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Diferences in autofocus performance on 600mm f4 versions

Started 9 months ago | Discussions thread
Victor Engel Forum Pro • Posts: 20,968
Re: Diferences in autofocus performance on 600mm f4 versions
1

I have a 600mm f/4 III. You may have noticed that the previous versions are listed as f/4.0 lenses and this one is f/4. Now why might that be? Maybe it's because it's actually f/4.2, which rounds to f/4. Also Exiftool shows that the focal length is 584mm rather than 600mm. Maybe these are additional reasons why it's lighter than the Mark II version. I've not used previous versions to compare, and I'm still relatively new to this lens. I have used it for handholding photos at a couple parks. It's doable without getting completely worn out. With a decent shoulder mount it should be even more doable.
This lens has had a couple of firmware upgrades to address AF issues. I've read that there is a design flaw that will prevent the problem from being completely resolved by firmware upgrades. I don't have enough data yet to verify that, but I'm generally happy with the lens. I've not had anything comparable before. Closest is a 300mm f/2.8 lens I rented, and I also own a 200mm f/1.8 lens.
Interestingly the 600mm f/4 Mark III is only about an ounce or two heavier than the 200mm f/1.8 lens.

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Victor Engel

 Victor Engel's gear list:Victor Engel's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon EOS 600D Canon EOS 5DS Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II +13 more
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