500mm ver I or ver II

I am looking at getting a 500mm lens. Is there that much of a difference between the version one and two lens. Besides weight. It would be used for birds and wildlife maybe some sports. Just trying to justify another three to four grand. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks Ron

If I were to spend the extra it would be for the 600mm II.

I went through the same decision. I bought the 500mm vi because weight did not make a difference to me. The vii has minimal sharpness gains and a plus for the vii is how well it works with the 2x. The vi is the best decision for me, but my needs may be different than yours.

Here's another exact same thread question for you to read. BTW I have had both and while the weight difference I to II isn't humungous, it is noticeable and makes carrying and handholding much better. And I think the IQ is noticeable. I almost always have a TC on as I am almost always taking birds or wildlife, and the III versions of the extenders work soooooo well with the new V2 500. So if you do take birds and wildlife, I'd figure the 2 extenders in your budget too.

One thing to keep in mind is that in a couple years Canon will no longer service the version 1. Once the current stock of parts runs out, that's it - no more service. That alone would make me choose the new version, if I were in your position.

Tom Reichner wrote in post #16321266
One thing to keep in mind is that in a couple years Canon will no longer service the version 1. Once the current stock of parts runs out, that's it - no more service. That alone would make me choose the new version, if I were in your position.

A salient point I suppose, but that is still at least some time off as you said, and at this point you could buy a used 500 version I, drop it in the ocean, and buy another one and still be almost even on what a new one costs. I am sure given the popularity of the lens, third party shops like Mid State and Midwest camera will buy up plenty of parts and continue to service the lens for decades as well.