wow, nice, 600 F/4 ?
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wow, nice, 600 F/4 ?
Darren
Gear : Nikon Goodness
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Oops, I didn't add that... yeah, 600mm f4 (5.36kg). But it's the older model so no IS, but I can't complain for the price I paid (don't ask, I'm not telling). Built in 1999, but from a couple of test shots I took is definitely no worse for wear. Focus is super quick, at least compared to my current lenses, and crisp as. I'm taking it out for a run tomorrow at the Wivenhoe meet, so should be fun. I might post a pic or two afterwards.
OMG Allan....what in blue blazers have you gone and bought.
Did transport come with that?
Looks like a rocket launcher.
Damn that's huge.
2nd hand then I take it, must be, looks pristine though
Make sure you use a very good support system.
Look fwd to seeing the results.
omg i can only just see the camera body Allan - your going to have some fun.
thanks for the reply Tannin - i am lifting weights while i post this message
Yep, second hand. Belonged to a pro surf photog who is upgrading, and yes looks pristine, only a small scratch on the tripod mount that I have found. I'll have it at work on Tuesday if you wanna drop by (going to Mt Cootha after work).Originally Posted by kiwi
lol, you'll need a wemberley now.
wassup Mt Cootha ? I might come with you, though I only have the lowly 400
Wimberley heads are not cheap... let me get over this shock first...wassup Mt Cootha ? I might come with you, though I only have the lowly 400
nothing special up there, I have taken a few panos with my 100-400 and want to do a straigh low-light comparison with something I've already done.
Threadstarter
Hoolie Doolie! A 600/4, no less! Good for you, Alann! You are already doing some very nice stuff, you'll go backwards for a while (as one always does when getting the hang of new gear) but that won't last, and I expect to start seeing some real rippers from your collection before too many weeks go by.
There are only two ways to buy a head for a big white: Method 1 is the cheapest, but Method 2 gets you there in the end.
Method 1: buy a Wimberley.
Method 2: buy a cheaper head, buggerise around with it for ages, then throw it away and buy a Wimberley.
Yup, sage advice I think
Check this out too
http://www.moosenewsblog.com/2009/01...s-4-long-lens/
Great write up Tony.
Congrats on the new lens Alan. I've been spending also.
Greg
1DmkIV + other stuff that sticks to the front. | Photogallery
Clearly I'm cleverly disguised as a Responsible Adult.
You have too, nice camera upgrade.
A lot of this post is relevent to any new gear. I know moving from the 75-300 to the 180mm macro was a massive step. Whilst not extremely heavy it is certainly different to the kit lens. Same learning processes too and different but similar difficulties of use.
I definately think a thought for anyone buying anything bigger is to remember that whilst learning with a new piece of gear you will typically shoot worse than before. I look back at results I had with the 180 when i got it and the consistancy I had with it and wondered how I grew to love the lens at all. Now over a year later my consistancy is much greater, my results are to my eyes fantastic (regardless of composition etc).
Thanks for the write up Tony.
Adam
Thanks Adam.
Totally agree with the learning curve associated with new gear.
do birds notice the big white lens?
do you use the neoprene camoflage lens cover?
what attention do you get from passing people?
I read about this fellow whose big white lens was handled by this woman who thought it was a public coin telescope.
I wondered about attaching a Canon to a Takahashi 130 where you get no diaphram and the focussing is done from knobs on the side rather than from a focussing ring.
The 130 is the size of the objective lens, not the focal length. The Tak is also a big white lens.
Daryl
Threadstarter
what attention do you get from passing people?
A fair bit, but you can manage it with suitable body language to deter conversation altogether; or with a quick friendly smile followed by obvious concentration on the task at hand; or simply by keeping it out of sight as much as you sensibly can. Most of the time, you want to be where the people aren't anyway.
do you use the neoprene camoflage lens cover?
Yes. These are not supplied with the lenses, they are an after-market add-on. Lens Coat make good quality ones that fit beautifully, but they are quite expensive - close to $100. Good to have though.
do birds notice the big white lens?
Yes. A cover helps a bit. But what they really notice is your increased agitation (you are working harder because it is so awkward and heavy) and most of all, the clumsy, jerky way you move (which is because of the heavy lens - I wrote about this earlier). Birds are seriously good at body language. Relax, slow down, don't eyeball the bird you are interested in, take your time .... it is all part of the technique.
A Takahashi 130 may be a big white lens, but it isn't a Big White lens! If you have one or can borrow one, you should start a thread about it. That would be interesting.
This made me laugh, I had this mental image of Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin in B/W semi speeded up struggling with a huge lens whilst birds sat on his head or circled around in large numbers.
I do vaguely remember comedians in B/W struggling with view cameras and the tripod legs would splay out at awkward moments. Not to mention flash powder!
Daryl.
Thanks for this great review Tannin (even though its aged since it was first posted). It is particularly useful as I've ordered the 500/f4 and should get it next week. It has certainly injected some realism to my expectations of using the lens, as all I read about is how wonderful it is. I've used the 100-400 mostly so far, I'm a safari junkie off to Zambia and South Africa in November (fourth trip in as many years) so travelling with the 500 will be a challenge and a worry. Be interested in your thoughts on travel issues..?
cheers
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