Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | Canon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I was surprised that my lens arrived the day after buying it (shipping from Montreal to Winnipeg). I didn't have much of a chance last night to do anything with it other than look it over and fire off a few quick hand-held test shots. I do have some questions; some that arose from that quick test and some that were in mind before (and that I unwisely added to the already lengthy thread about options I was considering to address my lack of reach for wildlife). So without further ado, here are my questions:

1) I like to walk about in a forest near me; looking for various opportunities that present (mostly birds). I know from experience with my Canon 100-400 II that I am not going to be able to walk around for three or four hours with a 7lb 500mm just slung over my shoulder with a strap or a Black Rapid harness. The two options seem to be using my mrjangear carrier or using a monopod setup (belt and flagpole/monopod pouch or possibly Whistling Wings monopod setup). Regarding the latter, I currently have a CF monopod. I like it - light, compact, padded at the top. However, it is rated for 8.8lbs. The R5/500 II come in at 8.64lbs. Add the battery and card and I am right at the monopod limit. In another thread that I started about heads for monopods, there were a number of strong endorsements for the Wimberley MH-100 MonoGimbal. It looks really good, but I wonder with it being a side mount for the lens if this is going to create too much torque for my monopod.

So, if I go with a head like the MH-100 that puts the weight off to the side, should I be upgrading my monopod to a higher weight rating? If yes, what should I consider a minimum weight rating?

If I should go with a monopod head that puts the weight directly over top of the monopod (and if so, which one?), is my current monopod sufficient or should I take their weight ratings with a grain of salt and get something with a higher rating anyway?

If I need to replace my monopod, any suggestions? I don't buy cheap "junk", but I also don't feel compelled to buy THE best.

2) Carrying the monopod/camera/lens when walking about
Assuming that I will be using a belt/pouch or the Whistling Wings setup, how does one carry this if moving to a new location (AOT just moving about the current location)? Lock the head down, sling the lens over the shoulder, resting the monopod foam on the shoulder while the foot is in the pouch? Foot in pouch, monopod against chest, camera/lens in front of body? Other?

3) Shooting handheld
I was trying this a bit yesterday and it felt very awkward compared to how I hold my 100-400 II. The focus ring is huge and sits exactly where my hand wants to go. If I put my hand there, I risk messing up the focus. If I put my hand behind it, the lens is very front heavy and feels unstable. If I put my hand in front of the focus ring, the lens is stable but I get the distinct impression that arm/shoulder fatigue will set in very quickly because the arm is not braced against the body. I have seen posts where some people say they have the foot down and hold the foot or rest the foot on the palm of their hand, but this felt very awkward too. What works best for the veteran big prime shooters here?

4) I need a bigger arca-swiss plate than the biggest one I have. Looking at the Wimberley site, it recommends the P-40 or the AP-603. Both are recommended for the MH-100 monogimbal but only the AP-603 is recommended for the Wimberley Sidekick (which I have and would use with my tripod and this lens). I am unclear on what advantage the AP-603 brings when using the Sidekick and if it is really necessary or if the P-40 is fine for both monogimbal and Sidekick. Thoughts?

5) Flying with this lens. I don't think I am going to be able to take the backpack I usually use and will need to use the bigger one I have. I don't anticipate problems on large carriers but what about the island hoppers or the type of flights one takes within say Tanzania?

6) A catch-all question. I have never shot anything bigger than the 100-400. Any tips or suggestions re storage, carrying, use, etc that aren't covered by the above?

Please feel free to answer one, some or all questions.

Thanks!

May 26, 2023 at 10:13 AM

EB-1
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I use GubaGear backpacks for Africa (26 or 32L) and a custom 500/4 long lens case in the vehicle. I only hand hold briefly as needed. I bring 4 beanbags including a TV Molar. I add two cross-mounted M-1 modules to the foot for stabilization and to keep it above the bag.

I never "walk around" with large lenses, so somebody else will have to help you with that one.

Putting an A-S plate like the P-40 on the Canon foot is bulky and not the best for stability. Get the Wimberley AP-600 replacement foot instead. It is rock solid and has enough length to balance on a gimbal head or any head. It also saves some weight.

