View Full Version : Oh Dear!
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/dsipatched.jpg
The web site says allow 14 -28 days delivery on this item, so I thought I'd better play safe and get it ordered in time for Christmas. However when I hit the 'Buy' button it said 'In stock' ... uh oh!
Now I have a message on the ansaphone saying it wiill be delivered on Monday.
Ho hum. :p
Am I missing something, isn't that good gives you more time to play.
Am I missing something, isn't that good gives you more time to play.
It's good I suppose, but the problem is gonna be stopping Jan from snaffing it and wrapping it in about 3 layers of Christmas paper and 3 rolls of Selloptape. :lol:
Warspite
11-11-2006, 12:13
:lol: Dont worry, Im sure UPS will screw it up for you ;)
Congratulations on the new glass :thumbs:
well if you would like to have it delivered to me I will take special care of it, and deliver it to you nearer christmas.
Isn't that a generous offer?
well if you would like to have it delivered to me I will take special care of it, and deliver it to you nearer christmas.
Isn't that a generous offer?
The genererosity of our members never ceases to amaze me. I'm really choked up. :'(
:D
I'm a bit surprised, but it seems the only long lenses which are a 'Special Order' are the 600mm F4 and the 400mm 2.8.
Where did you get it in the end sir? Last I read you were gonna go the Jessops route :)
I went with Jessops who are currently offering 10% off and free delivery so it's a pretty good deal - substantially cheaper than Warehouse Express. It's not as cheap as Kerso, but I'm playing safe with this one - any problems and I heave it across the counter at my local branch. ;)
It's good I suppose, but the problem is gonna be stopping Jan from snaffing it and wrapping it in about 3 layers of Christmas paper and 3 rolls of Selloptape. :lol:
But even wrapped up you can still do some bench presses with it to build up the muscle tone to heft the thing. ;)
I've had play with one of these at Castle Combe, it was absolutely lovely and every bit as brilliant as you're no doubt hoping it's going to be. :clap:
LOL @ Daz. :lol:
Ian's just been showing me some Red Kite pics taken in Wales with this lens and 1.4TC :eek:
I think he's gonna stick em up in a bit.
Soln:
- Skive off work Monday morning.
- Hang around outside your house looking innocent.
- Wait for the UPS dude to "eventually" show up.
- When he does dive on him, sign the bit of paper and peg it with the parcel.
- In your garage/shed carfully open the parcel, remove the lens from the big White,Red & Black box and replace it with an equivalent weight in bricks. Then re-seal.
- Give Jan the parcel. She can happily wrap you a few bricks in a box and you get to go play.
... Dont see a problem do you?
Ill put one up, as they are from another site and posted by someone else, and dont want to get in trouble !
But user is Capture (NOT ME) from POTN and shots are really awesome ! :) taken with 1d MK2N, 500 F4L and 1.4 TC
Rest are on this thread http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=238113
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d133/capture1/PC8O2236-02.jpg
so thats the type of lens i should be aming for:thinking: if you feel like letting any of your old zoom lens go ill help you mate:thumbs:
... Dont see a problem do you?
I can see a potential problem keeping a pallet of bricks that large hidden till the UPS driver arrives. ;)
LOL @ Odligt. I like it .... devious! :naughty:
Even allowing for the much better light at Gigrin Farm than we had on our visit, that's a cracking shot Ian.
just looked at the link ianc some awsome shots there mate awsome....
just looked at the link ianc some awsome shots there mate awsome....
Yeah they are, the guy that took them did a fantastic job too, when CT, Matt and myself went to Gigrin we couldnt get anywhere near that good !
These are really huge birds, but even with the 100-400L I couldn't fill the frame and ending up cropping heavily.
Jimmy_Lemon
11-11-2006, 13:16
4 and a half grand!!! good god!!!
^^^ LOL^^^ Check out the 600mm F4 or the 400mm 2.8!
