New EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM

Is anyone already planning to add the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM to their lens collection? It's only seven pounds and $9,499.

My current plan is to buy a gently used EF 500mm f/4L IS I USM from an early purchaser of new version. That line will probably be rather long. <G>

Oops sorry, did I trample on you

Sigh. I was starting to seriously think about adding the 500 to my arsenal, but the MK II will be out of the question at that price. This is a hobby, after all. Even the MK I was going to be a major stretch. It's my guess that the asking price of a used MK I when the MK II comes out will be pretty steep, if not near the cost of a new MK I. I think I'm going to have to start looking for an old f/4.5 or a Sigma 500 f/4.5

I also dream of that new 200-400 f/4.0, but rumors price it between 7 and 10K.

I've been telling myself that collecting classic cars is also a hobby and even the MKII price wouldn't buy much in the way of a vintage auto. There's also all the money saved in not building a larger garage.

George - used 500s do show up pretty regularly on the Fred Miranda Buy & Sell Board - just have to keep your eyes open.

Edit: I just checked - there are at least 3 of them available on there right now...

Because of the price on the new 500, I'm waiting to see the price and reviews on the new Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8EX. Matched with a 2X TC, it should retain AF on a crop camera at 600mm.

Thanks, Jeff.

Rumor has it that the MSRP on the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 OS will be $4700 (which will probably put the street price at ~$4K. I can't wait to see how that lens pans out. The original version had serious AF speed issues but good IQ so most felt it wasn't a good lens for BIF. If they also managed to fix the AF issues, that might be a good alternative when paired with a 2X tc.