p.1 #1 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
As the title states. Does anyone have and use both of these lenses? I have the EF 600II and have been debating purchasing the RF600 for the weight savings and having the native lens for the R5 and R6 but I know once I go the RF route I can no longer use the 600 with my last remaining DSLR (1DX). I thought about buying the EF600 III because I can use it with both bodies, but the future is mirrorless. My other concern is that I buy the RF600 and Canon then announces the RF600II. I know we can't control what Canon does, but that is on my mind. However, based on the 600 history, a new version would not be introduced in another 4 years. Anyone else had this internal debate? If so, what finally made you go with the RF600? All response are welcomed because it may provide some insight that I have not thought about. I know several members here have had both or all of these lenses so I hope they chime in, too.
Thanks for any input...Al
Model Weight Year
Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens 6.81 (3090) 2021
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens 6.72 (3050) 2018
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens8.65 (3920) 2011
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM Lens 11.83 (5360) 1999
p.1 #2 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
I don't have experience with the IS II, but the IS III and RF versions. Although the IS III and RF are the same optically the 1.4x TCs are not. Maybe there is some copy variation, but the two RFs I used are better with my RF TC than the EF IS III is with my 1.4x III, so I would get the RF 600 for use with the 1.4x TC if no other reason. There is one caveat, that the RF 600 is unsharp with an extension tube unlike the EF teles with TCs. I think that is caused by the relative difference in optical position where the rear of the RF TC is quite close to the sensor and designed for that. The one thing I don't enjoy about the 600/4 RF is that it is extra long due to the built in adapter and really stretches the limit of my GG32.
I do hope that the RF 600/4 is just a temporary lens until Canon redesigns the 600/4 completely. They can't be blind to the new Z Nikkor.
p.1 #3 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
I've used the EF version II and III. Currently have the vII and debating on the RF lens as well. The only thing I noticed between the two EF lenses was the weight and balance difference, other than that they were about equal. I have heard from a couple individuals that the RF lens works better with TCs. I don't think there was a sharpness advantage but it just focused faster, especially with the 2x.
I bought my 600II from @baumgarten0712 and he trialed the RF 600mm, so he might be able to give a little insight or thoughts.
Jan 06, 2023 at 08:23 PM
AmbientMike Offline • • • • • • [X]
p.1 #4 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
Methodical wrote:
As the title states. Does anyone have and use both of these lenses? I have the EF 600II and have been debating purchasing the RF600 for the weight savings and having the native lens for the R5 and R6 but I know once I go the RF route I can no longer use the 600 with my last remaining DSLR (1DX). I thought about buying the EF600 III because I can use it with both bodies, but the future is mirrorless. My other concern is that I buy the RF600 and Canon then announces the RF600II. I know we can't control what Canon does, but that is on my mind. However, based on the 600 history, a new version would not be introduced in another 4 years. Anyone else had this internal debate? If so, what finally made you go with the RF600? All response are welcomed because it may provide some insight that I have not thought about. I know several members here have had both or all of these lenses so I hope they chime in, too.
Thanks for any input...Al
Model Weight Year
Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens 6.81 (3090) 2021
Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens 6.72 (3050) 2018
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS II USM Lens8.65 (3920) 2011
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM Lens 11.83 (5360) 1999
I usually tend to keep rolling, using my gear, til something breaks. So if the 600 v2 is going well, I might not be buying anything. Other than an EF-RF adapter. Haven't used one but adapted everything to m4/3, significantlyincreasing size on some lenses
Granted this gear is more expensive than the gear I use, so I'm not sure how you get in and out if gear, i.e. maybe you sell at a certain point and upgrade? I have a hard time seeing the adapter is really noticeable, even on a several lb lens.
p.1 #5 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
The Canon RF adapter is fine in general use, even with a TC. It's pretty much glued to my 500/4 IS II now. The 600/4 II IS is just so heavy (more at the front) that many people upgraded to the III IS for the weight alone.
p.1 #6 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
EB-1 wrote:
I don't have experience with the IS II, but the IS III and RF versions. Although the IS III and RF are the same optically the 1.4x TCs are not. Maybe there is some copy variation, but the two RFs I used are better with my RF TC than the EF IS III is with my 1.4x III, so I would get the RF 600 for use with the 1.4x TC if no other reason. There is one caveat, that the RF 600 is unsharp with an extension tube unlike the EF teles with TCs. I think that is caused by the relative difference in optical position where the rear of the RF TC is quite close to the sensor and designed for that. The one thing I don't enjoy about the 600/4 RF is that it is extra long due to the built in adapter and really stretches the limit of my GG32.
I do hope that the RF 600/4 is just a temporary lens until Canon redesigns the 600/4 completely. They can't be blind to the new Z Nikkor.
