Buying the Canon 500 f4 IS

I will be buying the Canon 500 f4 IS lens in a couple of weeks. It is advisable to buy it with the lens coat and drop in gel filter as well??

Good for you Jackie. I ordered one from Camera Canada in late May for late June delivery, and it is now delayed until July. Oh well, not a lot of birds around now any way.
I ordered and have received a Lens Coat from BPN, as well as a MOngoose 3.5a, flash bracket and a lens foot.
It will be interesting to hear what the experienced photogs have to say. Good Luck,
Dave

Hi Jackie Big Congrats on your lens !!!!

I think its a good idea to use the lens coat since it does protect the finish, might want to get them for the tripod .. also they help in cold weather.

The lens comes with a clear drop in filter/holder. The two most common you might use are polarizer and neutral density. For either is best to buy a separate holder since changing is a bit of a pain.

Not sure how much use you will get out of either, I use the ND for blurs.

Jackie, i would recommend the lens coat for the lens as bumps and scratches on a 5K + lens will take their toll on resale, i would imagine. well worth the $$$ IMHO.

all the best!

Congrats, Jackie. You're going to love it. I bought the lens coats, but have still managed to ding it up pretty good. On the other hand, I enjoy it immensely and do not plan on selling it ever.

You will love that lens. It was a hard decision to spend the money of my sold motorbike on it :-), but it was worth it.

Get the lens coat for sure and I can recommend the Mongoose 3.5a from Artie's store. I don't know about the filters...I don't use any. Enjoy this fantastic lens.

I'm GREEN!!!!! Congrats Jackie, am sure you'll love it!:D

Jackie
Congrats........I think you will find that it will be the best investment you can make for birds. I've had mine about 6 years. At the time I knew nothing about Lens Coats and never got one. My lens is in excellent shape....but it looks worn. I would definitely get the lens coat. I've never used any drop in filters so I can't comment on them. Do make sure that you have a sturdy tripod and head.....either the Mongoose or Whimberly. There are certainly other accessories to consider as well. I have a smaller foot on it (can't remember what type) which saved some weight and is lower on the tripod. I also have the 1.4X TC and the 2.0X TC. Just some things to think about.......and enjoy!

Congrats Jackie! Definitely get the Lens Coat. Can't say I've ever used a drop-in filter though. I'd get a Wimberley plate for the lens (the Really Right Stuff plates are too short IMO). Enjoy your new purchase!

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments. I will get the lens coat for added protection. I have ordered the Gitzo 3530 and the Wimberley Head II amd Wimberley P-50 Plate. Lana thanks for your detailed response, I have the 1.4 already and will get the 2x. I am looking forward to the reach, sharpness, and bokeh. We don't have the close Florida birds up here, just the little ones that like to hide in trees all the time:) Thanks again!

Jackie,
If you haven't yet ordered the Lens Coat, have some basic craft skills, and would like to save some cash, you might take a look at the thread on making your own neoprene flexible lens hood and lens protection at
http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...=Craig+Markham

Thanks Craig , but have already purchased the lens with the coat!