Finally did it---The 500 is on it's way

Well, after 3 years of wanting (neeeeding[:#]), much deliberation and a great deal of help from my friends here on TDP, and of course approval from myWONDERFUL wife, I finally placed the order for the 500 F4L IS and of course all of the accessories (Wimberly plate, gimbal head and lens coatbut the polarizer is on back order . It should be here by the weekend, so Bosque, Here I come. I wanted to thank all of you who tolerated my indecision, commented on my questions and encouraged this purchase over all of the others we have discussed. I feel like a little girlgetting a new pony---[:O].


Thanks to all for all your help.


Bob


P.S. is it here yet? is it here yet? is it here yet?

Congrats Robert......you wife isn

Congrats, Bob!!


I am SOOO looking forward to seeing your photos taken with this lens!!!


Man, if I had the $$$$ for this baby, I would have kicked in a few more $$$ for overnight shipping ...the wait would drive me crazy!


Denise

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Originally Posted by Bill W

Congrats Robert......you wife isn't going to like you having a "new" mistress! LOL
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She has already "warned" me. now I "owe" her---not sure exactly what that means yet[:#]

Thanks DD, I chose the lenscoat instead of the overnight shipping--- I was told not go over budget, So I had to make a minor sacrifice---I suppose I can wait a couple of extra days [:(].


BTW, the bird feeders and the hummingbird feeders went out this weekend---probably won't see much for a few weeks , but I planned to be the first on the block with the feeders, so hopefully more birds will show up this year. I am really hoping to put that new 500 to work in my own backyard as well as the other places I frequent.


Bob

Wow Bob period. Just let you know you might need some practice for BIF.[Y][Y][Y]

As much as I would have loved for you to buy my 70-200, the 500 is the right choice for you. Congrats. That " you owe me" has me uptight though. How

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Originally Posted by JJphoto

Wow Bob period. Just let you know you might need some practice for BIF.[img]/emoticons/emotion-21.gif[/img][img]/emoticons/emotion-21.gif[/img][img]/emoticons/emotion-21.gif[/img]
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Thanks JJ, I figured there would be a learning curve, I just hope it doesn't take me more than a few weeks----I am really looking forward to nesting and hummer season this year.

Good on ya Bob, congrats.


Steve

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Originally Posted by andnowimbroke

How's your kitchen cabinets? That's about the same price range.

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Well, The cabinets are in good shape, but........She has never been to Vegas, yet she has mentioned it several times lately[^o)]

Thanks Steve

You luck out twice!! There

Congrats on the lens, Bob!

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Originally Posted by Bob Williams

Well, The cabinets are in good shape, but........She has never been to Vegas, yet she has mentioned it several times lately

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Congratz Bob





It's a good thing you spent this money before a trip to Vegas....[:P]

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Originally Posted by Bob Williams

BTW, the bird feeders and the hummingbird feeders went out this weekend---probably won't see much for a few weeks , but I planned to be the first on the block with the feeders, so hopefully more birds will show up this year. I am really hoping to put that new 500 to work in my own backyard as well as the other places I frequent.

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I'm hoping to be one of the first also to be ready and waiting for the hb's...I just don't know when that is around here though. I was late last year. This year I am hoping ot put out a whole mess of them and plant flowers that will attract them.

BTW - Next month I am planning aday trip to Baraboo, Wisconsin to the International Crane Foundation (it's about 3 hrs. from where I live)...it is the only place where the world's 15 types of cranes can be seen. I am wondering if I should rent a longer lens ...the weight of the larger ones really scares me and I will be doing quite a few hours of walking the trails.

Denise

Really..? You mean you're not getting the MKIV?


Only Kidding! Congrats on the new lens, I think you've made a wonderful choice! [Y]


I can't wait to see the new Pics! [B]


Rich

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

...the weight of the larger ones really scares me and I will be doing quite a few hours of walking the trails

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Denise that is a justifiable fear. Owning the 500mm I can tell you it is a job to take it out any where. I have mine in a full size back pack, carrying it anywhere for a couple hours is a job. When carrying it out of the backpack one can put it on a good monopod and shoulder it. But its still a lot of work.


Not to sound sexiest, but there are a lot of women if they asked me I would think it would be a mistake for them. I know my wife couldn't handle it. If you try just know your in for some work.


But if you ever think you want to buy one, I would suggest renting one just as you mentioned so you could give it a try to see how it is. Once you see the IQ it produces you will want it for your own.

My girlfriend can

That is awesome! You will really enjoy the 500! Last week I was able to use it quite a bit (along with the 400/4, 600/4, and 800/5.6) for birds in TX, and it was great. And no, I can

Congrats on your new lens! I wasn't so patiant with my 60D and overnighted it.[:)]


John.

Congrats on the newest addition to your family Bob. I can

Denise....don

Congratulations Bob, you

see how it

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Originally Posted by Sinh Nhut Nguyen

Congratulations Bob, you'll love it!
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Thanks Nate, I have to admit that you and joel were my primary motivation in buying this lens---perhaps in a year or two, my hummers will look as good as your waterfoul and his songbirds.


Thanks for the encouragement,


Bob

Pieter, Great videos, Now I know why I am missing an arm and a leg

Thanks Bob,


I am sure you will really get alot of enjoyment from the big 500 ..... in my opinion it

Joel, Congrats to your daughter and her upcomming marriage. I am still waiting for mine to marry off, but she is out living on her own now---so its just me and the wife here at the house now---So, I chose to spend the kid's inheritance on photo equipment.[:O]


Thanks again,


Bob

I just noticed "Albuquerque, NM, United States 03/17/2011 7:30 A.M. Out For Delivery " . I wish I could say I was patiently waiting, but I am very impatient at this point. I have had the last three days off due to lens replacement surgery in one eye and that eye is doing great, unfortunately, I have a 5 year old contact in my right (viewfinder) eye and its like looking through a kit lens; Additionally, my optometrist is on vacation until next week[:@] But, if there is a will there is a way---I still have reading glasses and display on the back of the camera----So I will take pictures sometime today---better go refill the bird feeder.





Bob