Nice purchase, Just wait till it arrives it will be even bigger than you think, and that new lens smell, :woot: :woot:
I just found something of intrest with my 600L if you stack the 2x + 1.4x both mk2's behind the lens on my 1Dmk2n body the lens is reported as an f8 1200mm not f11 1680mm and the auto focus works, it locked on in low light in the house !!!.
That's interesting then Mark. I wouldn't be exactly heart broken if that proved to be the case with the 500. ;)
That's interesting then Mark. I wouldn't be exactly heart broken if that proved to be the case with the 500. ;)
I never tried it with the 500L
Pic just to keep you going till it arrives
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Other/Canon-Super-Telephoto-Lenses.jpg
Picture is ©TheDigitalPicture.com
(shown next to 300f2.8ISL)
busterboy
11-11-2006, 15:41
Many congrats Cedric, As you know this will be my next purchase and looking forwards to buying one myself.
Look forwards to seeing the tonsils on those squirrels now full frame..:D
PS: Really pleased for you mate..;)
AW...thanks Tim. :thumbs:
Hmmm I see I've picked up a new user title. I wonder who's responsible for that ?:suspect:
"BOD!!!!!"
:lol:
Surely should be "gobs in Nikons" anyway ! ;)
Surely should be "gobs in Nikons" anyway ! ;)
:agree:
Bod!
Venomator
11-11-2006, 18:41
It's good I suppose, but the problem is gonna be stopping Jan from snaffing it and wrapping it in about 3 layers of Christmas paper and 3 rolls of Selloptape. :lol:
Piece of cake GiN (< :lol: !)
Take the lens out ... replace with half a brick and leave Jan to wrap it ... might need some fast hand work when you unwrap it but hey ... will be worth it to practice in the mean time ...HeHe ... Hey Presto ... she'll never know ...:eek:
And Ian ... lovely pics of one of my favourite raptors ...:thumbs:
:p
That makes my 300f2.8IS look like a toy...
It will also be my next photography purchase and im thinking i might just get mine ordered sooner than I was planning, ive decided not to get the 8-core Macpro when its released as there seem to be CPU bandwidth issues.
That makes my 300f2.8IS look like a toy...
Well hardly - its horses for courses., that's some toy! ;)
Really long fast lenses just open up a whole new world for birds and wildlife. Unfortunately, they don't come cheap. :gag:
digitalfailure
12-11-2006, 09:31
for the money that lens cost, you could have bought the birds and glued them to a near by branch :eek:
for the money that lens cost, you could have bought the birds and glued them to a near by branch :eek:
Or a respectable car. Don't remind me. :p
Nice buy CT, can't wait to see the shots :thumbs:
hmm... Going to have to watch this item (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130046220149), the seller is only 15miles from me. I was planning on buying myself a Breitling Aerospace and an 8-core Macpro for Xmas, but i think id prefer instead of both of them...
<---- Butterfingers... LOL. ****whistles*** what edit..
hmm... Going to have to watch this item (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130046220149), the seller is only 15miles from me. I was planning on buying myself a Breitling Aerospace and an 8-core Macpro for Xmas, but i think id prefer instead of both of them...
<---- Buttfingers... LOL.
Wooohooo. Good luck! I wonder why he's selling it? I'd be a bit wary of why he isnt posting pics of the actual lens, but it could be a real bargain.
<---- Buttfingers... LOL.
:lol: It's actually butterfingers...but nice typo!!!!! :clap:
I think ill ask him if i can go view it Tuesday morning before making an offer/placing bid.
Warspite
12-11-2006, 18:13
Also make sure you dont go to collect it alone.
The fact he did alot of business up until April then stopped would make me think hijacked account - so take care :thumbs:
I think ill ask him if i can go view it Tuesday morning before making an offer/placing bid.
Sounds like a good idea. It's probably all OK and as described, but you can't be too careful. There's been a few none IS ones on fleabay of late and they tend to be a bit knocked about.... they're not the easiest of lenses to handle, and with the weight, any careless handling soon results in bumps and scuffs.