I think canon is pretty blind unless it is for video. Also they tend to be run by the advertising department and gee wiz engineers, rather than actual photographers. I have the 600 II and III. Optically the II is supposed to be very slightly better. Did not know about extension tubes. Does this happen with III as it is the same optical design as the RF. Have used tubes a lot with FD and EF lenses. Will have to check it out with my 400 RF. Not good news. Not as big of an issue as the 1.4 and 2x not working with the 70-200s but...........
p.1 #8 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
Flowernut wrote:
I think canon is pretty blind unless it is for video. Also they tend to be run by the advertising department and gee wiz engineers, rather than actual photographers. I have the 600 II and III. Optically the II is supposed to be very slightly better. Did not know about extension tubes. Does this happen with III as it is the same optical design as the RF. Have used tubes a lot with FD and EF lenses. Will have to check it out with my 400 RF. Not good news. Not as big of an issue as the 1.4 and 2x not working with the 70-200s but..............Show more →
p.1 #9 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
I had the 600 MK I and II and now have the RF 600 (but will probably be selling it soon)
as others have said, the weight and teleconverters are the biggest difference
the cool thing is you can use the RF 1.4x + RF 2x on ALL EF lenses so you can maintain that advantage with just a little modification to the RF-EF adapter housing
p.1 #11 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
I'd keep the 600II for at least one more year, although the 600III is much easier to handhold and swing. If a new RF600 will appear, or maybe a RF500mm with a TC, then the RF600 will depreciate. Not a good time to buy, now.
I have the 600III, bought it four years ago, it's a great lens.
p.1 #12 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
Uarctos wrote:
I'd keep the 600II for at least one more year, although the 600III is much easier to handhold and swing. If a new RF600 will appear, or maybe a RF500mm with a TC, then the RF600 will depreciate. Not a good time to buy, now.
I have the 600III, bought it four years ago, it's a great lens.
This is my fear that Canon will surprise us and introduce a brand new RF lens built just for the mirrorless camera.
p.1 #13 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
Uarctos wrote:
I'd keep the 600II for at least one more year, although the 600III is much easier to handhold and swing. If a new RF600 will appear, or maybe a RF500mm with a TC, then the RF600 will depreciate. Not a good time to buy, now.
I have the 600III, bought it four years ago, it's a great lens.
Methodical wrote:
This is my fear that Canon will surprise us and introduce a brand new RF lens built just for the mirrorless camera.
I am expecting that, too. Maybe wait a bit longer?
p.1 #16 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
Methodical wrote:
This is my fear that Canon will surprise us and introduce a brand new RF lens built just for the mirrorless camera.
Canon has likely been working on "from the ground up" RF 400 & 600's for a couple years now but it will still take another 4+ years before they are finished. The 500 is the next one in line according to the rumor mill, and that puppy is WAY past due for a make-over. And if they do slap a TC in the 500 it would likely send the price into the stratosphere like Nikon did with their 400 2.8 where mere mortals like myself will be left holding something else in their hands other then said lens.
If the RF 500 interest you then I'd say wait a bit longer to see what it actually offers. But if 600 is your game then I'd go ahead and snag a nice III or RF. Life's too short and new lenses are always going to be just a few years around the corner.
p.1 #17 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
EB-1 wrote:
I don't have experience with the IS II, but the IS III and RF versions. Although the IS III and RF are the same optically the 1.4x TCs are not. Maybe there is some copy variation, but the two RFs I used are better with my RF TC than the EF IS III is with my 1.4x III, so I would get the RF 600 for use with the 1.4x TC if no other reason. There is one caveat, that the RF 600 is unsharp with an extension tube unlike the EF teles with TCs. I think that is caused by the relative difference in optical position where the rear of the RF TC is quite close to the sensor and designed for that. The one thing I don't enjoy about the 600/4 RF is that it is extra long due to the built in adapter and really stretches the limit of my GG32.
I do hope that the RF 600/4 is just a temporary lens until Canon redesigns the 600/4 completely. They can't be blind to the new Z Nikkor.
This mirrors my experience but I did own the 600II and for some reason it was my favorite lens from an image perspective. If you want to buy an EF III or RF for weight savings then yes go ahead but do not expect improvement optically unless using with RF TC's. And even then, it's not something you can't PP your way around with the 600II.
I also agree that Canon can't ignore the competition and I think they'll be introducing some new big whites with build in TC's in the near future. But we all could be wrong?
p.1 #19 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
lighthound wrote:
Canon has likely been working on "from the ground up" RF 400 & 600's for a couple years now but it will still take another 4+ years before they are finished. The 500 is the next one in line according to the rumor mill, and that puppy is WAY past due for a make-over. And if they do slap a TC in the 500 it would likely send the price into the stratosphere like Nikon did with their 400 2.8 where mere mortals like myself will be left holding something else in their hands other then said lens.
If the RF 500 interest you then I'd say wait a bit longer to see what it actually offers. But if 600 is your game then I'd go ahead and snag a nice III or RF. Life's too short and new lenses are always going to be just a few years around the corner. ...Show more →
If the big whites are truly new designs then I'd expect them all to be designed together as happened previously.
I do share the concern that the newest lenses may be no better or slightly worse than the predecessors. I'm not buying a 500/4 RF that is worse optically than the IS II. At least that lens is only 7 lbs. and does not have as much weight to lose, unlike the 600/4 IS II did.
p.1 #20 · Who have and uses the EF 600II and RF 600 lens?
I'd expect Canon to match Nikon's great new 600tc lens. What a perfect, albeit crazy expensive, tool. And I wouldn't expect the existing big whites to depreciate even if they come out with a lens like that, because it will be crazy expensive just as the nikon is.
So if the 600 v2 is going well, I might not be buying anything. Other than an EF-RF adapter. Haven't used one but adapted everything to m4/3, significantlyincreasing size on some lenses