The-Digital-Picture has completed their review of the hard-to-come-by Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM.
As with any Canon super-telephoto lens that followed up a classic, we have ourselves a new classic, Canon just knows how to do it.
From The-Digital-Picture
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III is a top-notch wildlife and sports lens created by a company with a long history of delivering best-available camera lenses. This lens is a roll-up of the best-available technology, including the technology utilized in the lens' design as well as the innovative manufacturing techniques required to make this lens a reality for the professionals who will ultimately rely on it. Read the full review
Adorama finally has stock of the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM
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).
Jack
Jack
At least that's what I'll tell myself when I watch guys my age hand holding those things for hours to shoot BIF's. ;)
edit: I guess the 600 is too long for Roger Ciala's optical bench. No disrespect to TDP but I'd like to see data from a professional lens tester with a state of the art optical bench.
Looks like there're optical compromises which many wouldn't like at this price. Not worth the weight savings. 400/2.8 III looks a bit better in comparison, but still not as good as 400/2.8 II in the center.
Are you willing to wait more than 2 years? Or will using it and selling it in 2+ years when the RF version arrives be worth the "extended rental fee"?
I have a mixed EF/RF system and I'll unload most of the EF gear once the pro models are better than my 5D4. If the 600 will be your only EF lens, just leave the adapter on the lens and treat it as part of the lens.
Lenstip has a very detailed write-up of the Pana-Leica 100-400mm f/6.3, which highlights its deficiencies - https://www.lenstip.com/index.html?test=obiektywu&test_ob=476
Sorry to be so negative, but it is very important to point out these drawbacks for people to consider before buying.
Thanks, I am certainly considering the 600 as a top choice. I did some checking on the pictures I take at 300mm and found that a good majority of these pictures where cropped in quite a bit. I have two trips planned early next year where I'll rent a 600 and 200-400 so I can get a better idea.