500mm Regrets?

Help! I think I need to be saved from myself. I am lusting after the 500mm f/4, but, of course, it is very expensive. I love shooting birds and currently use a 100-400mm with a 7D. I do like the flexibility of the zoom, but often want more reach. I have the 1.4 TC, but can't use it with the 100-400. Is there anyone out there who bought the 500 and regretted it?
Thanks.

there must come a point where it is cheaper to buy a 1Dmk4 body so that you can use the TC with a cheaper lens?

Honestly, if you can afford the lens and will benefit from it... Go for it.

If buying the lens will give your wife a bad taste in her mouth (assuming you are married), put you in financial debt, give buyers remorse, etc... Then avoid it. It is a very expensive lens, although one of the best in the Canon collection. I would LOVE to have it... Will not happen anytime soon :P

And like magwai said, you can also look into that option. Sell the 100-400 and buy a 1Dmk4 that enables AF up to f/8, so you could use the 100-400 with a TC. However, the IQ will not be comparable at all to the 500 prime...

Just have to weight the pros/cons for this lens, and if you are willing to give up a kidney (or two!).

Good luck,

Invertalon wrote in post #10248067
Sell the 100-400 and buy a 1Dmk4 that enables AF up to f/8, so you could use the 100-400 with a TC. However, the IQ will not be comparable at all to the 500 prime...

kinda hard to shoot birds with just a 1d4 and a TC if he sells the 100-400 to buy the 1d4

Hahaha true

What everyone else said. The cost is quite something, but i love using the lens! No regret's! You only live once!

There are other options. What about the Bigma, 50-500 or the new 150-500 with OS? I've lusted over the 500mm f/4 as well but simply can not justify the price. Maybe when I win the lotto. But the pics I've seen out of Siggys new OS lenses look dang nice. At least as good as the 100-400.

Oh.. and it is way way cheaper.

Invertalon wrote in post #10248067
And like magwai said, you can also look into that option. Sell the 100-400 and buy a 1Dmk4 that enables AF up to f/8, so you could use the 100-400 with a TC.

Sorry to laugh Invertalon but thats

I'd love it too but I'd get murdered if I did, but for you I'd say get it.

I lusted after the 500mm for a long time....even had that in my signature.

Specifically, I wanted 500mm without a T.C. and the ability to AF on my 7D and 5DMKII.

So I went with the new Sigma 50-500mm.

Of course, this Sigma isn't the lens that the 500mm is but then I didn't have to raid my piggy bank or sell most of my lenses to get the Sigma either.

Also the upside is the flexibility of the Sigma and weight vs. the 500mm. Yes, this is one time I can say the Sigma is a good deal in this respect.

For me, as a serious amature who makes some $$$ of this hobby, the Sigma was a good choice for me.

hqqns wrote in post #10248237
Sorry to laugh Invertalon but thats

Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking!! Early morning, I guess

I did not edit it, just to see if others pick up on it...

Invertalon wrote in post #10248252
Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking!! Early morning, I guess

I did not edit it, just to see if others pick up on it...

We've all been there and done that, good to see you can laugh about it too

Oh yeah... I just hope the OP did not take my advice!

Invertalon wrote in post #10248304
Oh yeah... I just hope the OP did not take my advice!

Maybe the OP can sell all his gear, buy the 500mm and use if with his mobile/cell phone camera