Long shot 5D2 and 500 f4 users

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woollyback

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Morning folks,

Does anyone use the above combo - i am looking for a bit more reach currently limited to 400mm. I know I could get a 7D and increase the FOV but I love the images from the 5D2.
I could also use the 1.4TC to get me to 700mm which is about the 400mm and the additional crop FOV.

I would really like some real world user experience before I part with a kidney to buy one


Cheers for any info

Rob

PS - I really really wanna buy one so please help me out here :)
 
Hi Rob,
That combo is fine. I used to use my 5D mk2 with my 600mm F4 and the photos were fantastic. I was never much one for Birds in flight so was not too bothered about the fps or tracking servo. I also like to get as close to the bird as possible (without causing too much stress).
For your information i now have a 1D mk4 which i am currently selling for a 1Ds mk3 so i can go back to full frame.
Also i remember last year phoning Niall Benvie, A very well known scottish tog for some advice and he told me he also uses his 5D mk2 more and more for his wildlife so although some people will tell you it's not an ideal combo don't believe them for one second because it really is a sweet set up.
 
Wow - thanks for that.
I found servo performance OK at recent airshows and BIF is a black art anyway.


Cheers for the info

Rob
 
I want to get a bit more reach for wildlife - I know a crop sensor would "get me closer" but I love the IQ of the 5D2

Rob :)
 
I have both the 5DII and the 7D. 90% of the times I use the 7D for wildlife as the IQ of the 5D ceases to be better as soon as I have to crop so much to cover the loss of the crop sensor.

So there you go, input from someone with both cameras :)
 
I've heard many people say that one of the best things about the 500mm f/4 is how good a 700mm f/5.6 lens it makes. So if they're speaking from real-world experience then you'll be fine, though whether or not the image quality will be better than from a 7D is a different question.

Unfortunately I don't have any experience using this lens at 700mm. I've used it at 500mm, 1000mm and 2000mm, but not 700mm. Sorry.
 
micloi said:
I have both the 5DII and the 7D. 90% of the times I use the 7D for wildlife as the IQ of the 5D ceases to be better as soon as I have to crop so much to cover the loss of the crop sensor.

So there you go, input from someone with both cameras :)
Click to expand...

Now that's a strong argument for the 7D - real world experience. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Cheers
 
I'd agree with Micloi above.

At one stage I had the 500f4 alongside 5D2 and 60D bodies and ALWAYS had it on the 60D. For small birds at least, 500mm is not THAT long and the crop body is a huge advantage. I appreciate that if you are not focal length limited the 5D2 can give great results but in real life shooting you probably will be, unless you are MUCH more stealthy than me (which is likely). Personally, I'd have a look at a used 7D if I were the OP.

Good luck with your selection.

Gary
 
StewartR said:
I've heard many people say that one of the best things about the 500mm f/4 is how good a 700mm f/5.6 lens it makes. So if they're speaking from real-world experience then you'll be fine, though whether or not the image quality will be better than from a 7D is a different question.

Unfortunately I don't have any experience using this lens at 700mm. I've used it at 500mm, 1000mm and 2000mm, but not 700mm. Sorry.
Click to expand...

Cheers Stewart :)
 
I'm wondering that if 400mm isn't long enough currently, then 500mm won't be either. You'd need the monster 600, or the 500 x 1.4 option, and suddenly the game has changed.

Given the price of these things, 7D option with your current lens has a lot going for it. Take it from there.
 
grumpybadger said:
I should be able to try the 5dii and 500 combination soon. I've used 5D classic and 1Dsii on the 500 and really like them.
Click to expand...

That would be ace - I would be really interested in what the results are and how you rate it :).

Cheers

Rob
 
Well today I managed to get my hands on a loan of the 500mm f4 lens - and its bad news...I love it.

Not as heavy as I thought and focus seems nice and crisp with 5D2.

A quick walk around the garden revealled no birds but did manage to catch next doors cat. Not a test of AF ability but not bad I thought for 500 & 1.4TC on 5D2 hand held.

Hopefully get a chance to try it out a bit more

Rob

cat-500b.jpg
 
pragmatist said:
See, Told you!!
Click to expand...