Good luck... hope you get it. :thumbs:
EDIT
Good point by Warspite too - take someone with you!
at least if you say you want to see it before placing a bid, they wont assume you got cash on you ! :)
busterboy
12-11-2006, 18:44
Also make sure you dont go to collect it alone.
Mmmmm..:naughty: Like letting me go with you..:nuts:
If i do decide to go and check it out, ill take me mother, shes quite scarey.
Something that strikes me a slightly dodgy in his reply to my question...
hi there
i am blackburn lancashire mate
if you have further quieries please call me on the number on the ad
thanks
Now why does it matter to him how i contact him, unless of course it is a hijacked account and he fears the original owner may get the account back and he wont be able to contact me using the ¨ask seller a question¨ thingy.
On the other hand, he is selling it pickup only, so anyone buying it would obviously be picking it and paying cash... so they would only be paying if the item was as described.
On the other hand, he is selling it pickup only, so anyone buying it would obviously be picking it and paying cash... so they would only be paying if the item was as described.
Unless him and his mates are going to jump all over you like a bunch of Rottweillers. ;)
its possible he doesnt have 24/7 access to internet, there are still some people like that ! somewhere ! ;)
Unless him and his mates are going to jump all over you like a bunch of Rottweillers. ;)
Funnily enough I took my dog with me to Scotland when I went to meet Kersos' nephew when buying my lenses, with £4.5K cash...
He looks very menacing when he hurtling towards your jugular...
As this shot kinda doesnt show...
http://www.dreederuk.com/Gallery/albums/Stuff/IMG_0350.sized.jpg
LOL. It's probaby OK, but just be a bit careful, there's towrags out there who'll mug you for at lot less money than that. ;)
Pink Fairy
12-11-2006, 20:57
hmm... Going to have to watch this item (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130046220149), the seller is only 15miles from me. I was planning on buying myself a Breitling Aerospace and an 8-core Macpro for Xmas, but i think id prefer instead of both of them
Yeah, I've been keeping tabs on that one. Some you see and feel safe with, some you have doubts about.... it's the latter with this one.
My lens budget (300/2.8 VR) last xmas ended up on my wrist... no regrets though :), and you tend to find the money for the lenses sooner than later.
cheers,
Andy
I would ask him for pictures of the lens etc with todays paper in the shot as the one's on the site are stock canon images the centre one is not even the 500 its the 600L.
I personally would have doubts about this one.
If you have a 4K lens for sale you put decent photos of the object for sale etc, plus he only accepts bank transfer or cash. i'm thinking stolen details to set up account (both ebay and bank), cash is cash. He wont accept cheques as they will probably take too long to clear etc. (makes it easier to trace him as he has to go to the bank).
I would call him and ask if you can view the lens, but only go if its at house etc.
just my 2 cents worth.
Mark
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 07:41
Under his former ebay name (changed 2nd of this month), he used to sell one of those 'beat the bookies' type books/software... which doesn't inspire confidence in me but each to their own i suppose.
Although he has a history of selling Canon cameras... i find it odd that the model names are mentioned so frequently in the feedback?? If i were to hijack an account to make a lot in one go with a canon lens, I'd maybe google for those who had a visible history selling canon gear.
Get some bloody pics of it posted C!
You could always ask for the serial number and cantact Canon / CPS and ask if that lens and number has ben reported stolen, Just to check. As I believe Canon are now keeping a record of stolen items if you report your loss to them.
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 07:55
Get some bloody pics of it posted C!
Likewise, this 600 that's just popped up
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EF-600mm-f-4L-Lens-Ultrasonic_W0QQitemZ180050210503
... another one you'd worry about.
Likewise, this 600 that's just popped up
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-EF-600mm-f-4L-Lens-Ultrasonic_W0QQitemZ180050210503
... another one you'd worry about.
