Not exactly .... I had already sold my 500mm Version I and purchased a used 600mm Version II. I also had a Version I 300mm f/2.8L which was sitting on the shelf way more than it was being used. When my son began to show a real interest in birds I did give him my 1D MKIV body and then I traded the 300 at Adorama for the 500 version I that he is now using. Just turns out that it is a really good one.