117
 
msbeezy said:
BlueScoobyDoo said:
I am trying to figure out myself as well if I want to go with a 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4x or 2x or the 500mm F/4L IS.

I hike often and for long distances so the 300mm F/2.8L IS would be a better choice for me and I basically shoot what ever I see on my hikes so it can be large mammals or small birds. I don't want to be stuck with the 500mm reach all the time and having the TC would be very versatile.

Oh plus when I travel I don't have to worry about it not being allowed in the cabin.

Is there a old thread some place which compares the 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4 and 2x TC to the 500mm F/4L IS?

I would love to see how much image quality I am loosing and if its acceptable to me since everyone has there own standards =)
Click to expand...
Darn this site says my capacity is up so no pics today...

try this for comparo..note you can add 1.4 or 2X to the 300

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=249&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=117
Click to expand...
From what I glean off this site is the 300 with 1.4...even 2.0 tele looks sharper than the 600mm. Am I missing something here ? And the 500 don't look that shabby either and better than the 600 also..could this be a poor copy of the 600mm ?
 
That's what I noticed as well of course that's center sharpness. I was afraid to post that link =)
msbeezy said:
msbeezy said:
BlueScoobyDoo said:
I am trying to figure out myself as well if I want to go with a 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4x or 2x or the 500mm F/4L IS.

I hike often and for long distances so the 300mm F/2.8L IS would be a better choice for me and I basically shoot what ever I see on my hikes so it can be large mammals or small birds. I don't want to be stuck with the 500mm reach all the time and having the TC would be very versatile.

Oh plus when I travel I don't have to worry about it not being allowed in the cabin.

Is there a old thread some place which compares the 300mm F/2.8L IS with 1.4 and 2x TC to the 500mm F/4L IS?

I would love to see how much image quality I am loosing and if its acceptable to me since everyone has there own standards =)
Click to expand...
Darn this site says my capacity is up so no pics today...

try this for comparo..note you can add 1.4 or 2X to the 300

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0&Lens=249&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=1&API=1&LensComp=117
Click to expand...
From what I glean off this site is the 300 with 1.4...even 2.0 tele looks sharper than the 600mm. Am I missing something here ? And the 500 don't look that shabby either and better than the 600 also..could this be a poor copy of the 600mm ?
Click to expand...
 
the deal looks good if the lens is what it is claimed to be.

I dont know about your uses, but I would go for 600. I have the 300, and it is a nice lens, 420 f/4 is great, but i dont think 500 f/4 is that much more.

The 600 is just short the longest and heaviest lens (bar the 1200). Just shorter than the 800 and just a few grams lighter than the 400L.
I think it would be a nice lens to get big muscels fast :D
--
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41942460@N04/sets/
 
C$5K for a 600mm would be hard to pass up, unless this is a non-IS version. If it's the older lens, I'd skip it at that price. I wouldn't pay over $4K, and I'd only pay that if I knew Canon would still service the lens. But that's just me.

The seller wanting cash is not unusual. I wouldn't take a check from anybody I didn't already know for several years.

If it is the IS version, there's no way a 300mm with a 2X TC on it would match the focus speed or image quality of the bare 600. The 300 with a 2x TC on the 5DII shooting Indy cars would be a ticket for wasted day behind the viewfinder in my opinion. Maybe I'm too picky. With the 600 at least your odds would improve because of the increased focus speed.

Good luck
msbeezy said:
I called the vendor today and had the intention of purchasing (didn't let him know I was really keen tho) and mentioned I didn't want the tripod/head and was really looking for a 500...he immediately stated they all went together as a package and dropped the price to C$5K !!! Without trying to sound like I was ready to bust out the cash (he was very clear on cash) I arranged a meeting...

Drove the 45 minutes with 5DMKll in hand and Macbook Air (11") for the test drive. (No cash with me..gotta be safe and didn't want to make a hasty decision).

Camera was in case with all acc..no packing box tho..and in absolute new condition altho I noticed what looked like very fine metal dust in two places along inside of first outer element..I guess not element but front screen.. on the inside of the large end barrel...hmm is this normal ? Anyways we took it outside and I fired off half a doz pics..very bright light and tried various f stops..I told the vendor I'd get back to him by Christmas day and he agree to hold it till then.. I didn't view on the Macbook but did when I got home...pics to follow..comments ? Oh I'm 6' 190 lbs..lens for Indy Car race..etc..I have a trek AWll
Click to expand...
 
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