Hi,

I am toying with buying this lens , or waiting for the new 600(the idea of a 600 in a package similar to my current 500 is very appealing). I would like to here any comments about this lens positive or negative, likes, dislikes?
Is the minimum focus distance a problem or too much magnification sometimes, etc.
Any input would be appreciated!
thanks!
Scott

Type Canon 800mm into the search box above and you will get several pages of posts and opinion on this lens. Here is just one thread:
viewtopic.php?f=57&t=206354

Thanks, I should have tried that first!

I just got one, but I haven't had much time to check it out. New baby arrived a month early. I'm hoping to make it out for a few minutes this weekend. If you do, get the 4th generation lens foot, versus the Really Right Stuff foot. I have a 4th Generation foot on my 500, the RRS version sticks way out.

Since you already own a 500mm lens I don`t think that a small increase of just a 100mm is a noteworthy difference. I own the 800mm and except for using it when I take a lens flying somewhere I use the 800mm ALL the time. To me it`s its`s a no brainier to get the 800mm lens as long as you can swallow the cost. Just MHO, I don`t believe you will ever regret it, Jeff A.

I have just purchased one, after a lot of thought and a bit of angst, as it is a huge investment for me. The bottom line for me was reach. I have a lot of photos with the 400 plus 1.4, and I was still way too short, which equated that I would have the 1.4 on a 600 most of the time, which isn't what I wanted. I have taken out the 800 for a few spins to get the feel of it, and used it with the 1.4, and am very pleased i didn't go for the 600. However, some might prefer the 600. I didn't really have a problem with the long focal distance, a couple of times I was too close, but I have been too far away a ton more times, and as with everything, there is a compromise. Okay, a long focal distance, but....800 on it's own, or with the 1.4, is a far better option for me than the 600 with 1.4 on it more often, and still being short on some birds. I also like that I don't have to try and sneak up so close, and potentially scaring off the bird, which has happened a ton of times too!

Warning the 4th Gen Design is not stable and shows considerable flex when attached to the 800mm... I know, I'm stuck with it. I replaced it with the RRS version which much better and very stable though it does exhibit a higher profile.

I was thinking I would replace the 500 with the 600 if I went that route. Since it is basically the same weight as my 500, and only a slight bit larger, I figured I could replace the 500. It I went for the 800, I was planning on keeping the 500.

That's what I did... Sold 600mm kept 500mm and purchased 800mm. Very happy with that decision. Still no new 600mm yet. I might try to replace my 500mm at some time in the future with the new 500mm or perhaps the 200-400mm if it ever shows up. I'll keep the 800mm in either case.

I take it the new lenses are still at least April before they are scheduled to show up?

Yep, at least April and even then I suspect they'll go to Olympics photographers and if any left over to early pre-orders. My guess is close to the end of the year before we see them actually in stock anywhere.

Scott, I've shot with the 800/5.6 a number of times and can say without a moment's hesitation that if my primary interest was bird photography, I'd buy this lens. The combination of reach and fantastic AF/IS performance makes it superb for birds. Lens Rentals Canada (based out of Owen Sound) has a couple in their rental fleet, you should try one out for a week to see what you think.
cheers,
Ethan

Hi Robert,

Can you please clarify your statement?

"Warning the 4th Gen Design is not stable and shows considerable flex when attached to the 800mm... I know, I'm stuck with it. I replaced it with the RRS version which much better and very stable though it does exhibit a higher profile"

I've used the 4th Gen foot on the 800mm/5.6 in minus 50 temps with high winds and haven't noticed any flex. So, I'm interested in where on the unit you are getting the flex, in what conditions, and is it effecting images?

Also, I'm curious to know if anyone else is experiencing this flex problem as I like to avoid problems in the field.

Thanks,

Chris

Chris,

I had another friend with the same problem with the 4th Gen Footon the 800mm When I woould would lock down my ballhead tight and grab the camera I could flex the entire lens up and down quite easily. It was very dramatic while looking through the viewfinder. It's been quite a while since I've had the 4th Gen on the 800mm so I'm a bit fuzzy remembering all the details. I do know that with the original lens foot and the RRS version I don't get that flexing. Whether it would have made effected the image quality I didn't really test that but my friend did and said he could see a difference. I just know I wasn't comfortable with it and went the RRS route.

Here's my two cents for what it's worth. I currently own the 600mm f/4 IS lens and love the fact that I can add/remove a 1.4x TC. This gives me an 840mm f/5.6 lens when I need the reach or 600mm f/4 when I need an extra stop of light towards dusk/early morning or when the subject is close enough to me that I don't need the reach.

As a matter of fact, I have the new version of the 600mm on order. This will give me a hand-holdable 600mm or 840mm lens with a weight of 8.6 lbs vs the 800mm which is 9.9 lbs. The lens mtf chart looks exceptional on this new lens (super sharp) and $1,000 less than the 800mm. Seems like a better "deal" to me with greater flexibility when 600mm is enough reach. ("Deal" being relative as both these lenses are BIG money.)

Alan
www.iwishicouldfly.com

Robert,

Thanks for the head-up and I will test my set-up.

I know that RRS lens plates play better with RRS ballhead clamps because the angle of 4th Gen's channels are different.

I've been using the 4th Gen plate on a Wimberly II. For shooting, I put downward pressure on the Wimberly's arm and use a remote release. Maybe that's why I didn't notice any flexing.

OTOH, I do see my lens vibrating in extreme windy conditions. A friend uses RRS's Long Lens Support Package http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=CB-YS-Pkg&type=3&eq=CB-YS-Pkg-001&desc=Lens-Support-Pkg%2c-single-Quick-Release&key=ait and I was wondering if anyone else is using it with success.

It's more travel weight @ 20.3 oz, more height for the wind to catch, more potential for vibration and more time to set-up. So, I'm wondering if it's worth it.

Feedback would be appreciated and thanks in advance,

Chris

My 4th Gen plate doesn't flex at all.

I can't imagine myself without using this lens. I post pictures on Facebook all the time.

Good luck!

Definitely some flex on my 600, but after initial surprise I concluded that there was no substantial loss of performance with decent technique.

It works for my clients and myself.

IMO the 600 is too heavy, the 500 is too close in MM to the dinky Canon 400mm f 5.6, so why not the 800?

Plus, in a way, all big glass is likely FREE because you can likely sell it for what you paid after even a decade of use.

The downside is the rig is bulky and heavy, and it takes a long time to set up and tear down.

I see a couple of issues with the 800 vs the new 600.
1. the 600 is more flexible in that the sharpness is a wash between the 2 when the 600 has the 1.4 attached and with the loss of auto focus in the 1DX at f8 the 800 is only autofocus capable at 800.
2. the new 600 will have a better IS system.