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« on: September 24, 2012, 12:45:36 PM »
On another note, I finally pre-ordered this lens from B&H today. I was initially on the fence between this and the 600mm F4 IS II, and still kind of am. My sole use and interest for these lenses are video. So the upgraded IS over the old versions is a really big improvement for doing video. Also I am almost always going to be using a teleconverter, and for part of the time stacking teleconverters. This would make the 600mm a 2,400mm equivalent on a 5D3 with 2 2x teleconverters. I decided that at this length, for video, the atmospheric distortion would be too great. I am currently using 2 stacked 2x teleconverters on a 100-400, and am thrilled with the results at 400mm (1,600mm). I am expecting this to be increasingly better with the 500mm F4 IS II. Another factor in my decision is the portability of the new 500. The thing is very light, and I will still be able to use it with the Jobu Jr 3. I want a run and gun type of setup, where I can do a lot of moving around and setting things up quickly. While the 500m might be crazy for this type of setup, I think the 600mm would have been even crazier. I was also worried that the 600 would really limit my traveling capabilities if I ever take it on a plane. What are your thoughts on the 600 vs 500 given what I have said? Also, I would need to possibly purchase a new gimbal head, backpack, etc with the 600mm, but the 500mm will still work with everything I already have. Combined with the extra $2.5k for the 600mm, it just didn't seem worth it.
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I was really hoping it would be sooner. I'm going to cancel my pre-order for the 500 and go with the 600. The one inch difference probably won't make a difference in the negative/positive attention you get in public.