Jack Douglas said:
scyrene said:
A pair of eiders from yesterday. Never seen this species so close before (except captive individuals). One of those rare occasions when the big lens was overkill. All @ 700mm, f/5.6, on the 5Ds.
Very nice!
"Rare occasion" - this statement prompts me to ask the birders here for an opinion. A local fellow is selling a 500 4 II (great shape), asking about $6500 US. As many of you know I've been a regular 300 2.8 II 2X III shooter who has wondered almost constantly about the 500 as an alternative but I'd have to give up my 300. A new 1DX II with F8 focus is a hopeful for this fall unless something very negative occurs. So, any advice would be appreciated.
Jack
Thanks!
Well I would say the 500 II is a superb lens and good value compared to the (slightly better by all accounts) 600 II. I rarely shoot at 500mm, I find 700-1000mm much more suitable for the birds I chase, but it varies a lot by region and personality (and tbh I'd add a second extender more often if autofocus could be retained!). The 500 is obviously bigger and heavier than the 300 - I met a photographer with the latter lens once, and was amazed how small it felt. And the 300 2.8 has that extra stop of aperture if you are in a situation where 300mm is enough. From what I have read, the 300 2.8 is slightly better wide open and with extenders than the 500 but essentially both are flawless. The 2x extender adds softness and a little CA, but the 1.4 doesn't affect IQ appreciably.
Autofocus at f/8 is pretty snappy - I've only used the 5D3 and now the 5Ds but the newer body seems much snappier. And the 1DxII has much more flexibility as it's not just restricted to the centre point plus expansion - and will doubtless be even faster and more reliable. I'd say, if you find yourself shooting at 600mm a lot, give it a go!
