Still working out the kinks of the 500mm f/4L. The focus ring is nice, tight, and accurate with no backlash. Because of the diameter, it takes a few "finger rolls" to cover the full range (unlike the 300mm which I can nearly cover in one wrist snap).

The brighter viewfinder and shallower DOF makes manual focusing the flying stuff a whole lot easier.

This shot is slightly cropped as the 15' minimum distance (about the distance this one was shot) makes it impossible to get this subject size.

So are you going to use it with tubes to reduce the minimum focus distance?

Wow 500mm f4L you have to show me some pictures at 500mm and then add your 2X to see how it pulls in :) is this image with your 5d or the 40?

Moving up to the big, big league. Congrats !!

Is that an AF lens? :p

So are you going to use it with tubes to reduce the minimum focus distance?

Sure! Like when I use the 300mm, I plan to use the 2x and extension tubes with this lens so that I don't have to carry aound extra equipment. Spare batteries, memory cards, 2x, and tubes all fit in small fanny pack (or jacket pockets).

Looking forward to shooting bug macros with a 500 :p

Wow 500mm f4L you have to show me some pictures at 500mm and then add your 2X to see how it pulls in :) is this image with your 5d or the 40?

Thanks, Knight. Been using only the 40D with this lens so far. Haven't found a good stationary subject to do a proper side-by-side with the 2x TC yet. Have shot a few though with that combination - but I couldn't get it stable enough.

Going back to shoot warblers tomorrow so perhaps I'll get something worthy at 1000mm.

Moving up to the big, big league. Congrats !!

Is that an AF lens? :p

Thanks :p

I did try the AF (AF doesn't work with the 300mm + 2x) on a slow goose take-off. Wasn't very impressed - 2 out of 10 were in focus. The camera/lens wanted to focus on the biggest target (shoulders and wings) since it doesn't know any better.

Still there will be a time and place for it so I'm keeping an open mind about it.


These are the two uncropped images from the same run that the AF was able to hit.

Thanks :p

I did try the AF (AF doesn't work with the 300mm + 2x) on a slow goose take-off. Wasn't very impressed - 2 out of 10 were in focus. The camera/lens wanted to focus on the biggest target (shoulders and wings) since it doesn't know any better.

Still there will be a time and place for it so I'm keeping an open mind about it.


These are the two uncropped images from the same run that the AF was able to hit.

You certainly know how to challenge the AF :)

looking good ! Now where are the warblers with a 12mm tube and 1.4tc :)