I have finally decided and tomorrow I will be placing my order for the 500mm.
One more question regarding tripod and the 500mm lens. Currently I have the manfrotto 055ProB legs which has a max weight of 7kgs. From the web I have gathered alot of people use the Wimberley head. From my calculations the lens + body + wimberley head will bring it to about 6.4 kgs.
Would you guys recommend the 6.4kgs on my existing tripod or should i start looking at a new set of Gitzo legs ?
veeral wrote:
@J.D: I just have to find the time to go to Werribee. Do you know any other good places around Victoria for some nice wild photo opportunities ?
There are some interesting reservations on the way to Phillip Island which have quite a bit of bird life - pelicans and the like. Just past Tooradin from memory. Also a place called The Nits on the Island itself, just east of Cowes. The only other place I can think of is Healesville Sanctuary but I think 500mm might be too big in there.
veeral wrote:
I have finally decided and tomorrow I will be placing my order for the 500mm.
One more question regarding tripod and the 500mm lens. Currently I have the manfrotto 055ProB legs which has a max weight of 7kgs. From the web I have gathered alot of people use the Wimberley head. From my calculations the lens + body + wimberley head will bring it to about 6.4 kgs.
Would you guys recommend the 6.4kgs on my existing tripod or should i start looking at a new set of Gitzo legs ?
cheers
Veeral
Gitzo legs. What you have will not provide a stable platform for shake free images.
Gene
Werribee with a 500 might be a walking experience rather than the safari tour. Even the photographic safari might find you on the same vehicle as a honeymooning couple with a point and shoot. Some of the drivers will drive right up to the animals and you'll be stuffed with the 500. Why is it that the drivers think getting right up close is better than sitting back a little and letting the animals behave normally? It'll come in handy at the lion enclosure though. Even Melbourne Zoo will give you some opportunities with the 500. The gorillas and the tigers come to mind here.
I've actually found the Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo better for getting native birds which aren't actually captive. The firetails and blue wrens hang around the exhibits and are a bit more accustomed to human interaction. Put an EF12 or EF25 on the 500 and get right up close with maximum magnification.
GeneO wrote:
Gitzo legs. What you have will not provide a stable platform for shake free images.
Gene
Thanks for that info Gene.
I feel buying a super tele is like buying a Lamborghini, the hidden costs pop up mighty fast Now I need a new pack as well to carry all my gear dont think my 30litre MacPac day pack will do the job. I can only hope I win the lotto this weekend otherwise my wife is not going to be very impressed.
@JD Thanks for that info, I didnt realise there were reservations on the way to phillip island. I have been living in melb for 7 yrs and still never been to philip island yet seen alot of other parts of the world.
@Steverock01 boy did you send me down memory lane. I completely forgot about Western Plains Zoo. The first and last time I was there was back in 1985 when I was 8 yrs old. Man I'm an old fart now From memory I really enjoyed it because it was very open.
@mervifwdc Sharpness is all about long lens technique. Which means very good tripod legs and head.
If there are any melbourne based Fmers' I wouldnt mind getting to gather for a photographic exursion somewhere.
veeral wrote:
@JD Thanks for that info, I didnt realise there were reservations on the way to phillip island. I have been living in melb for 7 yrs and still never been to philip island yet seen alot of other parts of the world.
Yep: just past Tooradin Airport you will see a viewing platform on the left hand side of the road. Of course, there's no guarantee there will be any wildlife there!
The layout at Dubbo is great for those who want to simply stake-out an exhibit. The native birds just flock to the place for an easy feed and it's a great place to give a long lens a day's testing. Don't go during school holidays or long weekends though. It's an easy day's drive from Melbourne if you get away early. Of course petrol along the Newell must be around $1.70 per litre now.
Now I need a new pack as well to carry all my gear dont think my 30litre MacPac day pack will do the job. I can only hope I win the lotto this weekend 
From memory I really enjoyed it because it was very open.