Have a 500...thinking about a 600

[Doug Brown]

So I've already got a 500 f/4. But I've been thinking about getting the Canon 600 f/4 in addition. The notion of 44% more pixels on the subject is tempting. Photographing in New Mexico often involves long distances to subjects (think Bosque del Apache). Moving from a 1.6 crop sensor to the 1.3 crop of the Mark III (which I've owned for a year) is influencing this decision. Any thoughts from BPN members? I'm particularly interested in input from people who own both lenses. Many thanks!

[Robert O'Toole]

Hi Doug,

At one point I did own both the 5 and the 6. I ended up selling the 500 since It was not getting much use. The extra reach with the 6 is a luxury. The only downsides with the 6 are min focus distance and size and weight. You will forget about the extra weight in no time.

Go for the 6, you wont regret it, especially @ bosque.

Robert

[Robert O'Toole]

Another longer 5 vs. 6 thread.

http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ead.php?t=3206


Robert

[Bill Bryant]

Hey Doug:

I went the other direction... I just added a 500/4 to complement the 600/4. My reason for adding the 500/4 is just the size and weight, particularly for traveling. Traveling by air w/the 600 is a pain, and is far easier with the 500, plus you can get by with a smaller tripod and sidekick instead of the full Wimberly. The other benefit of the 500 is the ability to handhold, which is EXTREMELY difficult with the 600 on a flying bird.

That said, if most of your traveling is by car, then the size/weight is not a big deal, and the added reach is nice. So I suggest you just pass a bit more gas (inside joke), and go for it. If you are trying to figure out if you "need" the new lens, versus just "want" it, there is an easy calculation to do that usually works for me. It goes like this... if I "want" something for more than two weeks.... then I "need" it! When in doubt... never forget that he who dies with the most "used" toys wins!

See you in Bosque.

Bill

[Robert O'Toole]

I went the other direction... I just added a 500/4 to complement the 600/4. My reason for adding the 500/4 is just the size and weight, particularly for traveling. Traveling by air w/the 600 is a pain, and is far easier with the 500, plus you can get by with a smaller tripod and sidekick instead of the full Wimberly. The other benefit of the 500 is the ability to handhold, which is EXTREMELY difficult with the 600 on a flying bird.
That said, if most of your traveling is by car, then the size/weight is not a big deal, and the added reach is nice.
Bill

My experiences with my 600 are different and I have never had a problem traveling. I use the same roller as I did with the 500. The case carries my 600, 200-400,short lenses, 2 sets of extenders and 2 bodies. This set up has worked for the last 5 years without a problem.

Also I use a mongoose M3.5 with my 6 that is much lighter than the full Wimb or the sidekick setup.

You are right about the handholding the 500 though. Thankfully I use a tripod 98% of the time and only in emergencies do I handhold my 600. I dont think you can handhold either the 500 or 600 long term without long term wrist joint and or back damage so I dont think its a good idea although it has been somewhat of a fad over the past couple of years :)

Robert

[c.w. moynihan]

I went from the 500 to 600 and have never looked back.

[Fabs Forns]

Another vote for the 600.
I used to own both since I took the 500 to the beach for less weight and mim focusing distance.
I have 200-400 and 600 now and on my last trip to the beach, Desoto, last week-end, I hauled the 600, no complaints!

[Alfred Forns]

You won't regret it Doug !!! ... but strongly feel you will need the 500 also. They are totally different lenses and the three extra pounds is significant !!!

[Doug Brown]

Thanks everyone! I would never part with my beloved 500; I would just add the 600 to my arsenal. I guess I'm going to pull the trigger.

[Doug Brown]

Just ordered it. Can't wait to get it next week! Samples to follow....

[Jim Neiger]

Hi Doug,

I think you made the right choice as long as you keep your 500mm as well. I would get one too, but can't afford it yet. I keep buying too much other crap. When I do get one I plan to hand hold it like I do my 500mm. I have done this many times with borrowed lenses and it's doable. When you come visit bring both lenses and I'll show you what I mean.

[Doug Brown]

I'll be there Jim, hopefully next year.