Wildlife Lens feedback - experience with 500mm f4?

[sanjosedave]

I have a 60D, 70-200 2.8 and a 2x converter. On the 60D this works out to 610mm.

Going up to visit some of the wildlife preserves near Sacramento, focusing on Colusa and Willows.

I'm thinking of renting a 500mm f4 for the weekend. I'd appreciate any hands-on with the 500mm

 

[Jim Saunders]

I found the IQ on the version II excellent in the very brief time I had with one; It is hand-holdable for a shot or three. I'd get a monopod at least for it, particularly on a crop body.

Jim

 

[Deleted member 91053]

I don't own a 500 F4, but used to own a 600 F4 and now use a 300 F2.8 & 800 F5.6). Once you get the hang of the weight and bulk any of the Big White Canon lenses will reward you with excellent images. If a tripod is awkward a mono pod is a good idea as it get get a bit tiring.

Warning: if you rent this lens you will be smitten! You will pine for it until you can sell a kidney and get one.

 

[cervantes]

I own the 500II since about half a year and I can only say that this lens cured my GAS. There is simply no room left to improve gearwise, after a V2 supertele lens. I use it exclusively handheld and I have to disagree with Jim Saunders -> I can handhold it all day long. Of course you can't hold it to the eye the whole time but you can usually find a place to support your elbow (your knee for example).

I wrote a post about my experiences a couple of months ago. You can find it here:
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=14283.msg258392#msg258392

Have fun!