500 f4 mk1 vs 400/2.8 mk2 help

[woollyback]

Folks,

I am still struggling with this super tele thing. I am not a rich man by any means so will only get one shot at this so want to get it as right as I can..

I have tried (handled) most of the Mk1 super tele's and they are all fantastic except the ergonomics - I cam to the conclusion that the 500mm f4 was the best compromise - 600 f4 was just too big and 400 f2.8 was mega but a monster.:nuts::nuts::nuts:

However....

The new versions have all been on a diet and the new 400/2.8 is just about the same weight as the original 500 f4. This got me a thinking that I could get with use of T/C's a 560/f4 which should be ace and a pretty useable 800/5.6. The lens graphs of theoretical performance look superb?.

Any thoughts or will a lighter 600/f4 still be a better bet.:shrug::shrug:

Anyone using the 400/2.8 with TC's?.

Cheers for any info

Rob

 

[grumpybadger]

Its a nightmare isn't it but there will be no clear answers until the MkII IS lenses come out in the field and are used in anger (which still seems some way off). I picked the 500/4 as the best compromise between reach, ability to carry (which includes size as well as weight as I want to fly with it) and flexibility.

Having said that, I will be interested to see what the new 600 will be like as it will only be a touch heavier (although bigger). It will be interesting to see how these new lenses perform in the real world (and remember they are going to be a lot more expensive like all next gen Canon lenses)

 

[squishy]

Have you seen the RRP for the 400/2.8 II? It's into 5 figures.

 

[gary43]

I recently downgraded from a 600f4IS to a 500f4IS mainly on the grounds that the 500 is more convenient to carry and manoeuvreable in the field. I prefer not to use a tripod and tend to walk around rather than sit in hides. Although the new 600 has been on a diet and weighs less than the older model I believe it is still the same physically large lens which will be difficult to wrestle with. This fact alone would rule it out for me. If you are happy to sit in hides then the above may not be relevant.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[woollyback]

Thanks for the replies folks- when do we think the first real tests (wildlife and sports) of these lenses will be available to get an idea of performance?.

Cheers

Rob

 

[Tobers]

Just a quick plug for my 400 2.8 II non-IS that is for sale at £2500 in the Canon for sale section.

I've used it a lot with 1.4x teleconverters and it performs superbly as a 560 f/4. Focus is lightning fast and accurate. A superb piece of kit. Sample pics on the for-sale thread. You could buy that, use it for a year or two, and sell it for virtually the same price so you get an effectively "free" 400 2.8 for the time you have it.

 

[Craikeybaby]

I understand that Canon (in the US at least) have released a press statement saying that the new super tele lenses will be out in August (300 & 400mm)/December (500 & 600mm).

 

[NaturS]

I've had a play with the 300 2.8 IS MkII and it was significantly lighter than the outgoing model, which conveniently was also there to compare with (on a ID MkIV). I was also quite impressed by the uprated IS which seemed absolutely rock solid.

It's a tough one, I guess the new 500 with better IS may still be the best compromise for luggability and reach.

However, until they appear, and the agencies have gorged themselves on them, it's hard to know what price they'll be for the rest of us... The list prices aren't too attractive right now.

 

[nano]

I understand that Canon (in the US at least) have released a press statement saying that the new super tele lenses will be out in August (300 & 400mm)/December (500 & 600mm).

Canon Europe as well
http://www.canon-europe.com/About_Us/Press_Centre/Press_Releases/Consumer_News/Cameras_Accessories/20110525_Update_to_sales_start_for_EF_Lens.aspx?source=rss

London, UK, 25th May 2011 – Following the announcement of delays to the sales start to the following lenses : EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM, Canon can now provide an update on the planned start dates for these lenses:


EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Late August, 2011
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Late August, 2011
EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM Late July, 2011
EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Within 2011*
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Within 2011*

Canon would like to apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced by these delays.

*Any sales start dates will be communicated as soon as they become available.

Looking at the prices of those I'm so glad its not part of my shooting style