Either that's a hijacked account or the seller is very very lazy.
For a 3.5k lens you don't just put one sentence then copy the specs from the manufacturers website?
Either that's a hijacked account or the seller is very very lazy.
For a 3.5k lens you don't just put one sentence then copy the specs from the manufacturers website?
Actually Bod the 600 is worth 5800 new ! not 3500 ! ;) LOL
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 10:28
Actually Bod the 600 is worth 5800 new ! not 3500 ! ;) LOL
It's so bereft of detail that it just appears to be a non-I.S. version.
Ten to eight this morning... on the nail - City Link. :)
Everything seems to be as it should be so a quick test shot of a squirrrel - well what did you expect? :D
Full frame at 500mm
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/500test-fullframe.jpg
And a 1:1 crop
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/50mmtest-crop.jpg
800 ISO 1/400 at F4. What a difference a couple of stops makes. I should have dropped the ISO a bit.
The good news is 500mmm is just perfect for my favourite fir tree, and the 1.4 TC is gonna open up all the trees around me which have been out of range up till now.
I'll try and get some pics of 'it' up just now. :)
Nice CT.:woot: :woot:
we need an outing for the newley formed TP Super Telephoto Club.
Nice CT.:woot: :woot:
we need an outing for the newley formed TP Super Telephoto Club.
Oooooh can i join ! ;) oh hang on that means i got to buy a Super Tele ! hmmm let me get back to you on that one ! ;)
It's so bereft of detail that it just appears to be a non-I.S. version.
Oh right, will teach me to pay more attention ! ;)
Teach me too..:D
CT...you didn't last long did you? I know you said it would be difficult holding out until christmas but come on...I thought you had a bit more resistance than that :lol:
Can't really blame him though :) Congrats CT, looks like the mutts :)
im waiting for pics of the lens itself now ! ;)
Nice CT.:woot: :woot:
we need an outing for the newley formed TP Super Telephoto Club.
Not sure about that. Sounds a bit elitist to me.
Lens looks great CT :D
The beast itself then...
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/lens_and_case.jpg
The case is a nice substantial bit of gear for safe storage and transport, but for actually carting the lens about in the field it's about as much use as an ash tray on a motorbike. The lens does come with a shoulder strap though. The Arca plate mounted on the lens doesn't come with it.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/onpodwithhood.jpg
Mounted on the tripod. It's a whole new technique to get this thing on the pod without dropping it, the chances of which are very real if you're not careful.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/onpodsanshood.jpg
And without the hood, which you can see represents a lot of it's overall length. Sans hood it's only about 15 inches long. That deep hood though is the only protection for the front element - the lens takes 52mmm rear drop-in filters.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/switch_panel.jpg
And a close up of the switch panel.
Very quick first impressions...
It's heavy which I expected anyway, but at 8+ lbs it's going to be manageable to hump about on a day's shooting without undue fatique. I can comfortably move the camera and lens with tripod around without having to do a full strip down every time. It might be different with a heavier tripod though.
The AF is lightning fast and very quick and positive if you select the right focus limiter range out of the three provided, with little or no hunting at all.
Now I've just got to get used to the thing, but I'm happy that I made the right choice in going for the 500mm over the 600mm. Dedicated out and out birders may well go for the extra reach of the 600mm and I can understand why, but I'm happy with the compromise and the weight saving.
That's all folks. :D
Except I'm really feeling made up this morning.
nice one CT :) you need to change your Sig now though ;)
Nice squirrel shots. You are going to have lots of fun.
(I recon it's a stuffed one that you've glued to the floor. :))
Looks like a very decent bit of kit.
Out of interest what does the "focus|preset" switch do?
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 12:16
That deep hood though is the only protection for the front element - the lens takes 52mmm rear drop-in filters.
