As an owner of a 600 II I'm amazed they were able to shave off 870g off it.
I could see a considerable advantage in that and the weigh moving back.
I've used my on safari and while a great lens lifting it up and down (as you tend to do on safari ) is some work out.
I'm really curious about this bit
"Check out that awesome 3rd lens element, a thin concave optic tightly nested between the two fluorite elements. Per Canon, "This lens element is so delicate that simply holding the edges of it in your hand can cause localized warping due to body heat."
Hand temperature is 37 degrees. It's not beyond the possibility that this lens would be out in temperatures like this. Can it be impacted by hot weather. Even though they are painted off white, they can still warm up considerably.
This bit was interesting
"The
version III vs. II comparison shows the version II lens very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference becoming more apparent when extenders are mounted. The version III lens has considerably less lateral CA. "
This was a curiosity too. I didn't think there would be much difference in autofocus. I'd love to know how noticeable that is. I tend to blame myself when I don't focus quick enough or it tracks the wrong thing.
"Note that Canon specifically mentions that the "EOS-1D and EOS 5D series benefit from improved AF performance when used with the III series lenses."
I see it has padded bag. I certainly find no use for the hard case.
The padded bag would be better if you could fit a camera to it too.
There isn't much choice in bags that you can store a 600 III with a camera attached.
I've a Vanguard Alta Sky (66 I think). It's a great bag. You can't fit much else in with it but it stores the camera and lens together safely. Reversing the hood to store it is a bit annoying and makes me nervous. I hate seeing the front glass temporarily unprotected. It would be a bad time to let it fall.
I watched the 600 II for about 7 years and dreamed of owning it.
I followed the price for years and bought it when it temporarily dropped in price in 2018 to the lowest it had ever been. It's still a crazy price to pay for a lens. The new lens is even crazier.
For sure they are great but they are mad prices.
I really enjoy owning it. It still "sparks joy". I can see a time in the future where its just too heavy.
(So buy it when you are young if you can).