p.1 #1 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
I have a Canon 7D2 and have the current model 100-400 f4.5/5.6 . I shot mostly wildlife and primarily birds of prey. I need the extra reach of a 600mm. I'm questioning why I would buy the new model when I can pick up the previous model for so much less. I know the weight difference is around 3 lbs and the newer model is a little sharper. I would shot mainly from a tripod with the 600. I would consider myself an avid amateur photographer. I would like your feedback on if a avid amateur is going to notice the picture sharpness from the two different models. Any guidance would be much appreciated and have a good day!!
p.1 #3 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Hi there,
I think you are asking about the EF 600mm f/4 IS I vs. EF 600mm f/4 IS II
As an avian photographer, I personally don't recommend buying the series I lenses in 2017. The bare lens is def. sharp but not only is it a brick (almost impossible to hand hold) it performs poorly with the 2X Extender III (AF and IQ) which is quite handy if you want to shoot raptors. This lens does not have a dedicated AF CPU like the modern version, it cannot fully utilize the AF technology that's in the current and the previous generation of EOS bodies (camera bodies from EOS-1D X forward). Critical sharpness of a frame is not just a function of the lens optics, but it also requires perfect focus, the old lenses fall short compared to the new lenses in that department especially if you want to shoot birds in flight, or when attaching a TC.
Also consider when Canon stops servicing the old lens its value in the used market will drop significantly, you won't get much for trading it. If it fails it becomes a door stopper which you would have to recycle.
p.1 #5 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Speedmaster20d
Thanks for all your points. I do shoot a lot of birds in flight and sounds like I would be disappointed in the IS version I. Also, great point on the that resale value will drop when Canon stops serving the lens. Sounds like you're happy using the 2x extender with version II. Is that taking shots when the subject is in flight or mainly still?
p.1 #6 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
If you are interested in photographing birds in flight and excel in it, the most important factor is the ability to hand hold your rig. This rules out the heavier lens pretty quickly.
I mostly shoot BIF, Please see my website to see my 2011 review of the 600mm II when it first came out.
p.1 #7 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Ari, the lens review is extremely thorough and helpful. Anyone looking at purchasing a new super telephoto lens should read the review. And your Kite pictures are truly a work of art. Thanks for all the help.
p.1 #10 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
I agree that it's best to handhold if you can. The gimbals limit your range and motion. I sold the 500 v1 and purchased the 600II and found that although they are pretty identical in weight, the 600 was better balance and did not seem front heavy and made handholding much easier. If you can afford the 600, go for it. Also, check Canon Price Watch to get better pricing for the lens. My birding combo is the 7D2, 600II and 1.4tc - sometimes the 1Dx or 5D3, but mainly the 7D2.
I sure wish I could shoot where you shoot Ari. I rarely ever see a Falcon.
p.1 #11 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
To add to the discussion.
The 600V1 was with the 400/2.8 the pick of the big whites and its IQ is still beautiful.
Having owned one and now the V2 plus an 800 etc the IQ is not a concern from a purchase view.
Yes its heavy and not easily hand holdable but yes you can hand hold it.
Edge sharpness ie the outer 25% is not as sharp as the V2 which is stellar as opposed to great.
If you cant afford the V2 believe me you will not be disapointed by the V1 at all.
If your under 60 years old and can lift a beer there is no reason you cant hand hold it the difficulty is with heavy end elements makes it tricky to rapidly change direction etc.
Having hauled mine around the world without a tripod and airshows all over you can certainly hand hold it for bursts then rest then again etc.
For allthe talk about IQ the V1 certainly does not lack there and the AF speed with TC's is slower compared to the V2.
Something to not be forgotten is the V1 captured an incredible array of amazing images while it was the king and nothing has changed in that ability other than it being a prince not a king...
p.1 #12 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
I just bought a very nice copy of the 600mm f4 IS version 1 here on FM. I am very pleased with it for photographing smaller birds in my backyard. It is a beautiful lens, and is a great choice for me to learn more about using a big white. I am using it on a gimbal mount, it is definitely not a lens I could hand hold. With a 1.4x III extender, it focuses quickly and accurately, and is a much better choice compared to my 100-400 v2 for what I need.
p.1 #13 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
I also opted for the IS version 1 instead of the pricier younger brother. No doubt the v2 is better but from what I can tell you have to look really hard to tell the difference. I doubt if I can ever tell in a blind test. I use it with mainly a 1.4X version II. Occasionally, I'd use the 2.0X II. I find that the 2.0X focus speed is totally usable and there's very little impact with the 1.4X II. As a matter of fact the 1.4x II is literally permanently mounted on my 600mm f/4 IS I.
