Canon 500mm 4.5L questions.

I am looking into trying to pick up a used copy of the 500 4.5 in the next few months but am curious about the durability of the lens. For those who own or have owned, was it difficult to get serviced via third party/ Was it expensive? Did it happen often? This lens goes for about $2500-$3500USD used so it has to be worth it. I have seen the 500 f4 IS for 4500 ish. Thanks in advance.

Some parts are same with new f4 IS. Friend of mine got one fixed up when he bought it, but I dont have details what was actually done.

First it is a great lens. I had one. Second, do you think it will really need service? Third, look into getting a used Sigma 500/4.5 - they still service those and have parts for them.

My Sigma 500 f4.5 is unbelievable, lighter than the Canon too. Would recommend it.

Neilyb wrote in post #7171999
My Sigma 500 f4.5 is unbelievable, lighter than the Canon too. Would recommend it.

This is why I really want it instead of the current version. Its 6.6 versus 8.5lb and It will always be tripod mounted so IS is not an issue.

gasrocks wrote in post #7171550
First it is a great lens. I had one. Second, do you think it will really need service? Third, look into getting a used Sigma 500/4.5 - they still service those and have parts for them.

The Sigma's run about the same price used. I have looked into this also. Hmmmm

It's a bargain, but consider that you can't use a 1.4x or 2x TC on it and maintain AF - one reason the current 500mm is an f/4. Same with the Sigma f/4.5.

^ You can with the 1.4... but i hate teleconverters.
I have not had any positive results with them.
Including using them on the 300 2.8 IS,
hated it.

^ True, on a pro body.

I've had reasonable success with TCs, but try to avoid them if possible.

I have used both the 4.5 and the the f4, and there are some real performance issues that need to be examined as well. First the older lens is slower in AF and it really shows up when tracking anything like auto racing, BIF's or nearly any kind of sports, somthing this lens is geared for. Second, the older version is not as sharp as the IS version. I have side by side comparisons but am unable to get to them at this time, but trust me it is not as sharp. Thirdly the older lens does not have good balance when shooting hand held, and you will have to move your hand further out to support and balance the lens properly. Fourth, If I remember correctly the lens manual focus touch-up is much easier to use in the newer lens if the old one had it at all.

Save a few more duckets, get the f4, and bank the rest in trade in value when it is time to upgrade in the future. BTW I've used both lenses on film and DSLRs. I would not recommend any Sigma products in this area, they just do not focus fast enough. You want this focal length to increase your keeper rate, so...