Quote Originally Posted by Richard Lane View Post
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 the 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
It would give you an idea of the weight and some about size but there are other factors.

The 600mm is a bit bigger in diameter. Also you will not get a sense of how the 600mm actually balances, and that is the most important aspect of handholding such a long lens. The farther you move your hand from your body that is holding the lens the harder it will be to hand hold.

I have tried the 2x on my 500mm, the balance point changes and it is much harder to hold than the 500mm without it.

One thing else to think about, if you use the black switches at the end of the barrel, they will be harder to use hand held on the 600mm. I use these all the time and they are very useful.

Just my thoughts.