Indeedy,

Now I am wondering bout the 600mm - I know its biggr an bulkier but I could almost do without theTC.

Having siad that the ability to HH the 500 even for a few shots is probably worth it.

Will test it out further and then dive on in :)

Thanks for the comments and advice - mush appreciated.

Cheers

Rob
 
micloi said:
The 600mm will be difficult to use hand held and carry around for long.

The 800mm and 500mm are much better in this respect.
Click to expand...

I can't image me being able to HH the 600 - so I think the 500 will be best for me.

Another thing I noticed is that with a crop camera and 1.4tc you can reach a really really long way :)
 
woollyback said:
I can't image me being able to HH the 600 - so I think the 500 will be best for me.

Another thing I noticed is that with a crop camera and 1.4tc you can reach a really really long way :)
Click to expand...

I guess you're aware of the new 600L 4 MkII? Which is almost exactly the same weight as the current 500L 4 (there's a new MkII of those too).

If not, you should also be aware of the price :eek: Preview here http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-600mm-f-4-L-IS-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
 
HoppyUK said:
I guess you're aware of the new 600L 4 MkII? Which is almost exactly the same weight as the current 500L 4 (there's a new MkII of those too).

If not, you should also be aware of the price :eek: Preview here http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-600mm-f-4-L-IS-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Click to expand...

Hoppy,

You bad man:) - I have been saving for the "old 500" for ages - the new 600 would put me in the workhouse... and definitely dog house at the same time.

The new 400/2.8 has been dieting as well... but I really want to see what the 200-400 can do.

I think if i get the 500 (old style) it should do me fine until pricedrops on the new 200-400 and some reviews are out.

Cheers

Rob
 
woollyback said:
I can't image me being able to HH the 600 - so I think the 500 will be best for me.

Another thing I noticed is that with a crop camera and 1.4tc you can reach a really really long way :)
Click to expand...

Forget handholding the 600 and forget hand holding the 500 too. For optimum IQ use the tripod every time. Also yes crop cameras and 1.4 tc's reach a really long way but IQ with birding is cr** when shooting at distance. I know cos i lug my 600 around Minsmere all day and do all of this frequently.
Micloi mentioned that the 600 would be hard to carry around for long. Someone obviously forgot to tell me and a couple of my tog mates this as we carry our 600's ALL DAY around Mins and anyone who visits this reserve will know how far that is. Not saying it's pleasant but it's very very do able.
Mind you if it's gonna put you in the dog house!!! :thinking: :nono:
 
I mentioned that it would be difficult to handhold the 600mm and carry all day, and it is. Never said impossible, I used to carry the 600mm, the 400mm 2.8 before that and the Sigma 300-800 afterwards (which is the heaviest of the 3). Not pleasant!

The 800mm is much easier to handle (lighter and with better balance) and, of course, so is the 500mm if you do not mind the slight loss in focal length.

A tip: do NOT try to shoot red kites with the 600mm handheld and kneeling down and follow them when they fly over your head. I did that and just toppled on my back!!!
 
micloi said:
A tip: do NOT try to shoot red kites with the 600mm handheld and kneeling down and follow them when they fly over your head. I did that and just toppled on my back!!!
Click to expand...

Nor ospreys on the side of a loch in Scotland....................:gag:
 
micloi said:
I mentioned that it would be difficult to handhold the 600mm and carry all day, and it is. Never said impossible, I used to carry the 600mm, the 400mm 2.8 before that and the Sigma 300-800 afterwards (which is the heaviest of the 3). Not pleasant!

The 800mm is much easier to handle (lighter and with better balance) and, of course, so is the 500mm if you do not mind the slight loss in focal length.

A tip: do NOT try to shoot red kites with the 600mm handheld and kneeling down and follow them when they fly over your head. I did that and just toppled on my back!!!
Click to expand...

fracster said:
Nor ospreys on the side of a loch in Scotland....................:gag:
Click to expand...

Or Little Owls!! :bonk:
 
Thanks folks for all the comments and advice... the new Mk2 lenses when they come out will be out of my price range.

I didn't think the 500 was too bad but will see how I go after lugging it round Norfolk for a week :)

Cheers

Rob
 
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