Just checking with my fellow octogenarians out there about when to drop the 600mm from the line up. It has been by far my favorite of all lenses, even when shooting Canon or Nikon. It's harder and harder to handhold lately and the 300 2/8 has been excellent in its place. I could still tripod it but then there's more gear to handle and you lose the freedom and flexibility. So. Anyone still hanging on to it?
I considered selling mine for lack of use for about six months or so. Just like everybody else, I’m not getting any younger—or stronger. But I took it out once last month, looked at the excellent results, and decided to keep it, at least for a while longer. Then I took it out one more time after that, and yes, it’s a keeper.
Both times, I used it with a 1.4X TC for quite a bit because I needed the extra reach. The 300mm lens certainly has its place, of course, but not when you really need that reach.
FYI, even back in the early days of owning this lens, I was already using it either on a tripod with a gimbal head or, when I wanted to be more mobile, on a monopod. My monopod also has a gimbal head, and I use a harness support system to help manage the weight.
I hadn't used the 600 GM much at all after I bought the 300 GM. And I have a way to get to 800mm with my 400-800mm, albeit at f8. The 600 GM somewhat lost its appeal to me so I sold it few months ago. No regrets, since it stayed in the bag pretty much since the 300 GM's arrival. But you can't beat the light and bokeh at 600 f4.
I have both as well and find myself really only using the 600gm with the TC. It's an expensive "specialty" lens, but as others have noted, it is so good at what it does even with TCs. I must have an outstanding 2x because I get great IQ at f9. I briefly had the 4-8, but the weight was so close to the 600gm that I ended up selling it at a deep discount to a friend that doesn't have the 600gm. He is enjoying the 4-8 more than his 2-6 with 1.4. For now, my 600 is a "keep".
Now, if the new 1-4 with 2x tc was significantly stronger than the 2-6 with 1.4, I would consider dropping the prime, but it sounds like the 1-4 is best used naked and adding a tc get's it on par IQ wise with the 2-6 albeit with faster and more accurate focus.
It does things the 300 —actually any other lens— can’t. Especially with the 1.4x added. You already own it, which is the biggest hurdle to using it. If you sell it, you’ll likely not buy it back. My point is I would only let it go if you’re 100% certain you’re never going to use it again.
OTOH, there is a certain freedom in lightening the load; and perhaps it is time to change your photographic subject focus to things better suited to lighter, smaller gear?
One more option is to consider is sort of a hybrid of the above two: the 400-800 as a lighter weight replacement, albeit slower and somewhat less capable, but at the same time a more flexible optic that might actually open a few new photographic doors. If you’re able, buy it and try it before letting the 600 go. This is the long lens I chose for the very reason of handhold-ability and portability, and I’m only a septuagenarian…
If it's not enjoyable to use anymore, I'd add a 2x TC to your 300 and ditch the 600 to free up $$. Maybe rent a 400-800. You could try some of the nice new auto deploy monopods with feet before ditching it.
I miss my 600f4 but I don't miss carrying it or the sore shoulder! Rocking the 300 and 2x TC on it, but when I look back at my 600f4 pics I can tell the extra oompf goes into them is not there. The 300 and 2x TC is great don't get me wrong but doesn't have the same effect unless I'm really close to the bird. But its so much more enjoyable being out in nature with the 300 vs the 600, its a tough choice for sure. Waiting for new hopefully lighter 600f4 (with no TC attached, Nikon can keep that) or rumored 600 6.3 but wondering if that 600 6.3 would beat out the 300/2x combo.
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