I tried hand holding the version 1 but I'm not a big guy and I find it to be unmanageable. On tripod, it's simply delightful. If I ever upgrade to version 2, it'd be because it's lighter...no other reasons besides that.
We have all seen wonderful images out of the IS version 1. While I don't claim to be in the same league with the top guys around here...I've got quite a few I'm quite happy with... Below is an image taken with the IS version 1 with the 1.4x II teleconverter
7D2, 600mm f/4L IS Ver 1, 1.4X II, f/5.6, 1/2000, ISO 640
p.1 #14 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Thanks everyone for all the feedback. I guess the key is how much hand holding I'm going to be doing. For the first time in several weeks, we had a sunny weekend day here in Central NY. I had my current lens on the tripod about 60% of the time. We have large flocks of snow geese on the lakes and when they take off, you want to be hand holding the lens. By the pictures you've shared, both lens give great pictures. Good luck with your pictures in 2017.
p.1 #15 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
speedmaster20d wrote:
If you are interested in photographing birds in flight and excel in it, the most important factor is the ability to hand hold your rig. This rules out the heavier lens pretty quickly.
I mostly shoot BIF, Please see my website to see my 2011 review of the 600mm II when it first came out.
Many thanks for sharing your work and your reviews - especially re Canon's 600mm lenses. Very informative.
I live on the bank of a tidal tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, a half hour from the Conowingo Dam (eagles) in one direction, and Bombay Hook NWR (migratories) in the other direction. Thus my interest in the 600mm IS Canons. Matter of fact, my 1DX2, 1D4, 7D2, Wimberley gimbal, and Gitzo 5 series are all assembled and waiting its (a 600mm) acquisition.
So I've been "in the market" for a fairly priced, used 600 IS II for months, if not years. The few used copies available are invariably priced in excess of Canon's refurb copies - not that any refurbs are actually available.
That leaves buying a new copy as - seemingly - the only way to actually take possession of this fabled lens, at this time.
And given that Canon is expected to announce - later this year? - the long-rumored, equally fabled 600mm f4L DO IS, the market value of the current Mk I and Mk II 600mm's will predictably plummet. Which is one nasty financial plunge/bath/loss in value that I can ill afford to experience and that I'd sure like to avoid.
I'm just about ready to search for a 600mm IS Mk I with good glass (a beater) < $4,000 - while setting aside the difference in price (from new MK II at $10k+) towards the eventual purchase (adding many additional $$$ that I will have to save) of the 600/4L DO IS.
Any suggestions?
Dale
PS - nobody ever said this would be cheap or easy.
p.1 #17 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Hi Dale,
Following internet rumors is just a waste of time IMO. Only and only Canon knows about their future lenses, it could be tomorrow, it could be never. Nobody knows and there has been no official news from Canon regarding any super-telephoto replacement as far as I know. Canon show mock-ups and experimental lenses/sensors from time to time but that doesn't mean it will make it to a product.
Keep in mind when the new lenses come out they are usually priced higher than the old ones, especially if they have some kind of unique technology like DO. So I wouldn't bank on the price of the 600II plummeting any time soon.
Life is short and those lost opportunities usually never come back. Get what you can today and enjoy shooting.
p.1 #18 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
The 600mm II come up for sale here regularly but infrequently. They move slowly giving you time.
You have until November for the Conowingo barbeque!
Canon charges tax on refurbs, which you need to take into account. And if they are rarely available, a much better price doesn't mean much it you want something now.
p.1 #20 · CANON 600MM F/4L VERSION 1 VS. PRESENT MODEL
Thanks Ari,
Bottom line, get the lens - if it's what I want/need - and it is. Gulp. I'm sitting here listening to the the loud, grinding, clanking sounds of my mind wrapping itself around and attempting to absorb the concept of spending $10K (more when accessorized) for a used lens. Yep.
I've never had this "advanced sticker shock" response - when purchasing any of my other gear (& I have my share - from the 1DX2 on down). And it's not really about the funds, I can make that work. it's more about paying 100% of $XXX today, for that which may be worth 70% to 80% in so many months or even a year. Ouch.
Then again, in some ways I've spent years stubbornly undervaluing the present in favor of uncertain futures. Old habits seem hard to shake.
Thanks for your guidance. Looks like the search will continue or I'll just purchase new.
