I have a RF 600 and a 100-500. For me both serve a purpose. As far as the original question. I would say " live for today " who knows what the future will bring. I have a R5 and have used a EF 300 2.8 and a EF 500 F4 on the R5 with very good results. The only issue that comes to mind using a EF lens on a RF body is an adapter and having to use EF extenders.. Can be done with some inconvenience and expense ( I already have RF Extenders). Buy what you can afford now and use it. When circumstances change, upgrade.
Best of luck on what ever you decide. Love my 600
John
Anyone remember the rumored Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO which was about to be released any time now? How many people waited for that one and ended up empty handed? Remember when everyone thought german lenses were going down in price and then they went way up? No one knows the future... Don't believe rumors. Canon Japan will do as they see fit when they are ready.
You clearly *need* a 600mm f/4 lens at this point. Buy the one you can *afford* right now
Be ready to sell when you know the next one you *need* is coming for certain assuming you can *afford* the upgrade.
I can't imagine anyone being unhappy with an EF 600 II, EF 600 III or RF 600. They are all exceptional - full stop! The old EF 2x III - not so much IMHO.
netexpress wrote:
This can't be emphasized enough! On the R1 and R5 II the EF super telephotos work superlatively well! The newer R bodies are worth the upgrade!
Interesting, I used my EF 300/2.8 II with1.4X and 2X generation III EF extenders on my R3 until I got the 100-500 and RF 1.4X, but I haven't tried the 300 and extenders on my R5 Mark II. Are you saying I should and it they might work better than on my R3?
I would go for the Rf 600 now! Its an incredible lens and extremely light given its length. I had the EF version 3 which I sold for the RF version. Performance wise they're the same but the RF version gives a more solid connection without the adapter stuck in there.
If Canon drops the new 400/600 with TC's they will be absurdly expensive. I expect them to be higher than Nikons.
I also own both Nikon TC super teles, and they're by far the best super teles I've ever used.
Nikon's 600 TC is a work of art. Here it is next to my bare Canon EF 600. Throw a 1.4 on there and the size difference grows even more.
Man, thanks all for the great insights, it's now clear to me that I need to jump on one of these if a used one comes on the market. But as you know that's quite rare. So two questions: first, I've previously seen one listed on ebay for a good price, under $12k, but the seller warns that it is coming from Japan and that they are not responsible for import duties and that the buyer must pay those and try to determine what those are in advance. Any idea how to do this?? And second, has anyone made a large purchase like this from Willoughby's, which as you may know, sells grey market gear, so not Canon warrantied? Is this a risk worth taking?
bart0505 wrote:
Man, thanks all for the great insights, it's now clear to me that I need to jump on one of these if a used one comes on the market. But as you know that's quite rare. So two questions: first, I've previously seen one listed on ebay for a good price, under $12k, but the seller warns that it is coming from Japan and that they are not responsible for import duties and that the buyer must pay those and try to determine what those are in advance. Any idea how to do this?? And second, has anyone made a large purchase like this from Willoughby's, which as you may know, sells grey market gear, so not Canon warrantied? Is this a risk worth taking?
Guessing you missed my post? There was an RF version on MPB for $11,149 in like new condition. So I would expect to see another around a similar price show up in the near future. Reputable company, you get to see pictures of the item you're buying, and they have a good return policy.
You can click the button to get an alert when one comes in stock. I'm sure they come and go fairly frequently since they tend to have a lot of volume in sales.
Another option would be to just watch Canon's website and see if a refurb one comes in there. Price is $12,600 for a refurb, but if you have a serial of an older canon lens that qualifies for an "upgrade" you'd get like 10% off that price making it $11,340. (Don't quote me on the 10% though, it's all confusing because there are different percentages for new / refurb and sale / non sale) You'd need to call their 1-800 number and then choose "powershot cameras" menu item. (I think that's what their menu option was for cameras)
" Need help making a purchase? Contact a Sales Expert at 800-385-2155 "
I did miss your post!! Yes, I was aware of that MPB listing, it's what prompted my inquiry to begin with but obviously I sat on it too long and someone else got it. I've traded with them several times, good company. Thanks for the tip on the alert.
If you saw the listing then that's what was important, so not really a missed opportunity there. I'm sure another one will come around, I wanted to make sure you knew you had options that don't require importing from another country through various Ebay listings.
EB-1 wrote:
Buy from a reliable US supplier with a warranty or at least a return policy.
It's too much money for you to lose on a lemon even at a discount.
EBH
+1
There was a post here a year or few ago when someone bought a used 500/4L IS V2 from a place like MPB or KEH and it was 'off' just enough for someone with a critical eye and prior experience with similar super-teles to notice.
It was sent back, the vendor put it back on their site and it sold again in a few days to someone... rather than sending it to Canon for adjustment.
Definitely buyer beware and be sure to make thorough tests.
bart0505 wrote:
Good point. Hey unrelated question, does anyone know how I can chance my username? Thanks.
I don't think you can but since you are new and have little history maybe you can delete this account and start anew? I wish I could change my username but IIRC I tried amd failed miserably, haha.
How many people waited for that one and ended up empty handed? 
Remember when everyone thought german lenses were going down in price and then they went way up? No one knows the future... Don't believe rumors. Canon Japan will do as they see fit when they are ready. 
