Canon EF 500mm f/4.0L IS II USM

rebel99 wrote:

Balooziggy wrote:

Fantastic prime lens, not cheap but Image Quality just blows all alternatives clear out the water, just no comparison whatsoever. If you into photographing wildlife, birds etc. this is the lens to get period. I have a bunch of other canon L series lenses and non impress me as much as this. Fast auto focus, precise quiet workings, build quality is superb and it's weight is manageable for hand held shooting, very versatile and matched with a 1.4XTeleConverter it's reach (700mm) is absolutely tops for most field work. If you still in two minds about this lens, rent one if you can and I guarantee you it's a matter of time and you'll buy one!!!

Clear out of the water you say?

Such a great time of year to bring this up. Gift giving season...

i was considering getting this lens or the new 200-400+ built in 1.4x tc, or the 600 f4II, i opted for 600 because of the reach. my experience is, when i attach the new 1.4xIII tc to these new f4 primes, the iq takes a big hit. however, using these tcs with a f2.8 lenses, such as 300 f2.8II and 400 f2.8II, iq almost doesn't change at all the other issue with 500 f4II is that it is not long enough, therefore, the use of dreaded tc but the positive side of this lens is that it is light weight enough to be used handheld. for me, the use of the new III tcs with the new II big primes are still inconclusive, i will do a filed test real soon and post my findings

Sounds like a normal experience regarding IQ. A lens with an extender is not going to equal the lens without out one. Commentary or advertising to the contrary is wishful thinking. Image quality can however be very good with an extender. Dare I say Canon extenders are the best in the business.