Canon 500mm f/4 IS vs 600mm f/4 IS

[Joel Eade]

In Alaska I used the FlexShooter Pro head .... its a ball head that functions like a gimbal and is smaller and lighter .... it works quite well. I also have a Wimberly which is great but harder to travel with. Don't think you will regret getting a 600 II and will probably be half the price of a new version III

https://ballhead.com

[Kayaker72]

I am still on the fence with regard to the 500mm vs 600mm issue.

It is the classic debate as soon as you start talking supertelephoto lenses. First thing I will say is that there may not be a "right" answer. Just good answers. Very similar to picking "the best portrait prime" you will find lots of arguments for 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, and 135 mm with the occasional person coming out saying the 200 f/2 is the best portrait lens and look at these amazing photos that prove it.... But it gets down to what you want at that moment.

Second, my general impression is that both the 500 and 600 are so amazing, you will likely be happy with either. But Canon makes them both for a reason, they are different lenses. I am happy with my choice of the 500 as it fits my needs a bit better than the 600. For example, this summer I did not set up on backyard birds once. Their, the 600 would be better than the 500. But I did go out kayaking with the 500 twice. I would not want the 600 mm in a kayak. But I can handhold the 500 and my kayak is stable. I did travel with the 500. This is a bit of a push as you can, of course, fly with the 600. But I like the fact that I can fit my 500 and my other gear into a single backpack. Similar to what Joel just described, I have heard several stories of those flying with the 600 taking their gear in multiple bags.

Then there is what else is in your kit. As you say, you already have the 100-400 II, and 400 f/5.6. The 600 is "more different" to those lenses than the 500. As the EF telephoto lenses have come crashing down, I've eyeballed a couple (400 f/2.8, 200-400, even the 600). Had I originally bought the 600, I would have been more tempted by the 200-400 or the 400 f/2.8. But the 500 is essentially a jack of all trades. I actually considered this as I was buying it, thinking I likely wanted a single supertele.

So, it is a big decision. From what you are describing, you already rented the 600 and fell in love with it. Based on that, it sounds like you will mostly be using this for birds, and the fact you have two other 400 mm lenses, it seems that the 600 may be a better fit. But, of course, up to you.

Good luck!

[HDNitehawk]

Greetings,

I know that we have some people here who has used those 2 lenses. They are the 1st version of both of them.

Now that the used version prices here in finland are getting into some reasonable values is there any major image quality difference with those.

Naturally have read the sites reviews etc. but would like to hear opinnions from you who have used those. Is the some hundred euros worth to go for 600mm image quality wise or not?

Kinda tempted to have more millimeters since i also love taking images of moon etc. but then again if the 500mm is clearly winner on image quality wise then could easily live with less mm but better quality =)

Maybe some of the comments missed this. IMO there is no contest, you need to go with the Version 1 of the 500mm.
The 600mm Version 1 is a huge heavy lens. Over 11 pounds.
You do not much if any IQ. Most people would choose the 800mm over the old 600mm.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...ns-Review.aspx

If you are talking version II, then that is a different story.
Get the length that suits you.

[Fast Glass]

All very sound advice. In the end I don't think you can screw up either way, you just might end up trading one for the other 5 years from now. Maybe.

It very much depends on how you use the lens, the 500 is much more convenient. Its definitely more versatile in that sense.

The 600 is a lens you need to be dedicated to using and in pursuit of the best possible shot (Think birding). I look at it as more of an enthusiast lens, convenience comes WAY before the final result.

Another thing to point out is, not only are you buying extra focal length, weight and lack of practical mobility. Your buying aperture. Because you have to take into account extenders if that is something you will use.

For example, a 500mm with a 1.4 extender will give you 700mm of reach. While a 600mm with the above mentioned combo will give you 840mm. Now you can choose between reach. Or the way I look at it, if I am at 700mm, depending on your shooting style I can creap up and frame the same shot at 600mm. Like wise if I can frame the shot at 500mm I can quite likely frame it 600mm. You can't always do this, but depending on how and what you shoot this can be a likely scenario.

What I am getting at is the 600mm is going to allow you to avoid using an extender more frequently and giving you a significant average increase in image quality.

And this is from a guy who has been shooting with a 600mm lens for well over a decade. I wouldn't call myself an expert, just an enthusiastic amateur.🙂

Happy shooting!

[clemmb]

Welcome back Fast Glass. How have you been?

[Fast Glass]

I've been doing great. Last few years have been a whirlwind, in a good way. Bouncing around jobs for a bit, bouncing around apartments, and most important of all getting married. Tied the knot last October. Have an AWESOME wife that lets me have some toys, within reason of course.

Life is always a challenge but it's very good at the moment.