All around, the 800L is my preferred lens choice for the currently accessible Redneck pijun situation.
The 600 II + 1.4xTC III would do similarly well, although I like the 800's IQ a little bit better, despite its weight and lengthy MFD.
My gear support strategy is two-pronged: while I am waiting for long range action to take place, the 800 is on a monopod. Once the rednecks drift within medium range shots or closer, the monopod is dropped, and I shoot handheld which allows me better responsiveness and better tracking.
I agree, the 800mm is an awesome lens. I debated on selling mine and picking up a 600mm II but just could not part with it. I pick up a 500mm II, in January, from Camera Canada for $6800 US + $130 PP fee. I really like the combination and choices I have with these two lenses.
Bill Morales wrote:
I agree, the 800mm is an awesome lens. I debated on selling mine and picking up a 600mm II but just could not part with it. I pick up a 500mm II, in January, from Camera Canada for $6800 US + $130 PP fee. I really like the combination and choices I have with these two lenses.
The 800 + 500 II is a perfect brace of lenses in my books too for those striving for perfection and with the budget to boot..
However, IMO a much more economical 2nd best would be having 600 II alone, so we've got only one lens which approximates well both the 800 and the 500.
On the other hand, seeing very low prices 2nd hand 800s are fetching in the States these days, I can say without hesitation that a used 800 from a private seller could be the best long lens deal ever. Then, add 100-400 II to it, and you are all set for probably a bit less than $10k US.
I have not sold my 800 at the moment but I was surprised at how much better the edge sharpness on the 600 plus 1.4 combo was than the bare 800.
Central sharpness is almost identical.
Very impressed with my 600 but I'm not sure why but I can't bring myself to sell the 800.
Still think on the 1Dx the AF is slightly faster on the bare 800.
Haven't been out with the 1DxMk2 yet and it's more TC friendly AF but feel it will be the last nail in the 800's coffin..
rabbitmountain wrote:
I see what you mean now Peter, all one needs is the right gear and the great images follow as a matter of consequence.
You see, Konijnberg, I told you so !
Have right gears in your hands, and stellar (and lunar) images will start to flow with inevitable/absolute certainty.
With the 1DX2 now using all focus points at F8, I wonder if center focus at F11 is going to possible in the near future. That would allow you to put a 2x on the 800 and maintain autofocus.
Todd Ryburn wrote:
With the 1DX2 now using all focus points at F8, I wonder if center focus at F11 is going to possible in the near future. That would allow you to put a 2x on the 800 and maintain autofocus.
You can in live view and live view focusing is getting faster and faster.
morris wrote:
I don't think the light was helping you Peter, you still captured some great moments
Morris
Thank you Morris. Talking about ambient light is one of those things we can curse while looking out of our kitchen window, or we could get out and make the best of it.
I shot rednecks on some sun-less days too, and that really meant going after proximity shots like in the example below in order to get a half decent IQ....longer range shots are usually tougher.
psharvic wrote:
Well done. Peter. I especially like the IF shot.
Thank you Sharon.
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mogud wrote:
Peter, the 800L sure does the job. Very nice captures!
Thank you Morley, she ain't heavy, she is my sister.
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KCollett wrote:
Sprinting red-neck is my fave of this lovely set Peter. The most action I've seen from this species is rapid swimming away from the camera.
Thank you Ken......have you tried some sort of a blind or camo netting (a throw) ?
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surfnron wrote:
Very well done Peter - whatever the lens ~ Ron
Thank you Ron.
You seem to attract rednecks ..............and that is a good thing in your case Peter
#4 is quite a lovely shot IMO and apparent sharpness seems more pronounced simply due to other areas that are OOF and it increases the perceived sharpness of the areas that are sharp But at first glance I had my mind made up it was my fav!
#3 has me slowed down to appreciate all of the little details and nuances of color, though it does look like the most sharpness is at the front of the eye and forward
Beautiful creatures well seen and well presented............they all are worthy
.
..............and that is a good thing in your case Peter 
