JayB Loc: Northeast US

I'm thinking about returning this lens and replacing it with a way cheaper and way lighter 50mm 1.4. So my lenses covering under 100mm would then be the 16-35 F4, the 50mm 1.4, the 70-200 2.8 Mk II. Yes, trying to save a little so I can justify taking a good deal on an used old 500 F4. Thanks.

dugole Loc: Matawan, New Jersey

Crop or full frame - a major consideration? On my 5D III I use the 24-70 as a good all around/travel lens. Without changing and carrying 2 lenses, the 24-70 makes a very usable wide angle to a slightly longer standard lens. It's as simple as that. When I travel, I carry both the 24-70 & the 70-200 - one lens less than you need to carry - and much less lens changing.

JayB Loc: Northeast US

Yep, good point. 5D III for me too.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Do what you have to do to get the 500mm f/4. Later you can acquire another 24-70mm lens. They can be had used for much less - and you don't have to have the latest Mark II. I have the mark 1 - 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 and the 16-35mm f/2.8. All are the earlier models and not the mark II lenses. They are all awesome and I don't think I need the latest and greatest. Also, my 500mm f/4 is the older model and not the mark II. I wouldn't pay the extra money just to save a pound and a half.

JayB Loc: Northeast US

Thank you so much for that. :-D :-D

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

You don't mention what you will be shooting. Of course you can zoom with your feet, but in some instances that is impossible. Just a twist of the zoom ring changes the framing of the photo. I took a few clients to a St. Patrick's Day parade over the weekend. One client only had a 50mm lens on his new camera. As the floats moved and the crowd surged he had to be at a fixed distance from the street. Many of his shots included hands, back of heads and other items. Another client, who had a 18-135mm lens just stood back and got some pretty good shots. As far as the "good deal" on a 500mm lens, you may want to think about what you're going to use it on, and how often. As far as general usage, I find the 3 lenses you have are much more useful. The 16-35mm for great landscape, the 24-70mm great for street, portraits, and a 70-200mm for portraits and mild telephoto. The money for the 50mm could be better spent eleswhere. Maybe just pick up a 50mm f1.8. Also keep in mind you already own quality lenses, that 50mm f1.4 will not give you very much of an edge over the 24-70 at 50mm, unless you're a pixel peeper.

B

JayB Loc: Northeast US

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm mostly interested in bird photography, the reasoning for the 500. But here in New York there's lots to photograph that doesn't fly away for the winter, hence my concentration on wide angle through medium tele as well. I take your point about the power of the zoom though. :)

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

Another thought. I also shoot birds, and other small animals. I suggest using one of the new Tamron SP 150-600mm VC lens. Although it has a f5-6.3 I've found I mostly use the lens a bright days, out in the open for my shots. The lens is also a full frame mount, and can be used on my 6D when the light is really low, and I'll use a higher ISO. The cost for the lens is $1069.00 new with a 6 year warranty. Sigma also makes the same range lens, but at twice the price. Many talk about buying the Sigma update item for some extra cash to update the firmware. I have to question this thinking, how often does Sigma update the firmware for a individual lens? I've witnessed the quality of my shots, and others on the "Hog" and really see no difference in quality, but considering the dpi limits on the posts I feel the difference between the two lenses is a wash. But, of course it's your money. BTW, I've found the Tamron 150-600mm is compatible to both the 1.6 and the 2X Tamron converters.

B

JayB Loc: Northeast US

Thanks! I'll definitely have a look at this lens. The 500 is on hold for the moment. Uncle Sam weighed in with a bit of a shock this year.