Especially if this a used lens, make sure you test it on a flat target with and without TCs. If it is not dead sharp everywhere it may have been abused.
You will find that the IS is not optimized for the RF bodies and Mode 3 is not what it was on the EF bodies.

EBH

May 26, 2023 at 10:31 AM

rscheffler
Offline
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Regarding the monopod: I believe the weight rating is based on using it fully extended. If you're using it partially extended to rest in a flagpole type pouch at your waist, it will be much more rigid/stable than if it's fully extended.

I have not shopped for monopods for a long time. But I recently did some sports tournaments where one of the other photographers on the team was still fine-tuning his setup and shopping around for monopods. He ended up with a mid-range one from Leophoto purchased through Amazon Canada, and was very happy with it. IIRC he also had a pouch to tuck it into at his waist while shooting. To make this feasible, he also bought a Leophoto tilt head. I believe it was this one.

My long lens use is primarily at sports events. I carry it by the strap supplied by Canon around my neck. This does result in some neck strain, but I much prefer it over carrying off one shoulder. For hiking, I'd want to look into a harness solution that would better distribute the weight across the shoulders.

For flying and the situations you described, I'd look into GuraGear bags because they appear to be the smallest possible carry option. If puddle-jumper type flights won't be on the itinerary, my preference is a roller solution. For example the Pelican 1510, but you need to research these and determine if the supplied padding configuration can accommodate a long lens (this has changed over the years since I bought mine). The other option is something like a Think Tank roller, which is very popular in sports photography circles. Worst case scenario would be to put cameras and small lenses in a 'personal item' carry-on and carry the 500 over the shoulder and rest it between your feet on the flight.

Be aware of Canadian domestic flights on airlines other than Air Canada and Westjet. The two 'big' airlines dropped their carry-on weight restrictions some years ago to align with US carriers. But budget carries such as Swoop, Flair and even Porter, have 10kg and lower restrictions. I've recently flown a number of segments with Flair and about 75% of the time the counter agent didn't ask to weigh my carry-on, perhaps because when I lifted it to show them, I did it in a manner that implied it was fairly light. But the one time the agent insisted on weighing it, it was overweight at 14kg and she wouldn't tag it until I lightened it (by removing the 200-400). Of course as soon as I left the counter, I put the 200-400 back in the roller, proceeded to the gate with the tagged bag and had no problem bringing it onboard...

May 26, 2023 at 10:38 AM

Uarctos
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Used to have the first 500mm f4 IS (33% heavier), and now the 600mm F4 IS III (same weight, but better balance). I am only using it handheld, the original lens foot resting in my left palm, and using the fingers to stabilize the lens. The lens foot is quite OK for this, not sure about any other foot/plate. In time you'll learn how to handhold this lens, don't worry.

May 26, 2023 at 11:30 AM

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Well, regarding questions 2 and 6, it seems I need a new monopod. I just spoke to Wimberley and they recommend a tripod at 3x the weight of camera/lens/extender/monopod head and any other accessories that will be mounted (such as flash). I asked if this is for monopods extended to the ground or if it would apply to monopods placed in a monopod holster at hip height. He indicated most think the weight rating is for the thinnest leg but it is actually the rating for how the top plate is attached to the top leg.

So now I am looking for recommendations for a CF monopod rated to about 30lbs. I definitely want one with foam on the top leg so it can be rested (more) comfortably over my shoulder while walking.

I also asked why the P-40 plate is fine for a standard mount but the more expensive AP-603 (a foot replacement with built in AS plate) is recommended for Sidekicks. He indicated that it is just more secure and less prone to twisting/loosening. I wish I had realized/thought of it when I was on the phone but both direct mounting to the MH-100 and mounting to the Sidekick are side mounted, so I am back to not understanding why they recommend the AP-603 for the sidekick but the P-40 is fine for the MH-100. For folks here that have a side mount, which way do you go (P-40 or AP-603).

Thanks

May 26, 2023 at 04:15 PM

EB-1
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I use the AP-600 for everything (one was on the 600/4 also). I'm not sure how the AP-603 is different (maybe newer), but a replacement foot is the more secure, rigid, and lighter way to go compared to a plate. All of my big teles have had replacement feet for almost 20 years on full gimbals, the Sidekick, ball heads, etc. It's a no brainer.

