I've a chance to buy a 2nd hand 600mm ef F4.0 lens, and I've recently picked up a 1dsMiii, and I'm thinking of getting the lens for some field sports. I've been shooting them with a 1dMiii with a 300+1.4 ex, so the length is not that much more. (300*1.4*1.3 = 546)
I am wondering is it too heavy to move quickly on a monopod? too heavy?
also wondering about it's autofocus speed.
Anyone here using them? Would you recomend this set up, or avoid it like the plague?
The 600mm is stunning. All the extra length means is that you might need to rethink your positioning a bit. I`ve shot soccer in an MLS stadium at night with the 1ds Mark II and a 500mm. I really did not want to give the camera back to Canon, even though it only fired at 3 fps.
The lens is well balanced on a monopod and apart from the need to adjust a bit to the impact of heavy cross-winds, not at all hard to use.
In reality the 600 is the same as a 400 with a 1.4x converter on it. Don't worry, after a while you get used to it. Then when you pick up a 300 you will think it is puny!
dmendlik wrote:
In reality the 600 is the same as a 400 with a 1.4x converter on it. Don't worry, after a while you get used to it. Then when you pick up a 300 you will think it is puny!
One of the locals photogs here uses a 600f4 on a 1dmk2 for Football (soccer) , rugby and cricket, his other lenses is a 70-200f2.8.
When he is off transmitting to his agency, usually after about 10 minutes into the game, i get to have a play with it , instead of him dragging it back to the press room. I think it is great the auto focus is great, and you seem to spend more time behind the goal line, instead of rushing up and down the sidelines.
While the focal length is fine for field sports- you do lose a certain level of mobility and flexibility if you are coming from a 300. For one- it would be nice to have the naked 300mm for closer shots, and the extender for when the players are on the far side of the field. With the 600 you do lose a bit of that versatility. It's also a bit more to lug around before and after the game- but not so much when it's already on the pod and you're carrying it around, supported on your shoulder. Just make sure you have a bag like the Lens Trekker for easy game day transport to and from the game.
I've a chance to buy a 2nd hand 600mm ef F4.0 lens, and I've recently picked up a 1dsMiii, and I'm thinking of getting the lens for some field sports. I've been shooting them with a 1dMiii with a 300+1.4 ex, so the length is not that much more. (300*1.4*1.3 = 546)
I am wondering is it too heavy to move quickly on a monopod? too heavy?
also wondering about it's autofocus speed.
Anyone here using them? Would you recomend this set up, or avoid it like the plague?
Merv.
I have a 600/4 and although it is a bit heavy, you will be fine with it on a good monopod. Don't worry about the autofocus speed - it's as good as any of the other great whites. As you have already used the 300+1.4x on a 1DMkIII, the FL will be very familiar to you.
The 600 is a "moose"! It'll wear on you all day and leave you feeling like an old man, but when you see how it can isolate your subject it'll be worth. Like someone else said, you'll have to change your position/angle, but it will be refreshing to look at the same game with a new set of eyes. Don't go "cheap" on a monopod. Get a good one and it will last you years. You don't want to put thousands of dollars in glass on a twig. I don't know what you shoot, but I would also practice lugging that around before taking it out on a field when things can happen pretty darn quick.
you guys that shoot with the 600 know it far better than i do but i found it technically a tough lens to use. maybe my shooting technique sucks, but if i used the 500 i got way more keepers than the few 600's i owned over the past few years. the 400 covers just about everything but weighs a ton too. however, if you are a great shooter, then a 600 can be amazing. they sure cost a lot. i always ended up selling mine off.
I just switched from Canon Mk3 to a D3 and use a 400 2.8 for soccer. I just shot my first match and found it a bit short being use to the crop on the Canon. I have a 1.7 and will be using that as a regular i think.
The 600 f/4L IS is slightly lighter than a 400 f/2.8L IS. I have one of each and I find the 600 f/4 a little easier to manage due to the weight distribution and a slightly higher moment of inertia.
I use a Gitzo 6x monopod with arca swiss mount. There's really no problem handling this rig once you set your mind to it.
