My gosh. How ever did you decide between the 500 f4 ii and 600 f4 ii. I was ready to get a lens 6 months ago and still haven't moved because i can't decide. im heavily leaning toward the 500 though.
I think price, weight and size were all a factor in my decision. Also, a 600 can just be too long for the type of work I'm using it for. 500 was the right option for me personally and works great alongside a 100-400ii. If you're photographing small birds etc, then a 600 every day of the week; if you're not, a 500 will probably suit you perfectly. It's an absolutely incredible lens.
Thanks for the response, that all makes sense and goes along with my thinking as well. For me even when I am shooting birds, I am mostly interested in the larger ones such as herrings. What type of work do you use the 500 for? I really want to see the long focal length of the 500's/600's being taken advantage of for some really unique portraits and other non traditional uses.
Ramon Bentim I own the old version and use it almost daily for wildlife. It performs extremely well even though it’s 20 years old! The mark II is a lot lighter though and it will get you faster communication with extenders
Thanks! It's certainly something I'm planning to do, as soon as time allows. I'm using it extensively on a variety of trips over the next few weeks, so will have more info later. However, the short review is, buy it, it's incredible and will never let you down!
I've never regularly used a 600, to be honest. I want the versatility of hand holding my lenses, as much as I possibly can. This lens is so great with a 1.4 TC and modern files are so droppable, there was no reason for me to consider the 600. If I was doing a lot of small bird photography, I would definitely have considered it but the weight, flexibility and extra cost put me off. Hope this helps.
Neil Jackson Photographic Thank You. Yes I generally try to do small birds which ends me up in frustration without the reach. Weight is a problem but thought better than regretting after buying a 500 as reach is my biggest problem.
Perfect un boxing video... Was looking fir excately this ...
My dream lens. I own 200-400 1.4x built in TC + 1.4x extra TC so I can go pretty wide, however I still want so much the 500 f4 😀
Gift me the lens
Can't afford to buy
But crazy about photography
My gosh. How ever did you decide between the 500 f4 ii and 600 f4 ii. I was ready to get a lens 6 months ago and still haven't moved because i can't decide. im heavily leaning toward the 500 though.
I think price, weight and size were all a factor in my decision. Also, a 600 can just be too long for the type of work I'm using it for. 500 was the right option for me personally and works great alongside a 100-400ii. If you're photographing small birds etc, then a 600 every day of the week; if you're not, a 500 will probably suit you perfectly. It's an absolutely incredible lens.
Thanks for the response, that all makes sense and goes along with my thinking as well. For me even when I am shooting birds, I am mostly interested in the larger ones such as herrings. What type of work do you use the 500 for? I really want to see the long focal length of the 500's/600's being taken advantage of for some really unique portraits and other non traditional uses.
Check out instagram.com/neiljacksonphotographic/ some of the wildlife/landscape stuff on there was using the 500.
Ok i just started following you. I am parabolic_33
I decided to sign up for a platinum canon professional services membership so I will loan and evaluate both the 500 and 600 soon.
Perfecto!
Is the older version also good for wildlife?
I've personally never used it but I have heard great things about it. Its image quality will be fantastic but this version is considerably lighter.
Ramon Bentim I own the old version and use it almost daily for wildlife. It performs extremely well even though it’s 20 years old! The mark II is a lot lighter though and it will get you faster communication with extenders
Congrats on the big white Neil. Any chance of an indepth review in the future?
Thanks! It's certainly something I'm planning to do, as soon as time allows. I'm using it extensively on a variety of trips over the next few weeks, so will have more info later. However, the short review is, buy it, it's incredible and will never let you down!
One day I will own one, may take a while though!
It's on my radar, may take a while to save the pennies up though!
I dream of it
Cool lens
Did you consider 600mm IS ii? I am leaning towards that. Since you have used 500mm, appreciate if you can share your thoughts of 500 vs 600
I've never regularly used a 600, to be honest. I want the versatility of hand holding my lenses, as much as I possibly can. This lens is so great with a 1.4 TC and modern files are so droppable, there was no reason for me to consider the 600. If I was doing a lot of small bird photography, I would definitely have considered it but the weight, flexibility and extra cost put me off. Hope this helps.
Not droppable, 'croppable'! Haha.
Neil Jackson Photographic Thank You. Yes I generally try to do small birds which ends me up in frustration without the reach. Weight is a problem but thought better than regretting after buying a 500 as reach is my biggest problem.
That sounds like a good plan then. I'd just be prepared with using a tripod nearly all of the time.
I'm using the 300mm f2.8 IS at the moment, most of the time with the 2x Converter. I think the 500mm will be my next prime lens (with the 1.4x).