From B&H Photo
The Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II is back in stock at B&H Photo for $12,799.
Canon 600 f/4L IS II for $12,999 at B&H Photo
From Norman Camera
Our friend Norman Camera is also selling the Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II via their Amazon store for $200 off.
Canon 600 f/4L IS II for $12,799 at Norman Camera (Via Amazon)
From B&H Photo
B&H Photo has limited stock of the Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II.
Buy the Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II at B&H Photo for $12,999
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From Amazon
Amazon has a limited quantity of the getting easier to find Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II.
Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II at Amazon for $12,999
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From Norman Camera
The fine folks at Norman Camera have a small quantity of the Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II & Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II in stock and ready to ship.
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II at Norman Camera $10,499
Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II at Norman Camera $12,999
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More are coming!
We knew more would come eventually, but when?
I’m told new stock should start hitting retailers sometime this month and next month, it may not be enough to clear the preorder backlog though.
Preorder at B&H: EF 500 f/4L IS II | EF 600 f/4L IS II
Big white firmware 1.1.1 update
I have sent our 300, 400 and 600 in to Canon Canada today for the firmware update, I’ll update you on how long the process takes.
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To the Users of the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM Interchangeable Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Thank you for using Canon products.
Canon has released a firmware update for EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
Firmware changes:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:
1. Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus and adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.
Affected Products:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as follows:
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
EF600mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.
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A great Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II field review
Arash Hazeghi has posted a review on his blog for the new EF 600 f/4L IS II super telephoto lens. It’s a terrific review with wonderful photographs, much better than the one we did ever so quickly. If you’re into bird photography, definitely check this review out.
Conclusion
….Especially given the fact that the EF 600mm f/4L IS II is the sharpest, fastest and lightest 600mm super-telephoto lens currently on the market that eclipses the competition. At the end of the day, value for money is a relative figure. For handhold photographers who desire to produce top notch flight images, the EF 600mm f/4L IS II can significantly increase field productivity making it the best option on the market for this group of photographers. After spending just two weeks with the lens, I can state with confidence that the EF 600mm f/4L IS II is the most impressive product from Canon I have used to date and I am not easy to impress, therefore, highly recommended!
Read the full review [via FM]
Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II at B&H | Amazon | Adorama
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What do we think?
I have posted our initial impressions of the new Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II. My professional outdoor photographer friend Ethan Meleg took the lens for a day to see how it performed.
Visit Ethan on Twitter | Facebook | Blog
As with all reviews at Canon Rumors, there’s absolutely no technical stuff. We just try to tell you what we think about it in real world situations. There will be lots of pixel peeping coming in the near future I’m sure from the sites that do it great.
We’ll update the review in the coming months, we just haven’t had enough time to put it through all the various situations we might use a 600mm lens for.
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Canon Rebates Extended
The Canon rebate program that was set to expire at the end of May has been extended until the end of June. This is the double up savings program if you buy a camera body along with a lens. There are also instant rebates on lens purchases only.
The 5D Mark III isn’t found in stock in too many places, so at least you get an extra month if you’ve been waiting to take advantage of the rebate when buying a 5D3.
Click to go
Visit B&H for the rebate portal.
BG-E11 Shipping Everywhere
I’ve received notifications that B&H and Adorama have begun shipping the BG-E11 to preorder customers.
Sigma Lens Rebates
Sigma has rebates going on until July 31, 2012. Visit B&H for more.
Canon EF 500 f/4L IS II & EF 600 f/4L IS II Availability
Various smaller retailers have received lenses. I know of a couple of 500′s that appeared in Toronto, and I received my 600 today.
I know B&H is expecting a shipment this week, however there is a preorder wait list. They expect the first 2 shipments to cover what is already preordered. I am unsure about the status with Adorama.
B&H: 500 f/4L IS II | 600 f/4L IS II Adorama: EF 500 f/4L IS II | EF 600 f/4L IS II
If you’re a retailer and get a 500 or 600 in stock that isn’t spoken for, please let me know and I can let the readers of CR know.
5D Mark III Stock
Stock of the 5D Mark III is low at the moment. Shipments for the camera should start arriving near the end of this week. I’m waiting to hear from the large retailers.
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Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II
I received my Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II today, and I must say it’s pretty exciting to get new big glass.
First Impressions
No matter how many times you read about the weight difference between this one and the previous version, you just don’t have a handle on it until you hold the lens. I cannot believe it weighs the same as the Canon EF 500 f/4L IS. It’s completely hand holdable and well balanced. Construction feels wonderfully solid and apparently the weather sealing is better than the previous version.
EF 300 f/2.8L IS II, EF 400 f/2.8L IS II, EF 600 f/4L IS II, EF 800 f/5.6L IS (500 f/4L IS II still missing)
Accessories
It comes with a shorter foot, probably making monopod use easier. It also comes with the new style lens cover, a lens strap as well as a strap for the hard case. The manual is also on paper not on CD.
As suspected, it shouldn’t be a problem getting any of your Arca style plates to fit on the lens.
Test Shots
I will be heading out to do some birding this week with the new lens, I will report back with what will be pretty obvious information…. i.e. “it’s sharp, it’s great, it costs a lot”.
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