EBH

May 26, 2023 at 05:09 PM

G Lavaty
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I pretty much carry my 500mm f/4 ( I have a mk1 and mk2 and carry both the same way) just by the handle. I actually purchased a 3rd party one from a Chinese seller on Amazon that I think was actually intended for a 600mm f/4 and I used my bench grinder to shape it to where it’s very comfortable in my hand.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N2GWS9W?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

At first it was tiring to carry it around for hours but after a while I got used to it and it’s no longer a big deal to carry it around all day. I prefer not to have any straps or anything attached to the camera as I tend to get them hung up on things when walking around through the brush….

For the mk2 I purchased a Lenscoat which fell apart within a month and ended up buying a Rolandpro cover for it which was less expensive and much better made. For my mk1 lens I went through a couple of neoprene covers (one Lenscoat that didn’t last long and one that I made myself which lasted about 8 years). When my homemade cover finally wore out I ended us just painting the lens with some olive drab rustolium and then gave it a top coat with a colorless matte-finish epoxy paint which has held up very nicely so far.

On the monopod weight rating, I wouldn’t be too concerned about being a pound or two over the rating. As far as I can tell those ratings aren’t really all that meaningful. I’d just give what you have a try and if it’s not beefy enough, get something sturdier.

I’ve run into a lot of people using the MH-100 and various knockoffs of it and haven’t heard anyone say anything bad about them. Never heard of any issues with the side-mount and they have been around for a long time now.

Again, I’d try what you already have and see if there’s any issues before seriously thinking about buying something new. In all honesty, 7-8lbs really isn’t that much weight.

The moving around question is why I’ve pretty much sworn off the various support systems, monopods, harnesses…. I have found all that stuff just ends up getting in my way and makes the photography experience a lot less fun.

I’m sure shooting hand-held will feel awkward at first but if you stick with it there’s a good chance you’ll get used to it. I remember being very sore and frustrated after my first day out using a big telephoto rig hand-held. Now I don’t want to use it any other way.

I’d suggest just getting a long plate off Amazon/eBay…. Before I got the handle replacement I just bought a Chinese-made plate for $9 (120mm) and then used the bench grinder to shape it to where it was most comfortable.

I fly often with my 500mm f/4. My bag of choice at the moment is a Chinese-branded backpack that I got off of Amazon for about $35. I’ve been using it for a couple of years now and it’s been all over Central and South America and now is with me in Alaska with zero complaints. It’s quite compact and light and holds all the gear I need for bird photography.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B094R35NN5?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

May 26, 2023 at 06:29 PM

IndyFab
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

"possibly Whistling Wings monopod setup"

If you decide to use Rons set up, he uses a monopod thats fits in the pouch.. (not all monopods will fit in) ... He sells complete kit including the monopod. Best to check in with him, as things may have changed.

As for padding at the top of monopod, head to your nearest dollor store and pick up a noodle and cut to fit top portion, and some camo tape to rap around the noodle .... Wala.... you now have padding

May 26, 2023 at 07:00 PM

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

G Lavaty, thanks for the detailed and thoughtful reply.

I have had a couple of occasions in the last few years where my back went out while doing something quite innocent (such as picking up a sock). After discussing at some length with my Athletic Therapist, he felt it was the uneven weight distribution of my 100-400 on a Black Rapid sling that put repeated uneven stress on the back and caused the back to go out from an apparent small thing. Similarly, I was starting to develop an elbow problem after prolonged hand carrying (3-4 hour outings) of my 100-400 before I got the BR. I find the mrjangear works well with the R5/100-400 but I suspect it may not be as effortless and efficient to use with the long and heavy R5/EF 500 prime. This is one of the main concerns I had with getting such a heavy lens and why experimenting with different ways to evenly transfer weight to the hips, back and/or shoulders is important for me. I don't think I will be carrying this rig hand held very far.

I am surprised by the problems you had with the Lenscoat. I have had one on my 100-400 II for five or six years and it is in excellent shape with the exception of the one piece that always was in contact with my hip. This lens has pretty much lived on my primary camera since I got it. In what way did you find the Rolanpro better made?

"I’d just give what you have a try and if it’s not beefy enough, get something sturdier."

