Canon 500mm f4 lens?

[MarkE70]

Does anybody use a Canon 500mm f4 lens? what do you think of it? I'm seriously considering getting this lens but the price tag of 4 grand is slowing down my decision to hand over the dosh. I currently use a bigma lens of which I've been happy with. However, Ive always wanted a long prime lens. Any advice on this lens would be greatly appreciated, cheers, Mark.

P.S. If i don't get the lens I will only end up putting the money towards a new kitchen for me missus (what a dilemma eh!).

[MagpieMick]

The misses is running the guilt trip about a new kitchen and your falling for it.

Bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates for her !!

Canon 500 f4 for you !!

You have my permission, Mark.

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi ,

go to the wife and say you'll toss a coin , heads for the lens and tails for the kitchen.

Just don't tell her you've got a double headed coin

neil

[Blackbrook Eye]

I,d say if you can afford it, go for it, but keep the bigma, as fixed focal length lenses are a bit restricting the zoom still has a big role to play, one way or another you can always get nearer to your subject, you cant always get further away, and remember you are the one who will be carrying it. So far as the kitchens concerned, I've used one for years, and it has never produced a decent photo.

[WhiskyBottle]

Two questions:
Are you prepared to carry it, and can you afford it.

Seems you've already answered the second question

A lighter option, both on the pocket and tripod, is the Sigma 500/4.5 prime.

Have you thought of the tripod upgrade, bigger bag, and the teleconvertors that'll really show the difference between these 500's and the Bigma.

[John D]

Originally Posted by MarkE70

Does anybody use this lens? what do you think of it? I'm seriously considering getting this lens but the price tag of 4 grand is slowing down my decision to hand over the dosh. I currently use a bigma lens of which I've been happy with. However, Ive always wanted a long prime lens. Any advice on this lens would be greatly appreciated, cheers, Mark.

P.S. If i don't get the lens I will only end up putting the money towards a new kitchen for me missus (what a dilemma eh!).

Hi Mark, Just hope if you get it, you don't end up like the lad I mentioned earlier today on a similar thread.
Two weeks ago I stood next to this lad who had a 500mm prime (lovely lens) however he never stopped cursing as the Goldeneye we were both trying to capture were far to close for his nice prime lens. I with my Sigma 100-300mm and 1.4tc and with a little adjustment got some nice shots. He never stopped telling me he had a BIGMA back home. If only he had brought his BIGMA instead.
John D

[Ollie]

Kitchen or 500mm prime, well I would go for the prime as long as the kitchens not dropping to bits around your ears.

As others have said though I would definitely still keep the bigma, I have the Canon 400mm prime which is a cracking lens but I do still use the bigma as well and I'm sure you would miss yours.
Roger

[glsammy]

Apart from the guilt trip you'll be on, I'm sure you'll love the prime lens. I've never used one but I've spoken to a few who have and I've never heard a bad word about it. It's often preferred to the 600mm, being far more manageable. Optically it's about as good as they come.
If your sure you can manage the weight of the beast, you'll love it.

[eeyore]

I'd say lens everytime - who needs a new kitchen (think of it as a green initiative saving your old one from landfil ) - I'd try out the 400 f2.8, 500 f4 and 600 f4 before you make up your mind on which lens though

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by eeyore

I'd say lens everytime - who needs a new kitchen (think of it as a green initiative saving your old one from landfil ) - I'd try out the 400 f2.8, 500 f4 and 600 f4 before you make up your mind on which lens though

Does Sarah agree then Pete ??
Thought not