Canon 500 F4 L IS II lens
Mar 5, 2020 17:27:36 #
I am considering buying the Canon 500 F4 L IS II lens lens for bird/wildlife photography. Hoggers who may already own this lens, please share your views. This seems to be a heavy lens. So, may not be suitable for handhold shooting. What kind of tripod, monopod, heads and other accessories needed to ensure sharp pictures. I will be using this lens with a Canon 7D mkII camera body with Canon 1.4X L III extender. What settings in the IS need to be set on the lens. And do i need to set any particular camera body settings so as to ensure the very sharp pictures. Seems to have a hood that comes with the lens do i need to put the hood on always when shooting or not ? Also how do you transport this lens what kind of bag or backpack needed when you take this on plane as carry on. Thank you.
Mar 5, 2020 17:32:41 #
venkatesh_eng wrote:
I am considering buying the Canon 500 F4 L IS II l... (show quote)
Best choice for these long telephoto lenses is a good gimbal head. Make their use pretty much effortless once mounted.
Mar 5, 2020 17:43:38 #
venkatesh_eng wrote:
I am considering buying the Canon 500 F4 L IS II l... (show quote)
I rent this lens, when needed, as I don't need to 'own' a $9,000 lens. I've never used it on anything other than a gimbal head, alone or with either the 1.4x or 2x v III extenders. Canon's IS-enabled series II L-lenses include an IS mode 3. Use this setting that enables the IS only when the shutter is released. I've never found the IS to interfere with performance on a tripod, even at slow shutters such as 1/5 sec. I prefer the 500L over the 600L as the 500L fits in my backpack where the 600 doesn't. You always should have the hood properly installed whenever using this lens and any / all lenses. The knob on the hood helps as a 'sight' when tracking a subject before lowering your eye back to the camera's view finder.
Mar 5, 2020 18:16:37 #
venkatesh_eng wrote:
I am considering buying the Canon 500 F4 L IS II l... (show quote)
A more successful use of this lens comes from being more mobile ie getting it off a tripod. For this you will need a facial stabilizer and a bodypod.....OR - some people do hand hold it - but not for long !
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-269999-1.html - or, PM me.
On my 300 2.8 I leave the hood on 24/7 and cap it - harder to do with a 500 I know ! The Lens will come with a hard case but I like a nice soft case for in the field. I have this one for my 300 2,8 with hood left on. - https://www.ebay.com/itm/DSLR-Telephoto-Lens-Pouch-Tamron-Sigma-Camera-Bag-150-600mm-Nikon-200-500mm/132590510316?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
For plane travel I would keep it in the hardcase.
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Mar 6, 2020 08:29:44 #
venkatesh_eng wrote:
I am considering buying the Canon 500 F4 L IS II l... (show quote)
You want to get the EF 500mm? It is a very good lens for the uses you mention. Yes, long glass equals weight. Your questions indicate you have little working knowledge of this type of lens. You will need some sort of help holding this 500mm lens. Tripods are by far the most stabile platform, but that means restrictions. Tripods are not too maneuverable. Monopods will offer stability and portability. You will need a suitable head for this application, this is your choice so try them all before buying. Why do you need the extender? If you want more reach buy a longer lens but buying an extender just for distance is foolish. Extenders simply widen to field of view. Get more experience before buying as these lenses are very expensive. Experience may be found in workshops and shooting trips BEFORE you buy. Your situation indicates a strong need for renting before buying. Take your time and proceed slowly, the money is too great for frivolous shopping trips. Best of luck to you, let us know what you decide.
Mar 6, 2020 08:31:23 #
Mar 6, 2020 08:34:48 #
Mar 6, 2020 08:41:11 #
Thank you David. Great advice. I will take the time first renting lenses, trying them and then decide. Will keep you posted.
Mar 6, 2020 08:42:29 #
Mar 6, 2020 10:58:50 #
I have and use the Nikon version of this 500mm f4 lens.
I mount it to a wimberley II gimbal head attached to a series four carbon fiber tripod. Mine is from Induro. In a car I use it with a bean bag. The tripod you select is a function of your height, and how you will transport the tripod as all will impact the number of leg sections and closed and open height of the tripod. Some use a series three tripod instead of a series four.
For me hand holding this lens is not an option as it is too heavy and bulky.
https://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm
https://indurogear.com/products/induro-git304ghb2k.aspx
I mount it to a wimberley II gimbal head attached to a series four carbon fiber tripod. Mine is from Induro. In a car I use it with a bean bag. The tripod you select is a function of your height, and how you will transport the tripod as all will impact the number of leg sections and closed and open height of the tripod. Some use a series three tripod instead of a series four.
For me hand holding this lens is not an option as it is too heavy and bulky.
https://www.tripodhead.com/products/wimberley-main.cfm
https://indurogear.com/products/induro-git304ghb2k.aspx
Mar 6, 2020 11:07:26 #
venkatesh_eng wrote:
Thank you David. Great advice. I will take the time first renting lenses, trying them and then decide. Will keep you posted.
If you go with the rental idea, consider a few rentals for comparison sake, including the 400 f/2.8L and the 600L. You might even look at the 400 f/4L DO and the 200-400 f/4L that includes a 1.4x within the lens. The different focal lengths might be a better fit to your EOS 7DII.
Mar 6, 2020 11:27:40 #
Mar 6, 2020 11:30:06 #
Thank you CHG_CANON. I will consider the other lenses you have mentioned when renting.
Mar 6, 2020 11:55:31 #
Check out the Mindshift 40L backpack to carry a lens like that in the field or for traveling. I can fit my 400 2.8 with a converter and mirrorless camera body attached. Still plenty of room for another body and a couple more lenses plus a few accessories. You can find interior dimensions for the bag on B&H website. With exception of the regional jets, the bag should fit most overhead compartments. Keep in mind a lens like that requires a serious commitment to haul around along with a tripod and gimbal.
Mar 6, 2020 12:10:32 #
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