Took the Plunge--500 f/4 IS to arrive Friday!

Well, after many, many moons of internal debate, I finally decided to pull the trigger on the single biggest "hobby" purchase I have ever made.

Although I do not make a dime from photography (I wish!), I am in love with the outdoors and have a real passion for improving my wildlife photography, something I hope to continue throughout the rest of my life.

I have never felt such a mixture of anticipation and nausea in my life! The price hurts, but tomorrow is promised to no one... Also, I figured I'd better do it while I'm still single...

Anyway, sorry for the pointless post. I just had to share this with some folks who might understand my insanity.

Truth.

ErikT72 wrote in post #7353206
Also, I figured I'd better do it while I'm still single...

Anyway, sorry for the pointless post. I just had to share this with some folks who might understand my insanity.

You prove the wisdom of purchasing big items before marriage. Oh, the post isn't pointless, you're just excited.

Edit: Holy cow...that is one expensive lens.

Familiaphoto wrote in post #7353245
Edit: Holy cow...that is one expensive lens.

Oh and don't lose the (ridiculously expensive) hood.

TheHoff wrote in post #7353209
Truth.

I like that!

Congrats!!! The rush of excitement is an awesome feeling!!! I can't wait to get mine someday!!!

TheHoff wrote in post #7353295
Oh and don't lose the (ridiculously expensive) hood.

Wow that is expensive!!!

Congrats! Where's the duck shot? I also intend to buy this lens at some point pre-marriage .

congrats,look forward to seeing the photos

What on earth is the reason for those extreme hood prices..? How much of that is justifiable?

Yikes...

anthonyi wrote in post #7353479
What on earth is the reason for those extreme hood prices..? How much of that is justifiable?

Yikes...

Canon can justify it all the way to the bank until someone comes along and pimps them with a cheaper alternative (that has mass appeal.)

Remember, we're talking Lambo's, not Chevys...

I've often wondered what the production ratio is for say, "Nifty Fifties" Vs the XXXmm f/2.8 - f/4 - f/5.6L IS lenses.

100:1? 1000:1? 10,000:1?

Congrats!

TheHoff wrote in post #7353295
Oh and don't lose the (ridiculously expensive) hood.

I can afford the hood, just not he lens.

Thanks for the replies gang. To be honest, the financial aspect of this decision does not make sense, and probably never will for a hobbyist like me. I am fortunate enough to be able to swing it right now, and if things change, I'm counting on the relatively strong resale value of a well cared for Canon "Big White" to bail me out.

I'll post up my duck shot asap!

When the hood cost more then any lenses I own that gets your attention! haha Congrats on the new purchase!

ErikT72 wrote in post #7353787
I'll post up my duck shot asap!

Hurry, I can't wait (That's gonna be one scared duck lol)