RF 600mm f/4L IS USM after EF 600mm f/4L IS USM preview

[ianzakharov]

Perhaps this is not a review, but the first sensations after first look. I will write a full review after a month of using the lens. I will compare RF with my old EF 600mm f/4L IS USM.

The first thing I want to admit is the weight. I find it hard to believe that at this size this lens is so light. I was already used to the old 600 and every track could be compared to a visit to the gym.

However, the new lens lacks the charm of tank build quality. There is no solemn aluminum plate resembling a medal with a red embossed inscription “Image Stabilizer”. I understand that all these elements weighed down the construction, but I could not help but share a sentimental sigh about the quality of the materials of the good old days.

Next weekend I'll try to shoot, and post photos and share my thoughts.

 

[Wildlife Guy]

Perhaps this is not a review, but the first sensations after first look. I will write a full review after a month of using the lens. I will compare RF with my old EF 600mm f/4L IS USM.

The first thing I want to admit is the weight. I find it hard to believe that at this size this lens is so light. I was already used to the old 600 and every track could be compared to a visit to the gym.

However, the new lens lacks the charm of tank build quality. There is no solemn aluminum plate resembling a medal with a red embossed inscription “Image Stabilizer”. I understand that all these elements weighed down the construction, but I could not help but share a sentimental sigh about the quality of the materials of the good old days.

Next weekend I'll try to shoot, and post photos and share my thoughts.

No offense, but I would not spend a lot of effort comparing to the original 600. I think you will find that the EF II&III/ RF are lighter, faster AF and have better IQ/IS than the original. The EF III and RF are basically identical with the exception of the RF being slightly longer due to the RF mount. I owned the original 600 and it was a beast!

 

[dgumshu]

Perhaps this is not a review, but the first sensations after first look. I will write a full review after a month of using the lens. I will compare RF with my old EF 600mm f/4L IS USM.

The first thing I want to admit is the weight. I find it hard to believe that at this size this lens is so light. I was already used to the old 600 and every track could be compared to a visit to the gym.

However, the new lens lacks the charm of tank build quality. There is no solemn aluminum plate resembling a medal with a red embossed inscription “Image Stabilizer”. I understand that all these elements weighed down the construction, but I could not help but share a sentimental sigh about the quality of the materials of the good old days.

Next weekend I'll try to shoot, and post photos and share my thoughts.

Well, congrats on the new lens. I hope it works for you.

quite honestly, I don’t miss my older 600 F4 IS. It was too heavy and didn’t take extenders very well. The V ll is a great improvement and I’ll keep it till the RF ll is released… whenever that comes about.

 

[ianzakharov]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.

I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

 

[dgumshu]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

yes, the changes over time are interesting to see.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.
I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

unpleasant… I can relate to that, especially with a new and expensive lens.
I read an article a while back by LensRentals that said many of their repairs dealt with IS units and failure to park prior to transport. I try to remember, but it’s easy to forget.



That battery drain incident is unusual, though. However, that is an amazing lens. Best wishes.

 

[Wildlife Guy]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.
I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

I don't own a current version of the 600, but I rented the RF 600 f4 L IS for a trip to Yellowstone end of September / beginning of October. I believe it was the first batch of lenses received by Lensrentals. Lens worked geared and IQ/IS were very good. I am personally holding out for a RF 200-400/200-500 f4 + 1.4x TC with the Version II weight loss program which will order the day it is announced. I sold my EF 200-400 f4 prior to transitioning to R5 more because of weight than the new mount. I like size/weight of my 100-500, but miss the faster aperture, integrated TC and better IQ of the 200-400. Hoping for this lens in late 2022 or early 2023. It was a popular wildlife lens, so I hope Canon will replace.

 

[TukTuk]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.
I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

a lot of cheap lenses do not park OIS and/or focusing group of elements at all ... but you 'd expect that a $10K (or was it $12K+ ??? ) lens has some backup power inside to do this

 

[dgumshu]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.
I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

I don't own a current version of the 600, but I rented the RF 600 f4 L IS for a trip to Yellowstone end of September / beginning of October. I believe it was the first batch of lenses received by Lensrentals. Lens worked geared and IQ/IS were very good. I am personally holding out for a RF 200-400/200-500 f4 + 1.4x TC with the Version II weight loss program which will order the day it is announced. I sold my EF 200-400 f4 prior to transitioning to R5 more because of weight than the new mount. I like size/weight of my 100-500, but miss the faster aperture, integrated TC and better IQ of the 200-400. Hoping for this lens in late 2022 or early 2023. It was a popular wildlife lens, so I hope Canon will replace.

An RF 200-500 + 1.4 would be an amazing lens. I think I’d buy that one before considering any other if it is ever released… and I hope it is.

 

[Wildlife Guy]

I agree with you David. The difference with the latest versions is not so significant. It's interesting to compare how dramatically the model changed in 22 years.

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday. I was changing the converter, perhaps I didn’t turn the mount to the end, and the battery become dead a while after that.
I took off the lens and put it in my backpack. At home, I discovered that the stabilizer did not park and the lens unit was floating in the lens barrel during my way home. I called the CPS, they reassured me that nothing terrible had happened, but the incident was unpleasant.

I don't own a current version of the 600, but I rented the RF 600 f4 L IS for a trip to Yellowstone end of September / beginning of October. I believe it was the first batch of lenses received by Lensrentals. Lens worked geared and IQ/IS were very good. I am personally holding out for a RF 200-400/200-500 f4 + 1.4x TC with the Version II weight loss program which will order the day it is announced. I sold my EF 200-400 f4 prior to transitioning to R5 more because of weight than the new mount. I like size/weight of my 100-500, but miss the faster aperture, integrated TC and better IQ of the 200-400. Hoping for this lens in late 2022 or early 2023. It was a popular wildlife lens, so I hope Canon will replace.

An RF 200-500 + 1.4 would be an amazing lens. I think I’d buy that one before considering any other if it is ever released… and I hope it is.

With the exception of weight, the 200-400 + 1.4x was perfect for what I shoot(not a big birder) and awesome for African safaris. It was a bit short in some situations which is why I want a 200-500 even if I have to give up a weight reduction. When needed, you can pop on the 2x extender for a 400-800@f8. In a pinch, you could engage the 1.4x on top of the 400-800 but you lose AF on a DSLR and IQ wasn’t that great.

I hope we see this lens in the near future.