Canon 600mm f4 lenses

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RHPhotographyUK

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Ross Henderson
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Hi all,

I'm considering buying a new lens for my nature photography. I'm a Canon user - Canon 5D Mk3 and mk2. I already have the Canon 100-400mm f4.5 Mk1 lens and a 1.4x teleconverter. I mostly use this lens on max 400mm or with the converter 560mm, but I'm finding the teleconverter never gets me quite close enough.

I've found this one.

Used Canon EF 600mm F4 L IS USM MK 1 Lens

www.harrisoncameras.co.uk www.harrisoncameras.co.uk

Does anyone have any experience of using this lens? Is there a big difference between the Mk1 and Mk3, apart from the price?
 
I have only tried one many years ago when another hide photographer I used to know let shoot a few frames on my Canon 40D (IIRC?) and it was an eye opener!

In regard to buying the oldest version Mk1 (original) version...I suggest you check whether Canon still hold/make parts for it i.e. is it still serviceable & repairable if required!??? IMO buying any lens that is beyond its service life is a gamble as you could end up with a very expensive doorstop :thinking:

Edit ~ out of curiousity I checked....
Production sales started in 1988
Fixation who are a significant repair facility (authorised by Canon, Nikon etc?) state the 600 f4 original as "No service available"

So, Caveat Emptor even though Harrison's show they are selling it with a 12 month Warranty, what would you do if it failed irreparably in the 13th Month?
 
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There’s a big difference in weight between the mark 1 and the mark 2/mark 3.

Many say the mark 1 isn’t hand holdable but the 2 and 3 are.

The optics are better on the newer ones too but as always there are copy variations. I have a mark 1 500mm f4. I’m nervous that if something happens I’m stuffed as canon no longer provide parts but on the flip side it’s very sharp so I don’t want to swap.

Neil
 
I have the 600 f4 m3. It’s fantastic. For me it’s handholdable, monopod or tripod helps a lot. I’ve not used the M1 so can’t compare. I’d be nervous about ease and cost of repairing the M1 so would factor that into the cost equation before deciding.
 
If weight is not a consideration then your main issue is what has been. discussed above. So it's a #3000 plus gamble on whether you need something. repairing and then that part. or parts are still available. It would be a very expensive doorstop....
 
Ok. Thanks for the replies so far.

Another lens that I am consider is the Sigma 150-600mm Sport.

How do the Canon 600mm primes compare to this lens? I'm guessing that there would be no contest, but just interested to know of people's opinions.....
 
At the same aperture likely there is a contest. But you get the 600 f4 to shoot at f4 and for that you’re right there’s no contest.

If you’re not sure you need it try renting as suggested.
 
The original mk1 was a quality lens but you're gambling on it nowadays. If you can afford to lose 3k and are happy using it on a tripod then go for it.

However, for 3k Id buy the sigma and learn to use topaz to make up for the slow aperture!

The mk 2 is a much better lens, and depending upon your physique hand holdable. Still in date for repairs and takes teleconverters well. I sold mine last year to go Sony and still not convinced I did the right thing.

Mk 3 is similar in IQ to the mk2 but far better for hand holding

Hope that helps

Mike
 
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RHPhotographyUK said:
Ok. Thanks. Where are you renting from please?
Click to expand...
Lensesforhire and @StewartR is a member hereabouts......though do look on the website to confirm he has any specific lenses :)

Edit ~ just checked to satisfy my curiosity...link to the 600mm mk3

Lenses for Hire

Hire cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment
lensesforhire.co.uk lensesforhire.co.uk
 
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I have the Sigma 60-600, at the long end it is notably sharper than the 150-600; even comparing the 60-600 wide open vs the 150-600 stopped down. It's about equal at 150mm, and it can do 60mm (although not great).

But compared to the primes you're over one stop down on light gathering, and that can make a difference when running out of light.
 
I just had a look to see if you could test the current version oof the EF 600 lens. You can. Here's the link - and there is, albeit a brief one, a free option for 48 hours so if you were near somewhere like Slimbridge or Welney you could receive it one day, use it on the next two days and then have it collected the next day. You couldn't, last time I checked, hire it for the weekend that way but maybe they have relented on that.


Try the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens | Free 48-Hour Loan

Test drive the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III lens for 48 hours—completely free. Perfect for wildlife and sports photography with exceptional reach and sharpness. Free nationwide delivery. Book now!
testdrive.trythekit.com testdrive.trythekit.com
 
Lol. If I'm near Slimbridge or Welney.....

I'm based in Scotland. But thanks for the link.
Chipper said:
I just had a look to see if you could test the current version oof the EF 600 lens. You can. Here's the link - and there is, albeit a brief one, a free option for 48 hours so if you were near somewhere like Slimbridge or Welney you could receive it one day, use it on the next two days and then have it collected the next day. You couldn't, last time I checked, hire it for the weekend that way but maybe they have relented on that.


Try the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III Lens | Free 48-Hour Loan

Test drive the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III lens for 48 hours—completely free. Perfect for wildlife and sports photography with exceptional reach and sharpness. Free nationwide delivery. Book now!
testdrive.trythekit.com testdrive.trythekit.com
Click to expand...
 
Box Brownie said:
Lensesforhire and @StewartR is a member hereabouts......though do look on the website to confirm he has any specific lenses :)

Edit ~ just checked to satisfy my curiosity...link to the 600mm mk3

Lenses for Hire

Hire cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment
lensesforhire.co.uk lensesforhire.co.uk
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link. I'll have a look.
 
sk66 said:
I have the Sigma 60-600, at the long end it is notably sharper than the 150-600; even comparing the 60-600 wide open vs the 150-600 stopped down. It's about equal at 150mm, and it can do 60mm (although not great).

But compared to the primes you're over one stop down on light gathering, and that can make a difference when running out of light.
Click to expand...
How does the 60-600mm compare to one of the primes in terms of sharpness? Not had that lens before. Had a 150-600 Contemporary, but sold it and changed it for the Canon 100-400mm mk1.
 
I would put it around a 500/4 with a 1.4x or a 400/2.8 with a 2x... i.e. a little bit down in IQ, but there's usually some other factor that is reducing the IQ more. It's probably comparable to a 600/4 MK1 or 2 (although I use Nikon, so no direct experience)

This was taken with the 60-600 and shows most of the potential... I have quite a few examples like this (and a whole lot more that aren't as good).

resolutionSm.jpg
 
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