Determining that it is not beefy enough means that I experienced a failure, which would be catastrophic failure resulting in the R5 and 500mm crashing to the ground. My monopod is rated for 8.8lbs. According to Wimberley, I should have one rated for about 30lbs for the camera/extender/lens weight. Having the top mount rip off the monopod is not something I want to experience! Although I haven't selected a new monopod yet, it looks like I can get a good one (Leofoto MP-365C 5-Section Carbon Fiber Monopod) for about $139US. I am thinking of it as good (and cheap, relatively speaking) insurance for a $9000US lens.

You mentioned that you had a plate but got a replacement handle. What prompted you to do so? Are you happy with that change?

May 26, 2023 at 07:12 PM

groob
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I also use a Gura Gear backpack. It is pretty great for flying.

As for the foot, I replaced my factory one with a Hejnar. I plan to do the same for all my telephotos going forward. He was fantastic to deal with.

Given your back problems, I wonder if a Cotton Carrier would be your best option? Conner Stefanison (a fellow Canadian and incredible photographer) is a big fan. I think it distributes weight in the middle of your body and even adds a bit of tension when handholding so that you’re a bit more stable. Might not even need a monopod if you liked it.

May 26, 2023 at 07:20 PM

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

EB-1, thank you for your feedback, particularly regarding the plate vs the replacement foot.

rscheffler, see my notes above from discussion with Wimberley on why the 3x weight rating for a monopod. It is actually the top rather than the legs that is the biggest concern. Also, great tips on flying with a big lens. Thanks.

Indyfab, I have a heavy nylon belt meant for attaching things and I have a monopod pouch. I'm going to give that a try first. If I feel I need more, I like the Whistling Wings solution but his price difference between the harness/pouch/safety strap and the full meal deal (basically adding a monopod) is excessive. That's why I would go to just the harness/pouch/safety strap version.

May 26, 2023 at 07:21 PM

nmerc_photos
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

1 - I would definitely suggest the MH-100 head. it's the best one I've used for a monopod. as for a monopod, I've used some of the most expensive and least expensive. I like the Leofoto MP-365C for my RF 600 f4. it's a little lighter than your lens, but the Leo has plenty of capacity (38lb)

2 - it depends how often you plan to shoot. if I know I'm just walking to a place to setup, I'll usually use a backpack. if I might see something while walking, I'll use my MrJanGear chest pouch or just sling the monopod over my shoulder.

3 - not much insight I can offer here. I've never held the 500 II

4 - not sure if there's an actual need, but I'd def go AP-603 over P-40. those little mounting plates add weight and just an extra component to fail. get the AP-603, use red loctite, and you'll reduce your weight, have better ergonomics, and less opportunity for failure

5 - EF 500 II should be no issue traveling. I take my RF 600 F4 everywhere and it's quite a bit bigger. You may have to pay extra on small excursions, but it's definitely doable.

6 - imo, big lenses are more for sitting type situations. I really wouldn't try walking around with the lens out expecting to shoot with it and get good shots. I've tried that, but everytime I go back to the RF 100-500 being supreme there. My big lenses only come out if I know I'm going to be stationary for awhile.

------------------------------------------------

edit: I only read your OP, not the comments. then I posted, then I read the comments

the Leofoto that you mentioned is superb, you'll be happy with it. it's on sale for $111 right now as well:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084L6SXH9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

save yourself the hassle of the lens plates and get a full foot. you'll thank yourself everytime you use it

May 26, 2023 at 07:37 PM

G Lavaty
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Obviously you should only do things that you are comfortable doing and nobody here knows your body better than you do so only you can really determine what will work ultimately. I just described what works for me.

If your monopod is so flimsy that you even remotely think an 8lb load is going to snap it in half I strongly encourage you to immediately throw it in the trash. As far as I can tell, those weight recommendations on monopods don’t really have much meaning (there doesn’t appear to be any uniform standard that they’re tested against). I really wouldn’t personally get too hung up on the published number. Also, it should be pretty easy to tell if the existing monopod isn’t up to the task short of a “catastrophic failure.” Obviously you should only do what you are comfortable with and it sounds like you probably want a new monopod anyway.

