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EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is getting heavier for me


nirvan_a

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<p>Wish me luck, I now have Canon 1DX and Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM and my prime interest is mostly Birds. I went for a 5 day photography tour but from the beginning of the 3rd day onwards, I could not even lift my camera and lenses. And with this lens there is no flexibility when the subject is nearer and it becomes difficult to compose the subject. So I was just thinking whether I should sell this 600mm and get a EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X ?<br>

Thanks</p>

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<p>The 200-400 is a mere 300 grams (about 10 ounces) lighter than the 600. Not a big weight savings. The closest focus is less than half what it is on the 600 (2M vs 4.5), so, yes, that flexibility is a bonus.</p>

<p>About the only downside I see is the 200-400 at 400 @ 560mm with the 1.4 kicked in is only f/5.6, but with the 1DX, that's probably not a big downside...</p>

<p>The best thing to do about the weight is to build upper arm strength. Either with weights, or just hefting the big lens whenever you have spare time... It can be done. I know a guy who very often handholds a 1DmkIV with Canon's 800mm...</p>

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<p>All this equipment is heavy. You should be using some support systems and not carry this stuff around, especially in your hands. I hike with pretty heavy gear and use the Cotton carrier system to put the load on my backpack not my neck and arms. The 600 is much worse than what I carry around which is 70-200 2.8L Ext 2X 5D3. But I hike 20 miles with 2-6,000 vertical feet climb. Sucks getting older too.</p>
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<p>There is no free lunch, you have to carry it or not use it. Perhaps you should consider a lens like the 150-600mm Tamron - presumably lighter - not nearly as capable but may be better for you? These long lenses look like panaceas for making effortless wildlife photos, but they are not; you still have to work very hard to get anything interesting. Getting the 200-400 won't help. That's just the way it is. You have the best of the best so there's nowhere else to turn - you have to develop your technique. What were you expecting?</p>
Robin Smith
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<p>It might be worth checking if a micro four thirds system would give you acceptable image quality. A friend who does very long hikes says that unless he pixel peeps, his Panasonic GX-7 and a long Leica-made telephoto does an adequate job compared to his Nikon D3 and pro lenses.</p>
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<p>I think I'd also consider your choice of camera. Robin's suggestion of a slower lens will help a lot with weight, but pairing that w/ a 5D3 or even (god forbid ;) ) a 7D is going to allow you to shoot pretty effectively, while minimizing the weight. As david says, a 7D would give a 400mm ~600mm FOV, allowing you to use much lighter lenses. Frankly, the best eqp in the orld doesn't help you take awesome pics if you can't make it work the way you need it too.</p>

<p>I certainly wouldn't jump to a 4/3 or Gx-7 or their ilk. <em>Not</em> because of the IQ, but simply because of the limiting interface. Simply adjusting aperture and SS on the fly (or, on the 'wing' ;) ) is not practical while a bird is working it's way across your FOV. </p>

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<p>You will get stronger, IF you work at it regularly. I'd suggest starting here. Most males can put on muscle strength relatively quickly, assuming that your protein intake is commensurate with you lens budget.</p>

<p>The 500/f4 II is 1.5-lb lighter and works very well with either the 1.4x or 2.0x TC-III on the 1D X.</p>

<p>After using the 1D X, you're not going to be happy with any of the AF on any of the current APS-C sensors. They're pathetic in comparison. The 7D (I own one) is very inconsistent, even with a bare lens. It's a huge step backward in both file quality and AF performance, from the 1D X.</p>

<p>How much lighter is the 200-400mm? I'm thinking, not much. The 500/f4 II is absolutely the best testing super-telephoto lens that Canon's made. </p>

<p>Give yourself 6-weeks to see if you can develop the muscle strength, with diligent work. If you still can't handle your 600mm, then move to something at least 1.5-lb lighter. I come from an athletic background where we regularly solve problems by building physical strength. Many don't have this background and experience, but most males with appropriate diets and exercise can gain strength quickly.</p>

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<p>@ Sarah Fox</p>

<p>I thought I'd seen this topic before, and yes your link from February is also from same Nirvan. Got about the same answers then too, including "increase strength." I guess the MO here is ask a question if you don't like answers you get, post the same question two months later. </p>

<p>David has the right advice, short of the OP giving us personal info regarding age and physical condition. Go to youtube or google something like 'bodyweight exercises' you'll be surprised how you can increase strength with simple things like push ups, chin ups, body weight squats....and walking. I'd also suggest something like a baby jogger to carry gear from point a to point b, though that won't help you hold or lift....</p>

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<p>Well, he seems genuine, although admit there is a sameness about his posts. He finds it too heavy, but refuses to get strong or get a lighter lens (not that I altogether blame him as spending all that $$ on the lens and not liking it must be galling). My personal feeling is that NirvanA expected expensive equipment was THE key to getting good bird shots, when it is only one part of the process.</p>
Robin Smith
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<p>You have received some good advice and you probably have the best equipment (I assume a good tripod) for bird photography. Yes, I've tried the Canon 200 - 400mm and my wife has the new 600 f/4 lens because we are bird photographers. If bird photography is your goal, I recommend what has been mentioned earlier and that is to build-up you strength and keep your current equipment. After awhile you will not notice the weight of the equipment just the joy of getting great shots.</p>

 

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  • 2 weeks later...
<p>All the guys I know who use this lens shoot sports and all use a strong mono-pod. I use the Tamron SP150-600 DI VC and love it. It is about the same weight as my Sigma 70-200 F2.8 and is equally as sharp as my Canon 85 1.2L and 17-40 F4L. I put this lens above both of those due to the excellent VC capabilities in this lens. I also enjoy that is has very close focusing for a 600mm lens. But, if you already own and like the Canon 600 then yea you gotta increase strength or technique.</p>
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