The first piece of glass isn't part of the lens system as such, think of it as a built-in protective filter. Still, replacement cost is between £350 and £450. I wouldn't get paranoid about it, it's amazing how tough this glass is... I wouldn't want to shoot speedway with it though ;)
Just make sure you have the lens hood on most of the time, and when transporting without the hood, try to make sure the luggage doesn't rub against the glass.
I'll be ordering my 600 this week... I'm not at all happy about being without a big lens, sort of feel naked.
cheers,
Andy
Out of interest what does the "focus|preset" switch do?
LOL Gotta read the book, but I think what it does is memorize the current focus postion when you press it. So if you refocus on another distance you can return to that focus setting with a single press of the button.
shiato storm
13-11-2006, 12:39
looks rubbish, think you need to send it my way for testing over a period of, say, a few years...just to be sure
kidding! :D
looks awesome, and rightfully beefy strapped to a 1d like that. now, who do I have to kill/blackmail/steal from to get one?
The first piece of glass isn't part of the lens system as such, think of it as a built-in protective filter. Still, replacement cost is between £350 and £450. I wouldn't get paranoid about it, it's amazing how tough this glass is... I wouldn't want to shoot speedway with it though ;)
Just make sure you have the lens hood on most of the time, and when transporting without the hood, try to make sure the luggage doesn't rub against the glass.
I'll be ordering my 600 this week... I'm not at all happy about being without a big lens, sort of feel naked.
cheers,
Andy
Ah... that makes sense.... gracias Andy. A replacement lens hood is 300 quid too!
A replacement lens hood is 300 quid too!
Wot? £300 for a washed baked bean tin with both ends cut off, then sprayed black and white?
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 12:58
Ah... that makes sense.... gracias Andy. A replacement lens hood is 300 quid too!
The HK-23 hood for the lens I just sold is twice that... think yourself lucky ;)
Enjoy the lens, I'm very jealous... along with about everyone else on here. It's a great feeling getting a spanking new lens delivered and you don't even have to wait for the battery to charge up before using it :)
and you don't even have to wait for the battery to charge up before using it :)
Depends if you remembered to charge the camera battery though ;)
Enjoy the lens, I'm very jealous... along with about everyone else on here. It's a great feeling getting a spanking new lens delivered and you don't even have to wait for the battery to charge up before using it :)
They can have my credit card statement - that'll cure 'em. :D
I've found that the lens auto focuses beautifully on the 20D even with the 1.4X TC. This is a full frame 1D shot, and the nearest I'm going to get to a serious attempt today. Unremarkable except it was shot through tinted glass, 1/80 at F5.6 and 800 ISO with the 1.4xTC.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/700mmRobin.jpg
Gonna put it away now and RTFM. ;)
very nice, looks a bit soft though mate, perhaps i can check it out for you for a few months ? ;)
LOL. Thanks Ian it gets me right 'ere... honest. :wave:
LOL. Thanks Ian it gets me right 'ere... honest. :wave:
Well you know me ! Helpful to the end ! ;)
Thats pretty good for 1/80 at 500mm!!!
Venomator
13-11-2006, 15:23
Either that's a hijacked account or the seller is very very lazy.
For a 3.5k lens you don't just put one sentence then copy the specs from the manufacturers website?
You'd be extremely wary dealing with someone posting like that AND with less than 95% feedback ...:eek:
Steer clear at all costs ... imo ...:p
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 16:30
This is a full frame 1D shot, and the nearest I'm going to get to a serious attempt today. Unremarkable except it was shot through tinted glass, 1/80 at F5.6 and 800 ISO with the 1.4xTC.
Gonna put it away now and RTFM. ;)
That's a cracker ... and look at what that lens has done to the bg, that's why you pay that sort of money for these lenses.
LOL. Thanks Ian it gets me right 'ere... honest. :wave:
Like bile :lol:
/knowing nod to "Bottom" fans (of the Adrian Edmundson and Rik Mayall show type :suspect: )
Thats pretty good for 1/80 at 500mm!!!
