Canon long lens dilemma

[Chris Hawes]

Hi,

I've been giving some thought for some time about taking the plunge and purchasing either a Canon 500mm or 600mm prime lens. Both are going to take a substantial amount of saving up for, so I want to be sure I pick the correct one for me!

I use a 1D MkIII, so the sensor crop doesn't help me get as close as some other bodies, so the 600mm is tempting. I understand it is also fully compatable with both the 1.4x and 2x converters, whilst maintaining autofocus - I don't know whether or not this is also true of the 500mm.

The drawbacks are the additional price and the weight - how do people who use either lens find the weight? To be honest I wouldn't really intend to lug it around all over the place, more sit and wait for something to turn up - e.g. at a baited site.

I'd be very interested to hear people's experiences and impressions of both lenses - all help much appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

[glsammy]

Read this thread Chris: If only I had been closer

Pauline has a 500mm, and has some interesting comments on just the points the made.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Chris Hawes

Hi,

I use a 1D MkIII, so the sensor crop doesn't help me get as close as some other bodies, so the 600mm is tempting. I understand it is also fully compatable with both the 1.4x and 2x converters, whilst maintaining autofocus - I don't know whether or not this is also true of the 500mm.

both are f4 lenses so on your camera this is the case - be aware that if used on a consumer body (for example if you got a 40D for back up) the af might not focus in dim light as the consumer series cameras need a max app f5.6 as opposed to the f8 of the proffesional models.

You might also want to consider the 400mm f2.8 (which is in the same price bracket) used with a 1.4x this would equate to 560mm f4)

[Fourwings]

The only dilemma I have regarding a Large Canon L series prime is just how to afford it

I'd go for the f4 500mm, a friend has this lens and it really does the business in terms of image quality, sure its a tad on the heavy side but It'll give the old muscles a good work out

[Geoff F]

With regard to afordability. I've been waiting for some of these bigger lenses to drop in price but when I checked prices from my usual supplier recently I found that some lenses have actually increased by over £100.

Suspose it is the falling pound making imports dearer. So waiting any longer may be uneconomic.

[Chris Hawes]

Hi Geoff,

I've noticed a few sites have increased the prices of both lenses recently too - although by over £1,000 not just £100!!!

Unless they drop back down, this will all become a bit of a mute point either way!

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by Geoff F

With regard to afordability. I've been waiting for some of these bigger lenses to drop in price but when I checked prices from my usual supplier recently I found that some lenses have actually increased by over £100.

Suspose it is the falling pound making imports dearer. So waiting any longer may be uneconomic.

This price increase is Canons answer to the current financial situation. They reckoned that it's due to increased production costs.

I suspect some retailers, who have still got old stock, are making a killing on the back of this.

[JonSadler]

It is more to do the with dropping value of sterling. A pound just aint worth what it used to be.

It is looking like it is going to be a while before things improve, so any waiting game will be a long one.

Bleak indeed.
Jon

[lost in the woods]

Hi Chris
I use the canon 600mm f4 i.s. lens and it is superb yes it's heavy to carry but i can live with that because mounted on a kirk head it's a doddle to use if bird photography is your passion then this is the lens for you i use mine with a 1.4 convertor . In the field i normally have my 100-400 with another body fitted in a chest holster i had this specially made. With a photo vest you then don't need to carry a camera bag. I tried the 500mm i.s and sigma 300-800mm when i was looking i just liked the extra focal length of the 600 over the 500mm but the results from this lens was also very good. I was impressed with the sigma zoom but it needs i.s. and it is also limited by being a stop slower i feel a super telephoto needs to be at least f4 and i.s a must. Mine has paid for its self many times over i can't say more than that
Regards
Lost in the woods