p.1 #1 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
I'm debating these two lenses for bird photography in the north east. Reach is often a problem in this region. Perhaps I should wait for a 600 F4 IS, but these two are for sale now. the 500 is lighter and perhaps I'd do well with it. I will be shooting with a 1D mark II n.
I've had a couple years experience with a 30D and a 300 F4 IS with a 1.4x. Main challenge was focus (needed to be lucky). The other challenge was reach of course.
I go from 1.6 factor to 1.3 with the 1D, so maybe nothing short of the 600 will do. I know IS is good to have even on a tripod. So should I just wait for a 600 F4 IS?
If I thought the 600 non IS or the 500 IS would be good enough, I'd go for one.
p.1 #2 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
Yep, get the IS version, the longest one you can possibly carry. The 500 is good, just get a 1.4X to go with it. With a 1D class body, the AF should be OK.
I would check 500 first to see if reach is really an issue with the 1.4X. If it continues to be an issue, then 600 IS is the option.
p.1 #3 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
BTW, is $5400 right for the non IS 600mm with 1994 date code. From what I've seen it seems too high. The counter argument is all lens are getting more expensive because of the exchange rate and the Canon increase which is due to that.
May 01, 2008 at 06:53 PM
anthony whitmo Offline • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #4 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
500 IS for sure
The 600 non IS is great > but if anything happens to it you may have problems getting it repaired. If it breaks today OK yes your chances are OK of fixing it (But what about in 2 years)......... The 500 IS should be good for repair for many many years to come.
As for reach >> well your always going to wish you had a longer lens << That's just the way it is !!
I hear a lot of people complain that the weight of the 600 is just toooo much. If your going to be packing and walking a bit with the lens you may need to consider this. The 500 is easily hand holdable for me >> Others claim the 600 impossible. Again, something to consider.
500 IS with 1.4x is 700mm FL and IQ is great
500 IS with 1.7x is 850mm FL Non Canon extender (No Idea on IQ)
500 IS with 2.0x is 1000 mm FL IQ can be acceptable YMMV (Ur Mileage May Vary)
p.1 #5 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
jhe123 wrote:
BTW, is $5400 right for the non IS 600mm with 1994 date code. From what I've seen it seems too high. The counter argument is all lens are getting more expensive because of the exchange rate and the Canon increase which is due to that.
Seems a little high to me. I would pay around 4K - 4.5K TOPS for a great condition one.
p.1 #6 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
If you want to know about the 600 non-IS, you probably need to hear from somebody who owns one. So here's the skinny:
1. You need a tripod with a rated capacity of 15 kg (33#) or more.
2. You need a gimbal rated the same. Forget about using a ballhead with this lens.
3. Think of it as a "studio" lens, i.e., you know exactly where you're going before you get there. You transport your gear, set up, wait for your subjects to come to you. You don't walk around with it, and when somebody tells you he can squeeze off a good shot with it handheld, just smile.
4. You're willing to learn to use flash. That's right, on a sunny day, you're going to use flash. (see below)
This lens rivals any lens made by any manufacturer for its ability to resolve fine detail. Not only do you see every feather clearly, you see every vane on every feather and you can tell how the feathers overlay each other.
IME, you don't shoot with it wide open. I usually stop down to f8, but I like shooting at f11 even more. It's no sharper at these smaller apertures, but your increased depth of field gives you a better image. Hence, you learn to use flash (and not E-TTL).
This is a difficult piece of equipment to master, and you have to be forgiving with yourself as you learn to use it. That said, if you're willing to learn, the 500 will simply never deliver a better image than the 600, whereas the 600 will get you shots the 500 can't get you.
BYW, expect to pay $3-4K and don't expect to get one that doesn't have a little wear in the paint -
I did all of the above about a year ago, and I've never looked back -
p.1 #7 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
It depends a lot on what you shoot and how you shoot. If, for example, you want to wander around with the lens on a monopod and be able to shoot birds perched in the shade of a tree then you may need IS. If you only ever shoot birds in full sunlight and/or in flight and/or always use a tripod then you probably won't need IS.
With the 500 the 1D2N can still do AF with the central sensor with a 2x TC, or all sensors with a 1.4x TC.
Of those two lenses I'd choose the 500 but that's because I can't see myself setting up and waiting as David described. Not around here anyway, and probably not while I'm travelling. I'm more likely to need or want the benefits of IS and in fact I've just ordered a 600 IS. You need to consider waiting and saving up a little more for a 600 IS if 600 is acually want you want or need.
I'd be unwilling to pay 70% of replacement price for a 14 year old lens that has no IS, but then the market behaves rather differently here in Australia.
p.1 #8 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
100% crops with the 500 and 1DIIn are unreal.
Tracking even with TCs give high rate of in focus shots.
All action shots with raptors, ducts, etc., wide open at f4 always.
Stopping down only for little birds up close.
2x Canon TC on that is perfect stopped down to f13 at worst.
Moving closer to the action and being sneaky always trumps a longer lens.
p.1 #9 · canon 600 F4 non IS versus recent 500 F4 IS
jhe123 wrote:
BTW, is $5400 right for the non IS 600mm with 1994 date code. From what I've seen it seems too high. The counter argument is all lens are getting more expensive because of the exchange rate and the Canon increase which is due to that.
It's way too high. William Leaman is selling his for $3700 or best offer, full refund if not satisfied. Date code is UJ0914, case is included. You may contact him through his website http://www.leamanphoto.com/ Bill is a true gentleman so I am not afraid to plug his sale here
BTW this lens is a mammoth so I hope you are in shape enough to carry it in the field