Effectively 700mm Joe with the 1.4TC. There's no way that would have worked without IS.
busterboy
13-11-2006, 22:07
That's a cracker ... and look at what that lens has done to the bg, that's why you pay that sort of money for these lenses.
Very good statement Andy.
Lovely lens and even better images Cedric, I am very envious of you.
Enjoy it mate..:)
I wouldn't like to bet money on how long it will be before you've got one Tim. ;)
Congrats on the new toy CT :)
Venomator
13-11-2006, 22:21
Hmmm ... suppose this means your stuff just got that much better then Cedric ...:thinking:
... mighty glad Nikkor range don't got a 500 VR ... yet ...:eek:
:p
Congrats on the new toy CT :)
Thankee, but it's not a toy it's an erm... essential recreational tool. :D
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 22:31
I've just done my £4.7k on the 600 tonight .... bit bizarre as I haven't even got a Canon body to use with it yet ;)
Hmmm ... suppose this means your stuff just got that much better then Cedric ...:thinking:
... mighty glad Nikkor range don't got a 500 VR ... yet ...:eek:
:p
I bet they will though. ;)
Seriously nearly all my bird shots have been quite substantial crops of necessity, but any cropping now will be mostly minor and often not at all, so there should be a marked increase in quality. Hope so Rog anyway.
I've just done my £4.7k on the 600 tonight .... bit bizarre as I haven't even got a Canon body to use with it yet ;)
LMAO :)
Nice one Andy !:)
I've just done my £4.7k on the 600 tonight .... bit bizarre as I haven't even got a Canon body to use with it yet ;)
LOL You mad impetuous fool. :lol: When you gettin it?
Pink Fairy
13-11-2006, 22:48
LOL You mad impetuous fool. :lol: When you gettin it?
Maybe end of the week. Just deciding what body now, maybe a 30D or a 1D MKII N, just treading water until the big one next year. The AF may persuade me to go with the the 1D... be a handy back-up body. Not sure I could live with a 30D after the D2x...and a heavy lump balances the lens better when I'm carrying it around.
Mine's a bit nose heavy on the pod at the moment even with the 1D. I need a longer Arca plate to get the weight back a bit but I'm working on it. :)
The 500 performs really well with the 20D which is really a 30D and sometimes the smaller sensor means less cropping. AF down to F8 is handy though with the 1 series (MK2) and they wont go out of fashion any time soon even when they launch the new model.
Gobsmacked, absolutely gobsmacked, that lens looks incredable, the images awesome and I'm dead jealous looking at my naff 70-300 kit lens :) Now where's my credit card ....
I bet they will though. ;)
Just as soon as Pink Fairy sells all his Nikon gear...
It'll be 600mm and f/4...allegedly. But I didn't tell you that, geddit?
It'll be 600mm and f/4...allegedly. But I didn't tell you that, geddit?
oooh interesting....
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 08:57
It'll be 600mm and f/4...allegedly. But I didn't tell you that, geddit?
Inside information suggests it will be black :)
It's the new black, after all...
shiato storm
14-11-2006, 09:17
which is probably an off white grey...we all know how 'they' like to copy the good stuff ;)
actually a white lens may make more sense in terms of thermophysics, heat can expand the components inside a lens and impair IQ (yes, really) - black loves to store heat, white less so, so maybe there is some method in the madness....
White also reflects sunlight and gives my position away to the bad guys - there's less madness in my method. And in 60C temps I don't think it'll make much difference what colour it's painted - it's all to hot to touch with bare skin.
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 10:32
Canon has more need to use reflective bodies than others, principally because of the fact that they use flourite based elements (well a single element because it is so expensive), flourite based glass is particularly fragile being prone to heat and shock.
One the whole, I think modern materials and build design gets around heat expansion/contraction.
Mine's getting Cammo'd up shortly anyway. ;)
OK I've sussed the focus preset thing now.. was it Oldigt who asked about it?
