Supertele choices

[Richard Lane]

I came up with an idea, let me know what you guys think!

To rent the 500mm II is $375 for 4 days.
To rent the 600mm II is $506 for 4 days.

To rent both would get expensive!

But to rent the older 500mm I, is $262 for 4 days.

Since we know that the IQ of both version II Super-telephotos will be outstanding and one of our main concerns is weight and hand-holdability, then how about renting the 500mm Version 1, which is about the same weight as the 600mm II. If 500mm Version 1 is too heavy then we know that 500mm II will be more acceptable. I've heard a lot of people of say that the older 500 feels like the newer 600.

However, since the 600mm II is approx 2.5 inches longer than the 500mm II which will affect swing weight, what if we just add the 2X extender to the older 500mm I, then we could increase the length of the 500mm by about the same length difference as the new 600mmII.

I know it wont be exact, but I think it's a good way of not spending too much money on renting and testing, as $262 plus insurance and shipping is at least reasonable. Sure, you could go to B&H and try it in the store and you still may want to do that, but how about trying it out for a long weekend. I think I will strongly consider this plan for myself.

Rich