So These Type Threads Don't Thrill Me, But....Which Lens to Get?

Not sure how many of you are aware, but the big Whites are way cheaper in Canada, and I mean by thousands. With the current exchange rate of US dollars being about 10 percent more than Canadian, a 600mm lens purchased from a Canadian camera store, and there are a few, can be had for almost 3,000 cheaper than buying one here. And that includes shipping and if your CC charges you a fee for the currency exchange.

So I'm having a lot of trouble deciding between the 500mm II, which is much cheaper than here, the 600mm II, which I think is the pinnacle of Canon lens design and reach, especially with TC, or the 200-400, which is not that much cheaper.

I like the versatility of the 200-400, but think it's just too high of a price to pay. I previously owned the Nikon 200-400 I, and wasn't thrilled with it. I know the Canon is better and has the TC built in.

I don't do a lot of wildlife shooting, really only in zoos, and do shoot birds once in a while, but living in the northeast don't have that much variety. Bald Eagles do come here in the winter and I had some success shooting them this past winter.

So, folks, no, I don't want to rent. I want to own, even though it won't get used that often. I feel the savings currently available as I stated above are excellent and I want to take advantage of it.

But which one to get?

Thanks for you input.

The longest Canon lens I've ever owned was the 300 f2.8. It was awesome if a bit short. I tried my buddy's Tamron 200-600 (is that the right focal length?) and it is a nice lens, but not my cup of tea. I'm a gear snob, I admit it.

mark

Zoo shooting? 200-400 is ideal. Real wildlife? You want the 500 II or 600 II.

MDJAK wrote in post #16883420
. It was awesome if a bit short.

Man! If I had a buck for every time I've heard that!

MDJAK wrote in post #16883420
Not sure how many of you are aware, but the big Whites are way cheaper in Canada, and I mean by thousands. With the current exchange rate of US dollars being about 10 percent more than Canadian, a 600mm lens purchased from a Canadian camera store, and there are a few, can be had for almost 3,000 cheaper than buying one here. And that includes shipping and if your CC charges you a fee for the currency exchange.

So I'm having a lot of trouble deciding between the 500mm II, which is much cheaper than here, the 600mm II, which I think is the pinnacle of Canon lens design and reach, especially with TC, or the 200-400, which is not that much cheaper.

I like the versatility of the 200-400, but think it's just too high of a price to pay. I previously owned the Nikon 200-400 I, and wasn't thrilled with it. I know the Canon is better and has the TC built in.

I don't do a lot of wildlife shooting, really only in zoos, and do shoot birds once in a while, but living in the northeast don't have that much variety. Bald Eagles do come here in the winter and I had some success shooting them this past winter.

So, folks, no, I don't want to rent. I want to own, even though it won't get used that often. I feel the savings currently available as I stated above are excellent and I want to take advantage of it.

But which one to get?

Thanks for you input.

The longest Canon lens I've ever owned was the 300 f2.8. It was awesome if a bit short. I tried my buddy's Tamron 200-600 (is that the right focal length?) and it is a nice lens, but not my cup of tea. I'm a gear snob, I admit it.

mark

500 II or 200-400.

Got my 600mm f4 L IS II USM lens for $11,231. new out the door. List for approx. $12,999 + taxes.

that sounds like a Canadian deal with shipping. Would I be right? If you don't mind saying. If you do, no problem.

Yes, I bought the 600mm out of Canada, included all cost / ship (UPS) / ship insurance (UPS) / duty, plus if I ever have a problem, Canon USA will cover the warranty. The $ 11,231 was Canadian dollars.

Heya,

Since you're not going to use it much, I would get the most versatile lens you can, if you're going to bother spending this kind of money for something that will sit 90% of the year unused, as a means to hopefully make it a bit more useful. The 200-400 is a great zoo lens. Otherwise, the 300 F2.8 with a 2.0x TC is a great option too.

Very best,

I'd likely go for the 500mm all over again (I have the "old" version 1 IS)
For all the same reasons I did originally. Best compromise of weight, price and F.L.

-It can shoot past 600mm with T-Cons,.
-I can hand hold and shoot birds in flight (harder to do even with the new lighter 600mm)
-I can pack it in a standard rolling carry on that fits in overhead compartments of airlines.

So, I almost let Jake sway me. But in the end, I went with my motto: Go big or go home, and just placed the order with CameraCanada for the 600.

While I usually like to do business locally, even if there's somewhat of a price discrepancy, this price difference is too huge to ignore, and I have a strange feeling that the amazing price they offer may not last long as big retailers in NY and elsewhere get wind of it (which they already have) and complain to Canon that they are selling lower than they maybe should be. Shhhhhh!!!!!!

I'll have it next week, as I got the last one in stock, and take a pic of the box and post it here so I (yeah, I) can drool on it.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

Nice one. I'd love a version 2 600, similar weight as my version 1 500 so hand-holdable!

Enjoy it!

Awesome. I've yet to try out a v2 600mm. It's hard to imagine it being so much lighter.

MDJAK, Mark enjoy your new 600mm, fantastic quality lens, your going to love it.

Thank you all. I'm leaving tomorrow for five days to Washington State for my youngest daughter's college graduation. The lens is being delivered Saturday. I will have a friend of my daughter's here dog/house sitting so she'll sign for it.

When I get back I'll post pics.

I emailed Nicksan and Omar to inform them it will instantly make me a much better photographer than them. I also informed Omar he can't borrow it like all my other lenses.

You'll just be able to frame your crappy photos tighter for the rest of the world to enjoy.