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Lenses / Re: Long Range L Choices
« on: August 02, 2012, 01:15:35 AM »
I would stick with Canon lenses. The series II will give the best performance and retain value very well.
Also, don't rule out the 500mm series II.
I am currently shooting with the 500 f4L is Series I. Plus the 5D mark III. My main focus is larger birds. I shoot at 500 - 700mm, dependant on situation. The lens weights roughly 8.5 pounds. Usually home on a gimbal and big gitzo tripod.
Like you, I am planning on upgrading to the series II.
Either the 500mm or 600mm.
Both perform superbly, so it's really weight, focal length and a price difference.
The extra focal length of 600 - 840mm would be welcome. As I am usually wanting more focal length. Plus the weight of the 600 II, is almost the same, as my current lens.
The 500 series II is roughly 7 pounds. A 1.5 pound weight reduction, to the series I 500mm. This would really change its hand holdablity. 8.5 pounds , is manageable for occasional shots. But a 7 pound lens, should open up a new style of shooting. Such as longer hand held shooting and more comfortable hiking, with or without a tripod. (Although, I would still most likely shoot with one.)
The 400 2.8mm would be great, for low light/Auto focus performance. As your mark III can make better use, of the f2.8 aperture for focusing. The weight of 8.5 ish pounds would lead to a good tripod. Yet managable. This focal length would perform excellent for sports.
My overall opinion is mixed.
For me the 400 has great speed, but not enough reach for birds. It would excel at sports though. So as a bird shooter, I did not consider this lens.
The 600 would give the best reach for birding.
The 500 would weight the least and a good cost savings over the 600mm.
So for me, I will most likely get the 600mm. As I want the reach, over the weight advantage.
So it really comes down to what you need. I would rent both lenses. Some stores offer a percentage return on the rental fee. As long as you order one of those lenses, while returning the rental to the store. Henry's in Canada offers this service. I believe it''s through head shots.
Also, don't rule out the 500mm series II.
I am currently shooting with the 500 f4L is Series I. Plus the 5D mark III. My main focus is larger birds. I shoot at 500 - 700mm, dependant on situation. The lens weights roughly 8.5 pounds. Usually home on a gimbal and big gitzo tripod.
Like you, I am planning on upgrading to the series II.
Either the 500mm or 600mm.
Both perform superbly, so it's really weight, focal length and a price difference.
The extra focal length of 600 - 840mm would be welcome. As I am usually wanting more focal length. Plus the weight of the 600 II, is almost the same, as my current lens.
The 500 series II is roughly 7 pounds. A 1.5 pound weight reduction, to the series I 500mm. This would really change its hand holdablity. 8.5 pounds , is manageable for occasional shots. But a 7 pound lens, should open up a new style of shooting. Such as longer hand held shooting and more comfortable hiking, with or without a tripod. (Although, I would still most likely shoot with one.)
The 400 2.8mm would be great, for low light/Auto focus performance. As your mark III can make better use, of the f2.8 aperture for focusing. The weight of 8.5 ish pounds would lead to a good tripod. Yet managable. This focal length would perform excellent for sports.
My overall opinion is mixed.
For me the 400 has great speed, but not enough reach for birds. It would excel at sports though. So as a bird shooter, I did not consider this lens.
The 600 would give the best reach for birding.
The 500 would weight the least and a good cost savings over the 600mm.
So for me, I will most likely get the 600mm. As I want the reach, over the weight advantage.
So it really comes down to what you need. I would rent both lenses. Some stores offer a percentage return on the rental fee. As long as you order one of those lenses, while returning the rental to the store. Henry's in Canada offers this service. I believe it''s through head shots.