I think if I had experienced the sort of back problems you described I’d have some serious reservations about the whistling wings contraption and had you mentioned it before I probably would’ve discouraged the purchase of the 500. That sounds pretty awful.

I didn’t like how thick the plate + stock handle was in my hand. The aftermarket one is considerably more comfortable, especially after I customized it for my own hand.

May 26, 2023 at 10:19 PM

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

G Lavaty, thanks for the follow up.

The back is a funny thing. I exercise quite a bit, play sports, do weights; all without issue (so far, knock on wood). Then I'll pick up a sock and bam! It's only happened twice in the last two years and less so before that. It clears up in 3 - 6 days normally but it's a bummer. The last time it happened, I had an in-depth discussion with the AT while he worked on me. He explained how repetitive uneven loads can cause a gradual build up in the back muscles and it reaches its limit at some point. So, I keep doing what I like but look for the best/most ergonomic way of doing it.

I've never thought of my monopod as flimsy and have used it in various situations for years, but the biggest demand on it has been the R5/1.4x TC/100-400 II. Now that I am putting something heavier and WAY more expensive on it, I starting thinking about it and asking questions. I always figured the weight limit was for the bottom (thinnest) leg. It never occurred to me it would be how much load the monopod's plate on top could handle. But now you have me curious. Given what I have been advised (by a support rep at wimberley) is the weakest point on a monopod, how would you go about determining if the existing monopod's plate is sufficiently sturdy for the task without it actually breaking. Recall that not only will the monopod be supporting the combo on the ground and from the pouch but also slung over the shoulder when moving about.

May 26, 2023 at 10:56 PM

G Lavaty
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Yes, it’s the over the shoulder carrying that would worry me most and in fact I don’t carry my camera that way at all because I don’t trust the head/tripod…. I know people do carry cameras with big lenses like that without incident but it’s just something I’m not personally comfortable with.

When I do use a tripod I dismount the camera from the tripod and carry it in one hand and the tripod in the other when I’m moving around. I don’t use a monopod at all anymore, at least not a monopod in the way people usually think of one. I do occasionally use a “shooting stick” where the camera just rests on top but isn’t physically attached/mounted. That way if I want to go for a quick grab shot of a bird flyby I can just go for it without having to worry about fighting the monopod. I also can move around easily with the camera in one hand and the shooting stick in the other hand as I’m comfortable with.

This is the one I usually use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AU4RTU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

It supports the 8.5lb EF 500mm f/4L IS USM with the 1.4x iii, RF the EF adapter and R5 without any issues.

I am curious how a wimberley rep would know about the limitations of someone else’s monopod. Are they saying that there is a universal way that the weight capacity is calculated? I also wonder how they expect the top plate to fail with such a light load on it and find it interesting that they recommend only going to 1/3 load capacity. I’d be curious how they came up with that.

May 27, 2023 at 02:29 AM

Uarctos
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

I only shoot handheld, but it's a learning process, so don't feel like you are doing something wrong. I hold the lens with the original foot in my palm and use the fingers to stabilize the lens, especially important with a front heavy lens like the 500 II. I can shoot at 1/100s or even slower with good results. Used the original 500mm f4 IS and now the 600mm f4 IS III.
I only carry the lens by the foot when walking. When flying the old 500mm was put inside a small hiking backpack as a carry on, nothing fancy. The 600mm is much larger so it stays home.

May 27, 2023 at 06:22 AM

EverLearning
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Now that I own a Canon 500mm f/4 II, I have a few questions

Uarctos wrote:
I only shoot handheld, but it's a learning process, so don't feel like you are doing something wrong. I hold the lens with the original foot in my palm and use the fingers to stabilize the lens, especially important with a front heavy lens like the 500 II. I can shoot at 1/100s or even slower with good results. Used the original 500mm f4 IS and now the 600mm f4 IS III.
I only carry the lens by the foot when walking. When flying the old 500mm was put inside a small hiking backpack as a carry on, nothing fancy. The...Show more →

1/100s? Wow, I am impressed! I had the chance to do some tests shots on a variety of birds today and I have a long way to go before I could be shooting at 1/100s (maybe never,

May 27, 2023 at 04:24 PM


FM Forums \| Canon Forum \| Join Upload & Sell

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.