Finally made the move...

Well folks, I've been thinking about it, talking about it, and now I've finally done it. Just pulled the trigger on the 600mm f/4 L IS from Canon. Added the normal accessory pool to this beast:

Gitzo GIGT5540LS GT-5540LS Systematic 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Legs (supports 55 pounds)
Wimberley Head w Q/R WH-200 (full Wimberley gimball head with quick release)
Canon EF 2X II Extender (I already have the 1.4x)
Canon drop-in Polarizer filter for the 600 L
Wimberley WIF9 F-9 Flash Bracket for Head Version II
Wimberley WIFC600 Replacement Foot for Canon 600 f4 (Arca-Swiss replacement foot for the Wimberley Gimball head)

Needless to say, it was an expensive day! I expect it will pay off as the fall migratory season heats up here in SW Florida. I used a variety of sources for the purchase, as I have been pricing this rig out for quite some time. Wound up being several hundred dollars cheaper by using three different vendors. Believe it or not, Amazon.com had the best price on the lens! Beat the NY shops by over $200.00.

Now before all the 500mm lovers jump in and tell me about how big and heavy it is compared to the 500, here's the deal: I rented both the 500 and the 600 twice this past year. I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs. and in good shape. I handled the 600mm no problem on multiple long hikes with it either over my shoulder, or in a lowe Pro Lens trekker backpack. This lens, when mounted on my 1DsMII provided significantly more than the 500 did when shooting smaller birds. You wouldn't think that 100mm is that much, but it most certainly is. I'll probably pick up the 500mm later on as a compliment to this monster, but at least two of the places I regularly shoot provide a significant edge to the 600. Hope that settles that discussion before it starts another 500 vs 600 thread.

...Now it' just that painful waiting period for the Fed-Ex truck next week!

Wowwwwweee! Congratulations. That's one awesome lens. I'm sure you're counting the minutes before that delivery arrives. We all know that feeling.

Don't forget to post some of those shots here so we can all share the fun! :thumbsup:

Liz

I hate you!!! JK. That is a great purchase, and one that has been on my wish list for quite some time. It will remain on my list for a long time too, unless someone wants to buy a kidney!

Congratulations on the purchase Bob!

Wow! I think of that as Canon's surf lens because guys use it to shoot surfing from the shore. I've never used one but I've seen a few. So how much did you spend for all that stuff? I've always wanted a 400mm lens but never even considered the 600. It's like thinking about buying a Ferrari. Sure, it would be cool. But it's out of my league :D

Please post reviews for your new lens and other stuff. That's the kind of gear not many people own and very few post reviews for. It would be awesome to have another review for that lens. We actually have 3, which impresses me. We need reviews for all that tripod gear, too. And your Mark III! I know we need lots more for that camera. User reviews make the PhotographyREVIEW.com world go round!

Congratulations - looking forward to seeing what you do with the new Canon cannon :-)

Wow congrats, I'm jealous! :D