ggab Loc: ?

Thank you for your input regarding IQ and Weight. Is the balance any better with the vII vs vI?
I have seen some of Regis's work and really like most of it.
I am aware of the aperture reduction regarding the extenders.

George

ggab Loc: ?

You are correct!!
My error.

ggab Loc: ?

You are correct, MY error!!

RRS Loc: Not sure

I was shooting the lens with a 7DMK2 and it did seem a little front heavy. I now shoot very often with the 1DXMK2 and the balance is better but overall the setup is heaver.

ggab Loc: ?

Thank you everyone for your input and experiences.
Canon Serviceability will be the deciding factor. I will need to get an estimate on how much longer after a lens is discontinued, that Canon will continue to service it.
There are govt. mandates that regulate this, however I know they are different for different products.

I appreciate everyone's responses.
George

ggab Loc: ?

Thank you.
George

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

I found a shot taken with the 300 f/2.8 IS version 1. Great for portrait if you have space

(Download)

ggab Loc: ?

Nice!

dick ranez

au contraire! unless you have a cache of money hidden away for camera gear purchases, I don't believe you will see a "significant" image improvement over what you already have. the extender reduces the advantage of the f2.8 aperture and doesn't give you better "reach" than you already have. I haven't checked, but would guess any significant weight difference would be only a matter of ounces. The optics differences are minimal, if any, and no extreme difference in weather sealing. For me, I'd have a glass of "fine adult beverage" and wait for the purchase impulse to pass.

ggab Loc: ?

"unless you have a cache of money hidden away for camera gear purchases".... I do. However that doesn't mean I spend it foolishly. It is difficult for me, mentally, to pay that much for a lens or camera.

Please explain the full sentence "unless you have a cache of money hidden away for camera gear purchases, I don't believe you will see a "significant" image improvement over what you already have". Does my having a cache of money change the IQ??

I do not currently have the ability to shoot 600mm f/5.6. The lens and 2x extender give me that.

"The optics differences are minimal, if any, and no extreme difference in weather sealing. For me, I'd have a glass of "fine adult beverage" and wait for the purchase impulse to pass". You make a comparison here.
Which lenses are you referring to? Ver i vs Ver II, Ver II vs the rest of the lenses I have?

I am a Crawl, Walk, Run person. I think right now I am walking fast. Part of my trepidation revolves around not being willing yet to Run. When I started I never thought I would get a DSLR that cost more than the $300.00 T3i I started with. I also never thought I would want/need a lens that cost more than $400.00. When I finished crawling and started walking, I found the gear I had wasn't sufficient. I out grew it.
You may be right, I may not yet be ready for the 300 f/2.8. I have uses for it and I believe my sports and nature shots would benefit by it, however I just may not be ready.

Thank you.
George