I had the 500mm but now have the 600mm. It allowed me to make images I would have have made with the 500mm (smaller birds or greater distances). I miss the 500mm since I could handhold it and it focused closer so you may use extension tubes more with the 600mm if your in close quarters going for a tight composition.
On a tripod, both focus equally fast and work well with the 1.4x and 2x TCs even stacked.
Though I do miss the 500mm occasionally, I don't fret over it much either.
Are your subjects warblers or general avian targets?
Also what body are you using mostly, APS-C (1.6),APS-H (1.3), FF (FX)? I have been using a 600/4 for close to 5 years because of my EOS-1DS and 1DSMKII. Now that I dont own a full frame camera a 500VR is in my future.
Are you shooting mostly from the car or hiking to the photographic locations?
Great food for thought! I shoot mostly with the 1d MK III however I have a 1ds MK III however for avian targets I have found I like the speed of the 1d III. I am really trying to get good enough with the 1d MK III and the 500 f/4 to take a course from you Robert. I got your last email indicating the Thanksgiving Bosque was not full. I would really like to attend!!
Bosque is a great place to learn good telephoto techniques Bill, you literally have 1000s and 1000s of subjects to practice on :) it is always one of my favorite places to shoot. Once you are confortable using your 500/4 you can really hone your techniques with birds in flight and using the 1.4x, 2x and stacked extenders. Email me anytime if you would like more info. Thanks,
600 mm f/4 lens
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