Weapons of Mass "Credit Card" Distruction!

BCdives · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

My question is for the pro's who already are familiar with or own one of these monsters. I am pretty dialed into the L class lenses, own several, and have a good working knowledge of digital photography.

I know what a CirPL filter is for the front of a lens, what is a "Drop in" and do I need it with the 500mm

What I am trying to avoid, is getting the lens delivered, and then find out I need 15 other accessories to start taking pictures with it. I have already ordered a Wimberley Head with Clamp. What else should I think about.

Also, will the 2x extender lose quality twice as fast as a 1x

Thanks in advance, you guys always come to the rescue for my dumb questions!

BC

KennyG · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

I have one of those very beasts. The CPL just drops into a slot towards the back of the lens. It is the only accessory you will need. I use a full Wimberley head with the 500 when tripod mounted, otherwise it sits on top of a monopod.

These lenses had their optical paths designed with the TC's in mind. No, you will not reduce quality by half, maybe by 10 to 15 percent, but that's it. You will lose 2 stops of course and that makes it an F8 where only the 1 series bodies will AF.

I am sure you will be delighted with the results from the 500. Mine does not see as much action as my 300 2.8L IS, but when it does the results are equally as stunning.

BCdives · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

KennyG, thank you thank you thank you. I'm also glad to hear how much you like it, that makes me feel even better knowing that I am about to send my credit card into the bowels of revolving interest hell!

BC

IanD · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

BC,
That is the lens I'd give my left $&^ for. I think that we should run a test to see how it would perform closer to the North Pole, not just in hot,humid Fla. You best have B&H ship it to me and I'll run the tests this summer and get it back to you by Christmas. Wadda ya think?

Tom W · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanD

BC,
That is the lens I'd give my left $&^ for. I think that we should run a test to see how it would perform closer to the North Pole, not just in hot,humid Fla. You best have B&H ship it to me and I'll run the tests this summer and get it back to you by Christmas. Wadda ya think?

I already gave up the left one for the 24-70.

Perhaps this test run should stop at an intermediary spot such as Tennessee to insure that it can work in moderate conditions before it makes its way (15 years from now) to Canada.

Lamplight · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

Ooh, and while it is vacationing in Tennessee, perhaps I should see how it performs in the filthy hands of a complete beginner! I feel I deserve a chance to try out a man's lens.

Tom W · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lamplight

Ooh, and while it is vacationing in Tennessee, perhaps I should see how it performs in the filthy hands of a complete beginner! I feel I deserve a chance to try out a man's lens.

Of course you do - I'll let you have the last 5 years.

Lamplight · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

Well that sounds fine to me.

And just think, after my 5 years of abuse it still has to go to Canada!

BCdives · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

ROFLMAO!

Well, I suppose I could send it around and let you guys have some QT with it when Im off on business. Thanks for all the support, and judging by all the reactions I don't think I will be making a total mistake.

I almost went with the 600 but after much reading the difference in lenses is far less negligable than the price.

I will make sure I have a 30ft piece of bubble wrap laid from the street to the door step when UPS shows up, in case he trips and falls.

I will look forward to taking some snaps and sharing the results!

Thanks again for all the follow up, you guys are the best!

BC

CyberDyneSystems · 14th of April 2004 (Wed)

BC,.. four things you have to own with this lens...

You allready have some..

Both 1.4x and 2X T-cons..

The wimberly or equivelent gimble mount,

and the little drop in polarizer

Actually I have to admit,. I had to jump thrugh hoops to get the Sigma equivelent of the drop in polarizer.. (My used one did not come with it) in the end I had to make my own (using the existing holder with clear filter)

But I almost never use it.

Therefore I'd consider the polarizer to be at the bottom of the list as far as must haves..

14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#1
BCdives Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Flori-dahh Posts: 669	Weapons of Mass "Credit Card" Distruction! My question is for the pro's who already are familiar with or own one of these monsters. I am pretty dialed into the L class lenses, own several, and have a good working knowledge of digital photography. I know what a CirPL filter is for the front of a lens, what is a "Drop in" and do I need it with the 500mm What I am trying to avoid, is getting the lens delivered, and then find out I need 15 other accessories to start taking pictures with it. I have already ordered a Wimberley Head with Clamp. What else should I think about. Also, will the 2x extender lose quality twice as fast as a 1x Thanks in advance, you guys always come to the rescue for my dumb questions! BC

14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#2
KennyG Goldmember Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Leeds, UK Posts: 2,156	I have one of those very beasts. The CPL just drops into a slot towards the back of the lens. It is the only accessory you will need. I use a full Wimberley head with the 500 when tripod mounted, otherwise it sits on top of a monopod. These lenses had their optical paths designed with the TC's in mind. No, you will not reduce quality by half, maybe by 10 to 15 percent, but that's it. You will lose 2 stops of course and that makes it an F8 where only the 1 series bodies will AF. I am sure you will be delighted with the results from the 500. Mine does not see as much action as my 300 2.8L IS, but when it does the results are equally as stunning. __________________ Ken *www.motorpix.co.uk* Professional Motorsport Photographer 1D & 1D MK-II, 17-40L, 24-70L, 70-200 2.8L IS, 100-400L, 300 2.8L IS, 500 4.0L IS, 85 1.8, 50 1.4, 1.4 & 2.0 MK-II TC.

14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#4
IanD Cream of the Crop Honorary Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 5,264	BC, That is the lens I'd give my left $&^ for. I think that we should run a test to see how it would perform closer to the North Pole, not just in hot,humid Fla. You best have B&H ship it to me and I'll run the tests this summer and get it back to you by Christmas. Wadda ya think? __________________ Ian (Duck Photographer) Have You Hugged Your Mallard Today? More Images- My Gear New Image Posting Rules (please read)

14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#10
CyberDyneSystems Admin - MOD OF STEEL... Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Providence RI Posts: 33,957 IMAGE EDITING OK	BC,.. four things you have to own with this lens... You allready have some.. Both 1.4x and 2X T-cons.. The wimberly or equivelent gimble mount, and the little drop in polarizer Actually I have to admit,. I had to jump thrugh hoops to get the Sigma equivelent of the drop in polarizer.. (My used one did not come with it) in the end I had to make my own (using the existing holder with clear filter) But I almost never use it. Therefore I'd consider the polarizer to be at the bottom of the list as far as must haves.. __________________ -DRY SEASON- 21 days across Namibia and Botswana Main Gallery GEAR LIST CDS' HOT LINKS My POTN Share Threads Are you shooting HAMSTTR©? ".. It's the customer support Stupid... ...

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14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#6
Lamplight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,034	Ooh, and while it is vacationing in Tennessee, perhaps I should see how it performs in the filthy hands of a complete beginner! I feel I deserve a chance to try out a man's lens.

14th of April 2004 (Wed)	#8
Lamplight Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,034	Well that sounds fine to me. And just think, after my 5 years of abuse it still has to go to Canada!

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