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/switch_panel.jpg
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/onpodsanshood.jpg
That 3 position switch is LEFT - OFF
Right - ON with a confirmation beep.
Centre- ON but you can live without the beep.
If you focus on a given subject/ range then press the 'SET' button to the left of the three position switch (partly obscured in the pic) you store that focus position in memory. You can now focus elsewhere as you please, but should an opportunity arise at your preset focus spot, then to recall the setting you just nudge the white knurled jog wheel which is towards the front of the lens. It only moves a fraction left or right, and it matters not which way you turn it, it instantly recalls your previous focus position. It's very fast and accurate and works whether you're in AF or MF Mode.
Fantastic, and potentially a really useful aid to bagging the shots, which is more than I can say for the AF Stop function.
If you look at the back rubberised band towards the front of the lens you can see a black micro switch. There are actually four of these at 90 degree intervals around the band. Pressing any of these halts the AF function (overriding the shutter button) until you release it, when AF resumes.
For the life of me I can't think of a situation where I'm likely to need it, or be able to find one of 'em in the heat of the moment, especially being so far forward on the lens. :thinking:
Time might prove me wildly wrong, but the jury's out. :shrug:
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 11:13
Mine's getting Cammo'd up shortly anyway. ;)
If you focus on a given subject/ range then press the 'SET' button to the left of the three position switch (partly obscured in the pic) you store that focus position in memory. You can now focus elsewhere as you please, but should an opportunity arise at your preset focus spot, then to recall the setting you just nudge the white knurled jog wheel which is towards the front of the lens. It only moves a fraction left or right, and it matters not which way you turn it, it instantly recalls your previous focus position. It's very fast and accurate and works whether you're in AF or MF Mode.
Fantastic, and potentially a really useful aid to bagging the shots, which is more than I can say for the AF Stop function.
If you look at the back rubberised band towards the front of the lens you can see a black micro switch. There are actually four of these at 90 degree intervals around the band. Pressing any of these halts the AF function (overriding the shutter button) until you release it, when AF resumes.
For the life of me I can't think of a situation where I'm likely to need it, or be able to find one of 'em in the heat of the moment, especially being so far forward on the lens. :thinking:
Time might prove me wildly wrong, but the jury's out. :shrug:
That's interesting... so, unlike my Nikon 300/2.8, the 4 focus lock buttons don't double-up as focus preset recall buttons.
Must admit, I'd like focus recall buttons down towards the camera... it can be an awkward reach when they're down towards the end of the lens. Ah well. It is a handy function though, i use it a lot.
Yeah, focus lock buttons are pretty redundant these days... modern cameras have enough focus lock options.
Thanks CT.
I agree that pre-focus button looks to be brill. So you can focus on where your next squirrel is expected to appear and then pan around looking for "baby robins" or such and be ready to get that shot when the furry critter pops his nose out. Cool. :thumbs::thumbs:
4 more focus lock buttons (and long arms...):shrug:
That's interesting... so, unlike my Nikon 300/2.8, the 4 focus lock buttons don't double-up as focus preset recall buttons.
Nope - they don't have any useful function at all as far as I can see. :shrug:
I wont be sending it back though. :D
Venomator
14-11-2006, 12:48
Inside information suggests it will be black :)
Ooh ... :naughty:
And does II suggest the price ...yet ...:thinking:
Likely to be well over a £grand per 100mm ... one suspects ...:eek:
Start saving Rog ...:D
:p
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 12:49
Nope - they don't have any useful function at all as far as I can see. :shrug:
I wont be sending it back though. :D
If you get a screwdriver and a soldering iron, you may be able to transfer the ring switch wires to the buttons... go on, it'll be a laugh :D
If you get a screwdriver and a soldering iron, you may be able to transfer the ring switch wires to the buttons... go on, it'll be a laugh :D
Can't find me soldering iron. :thinking:
Well... I've been set up all day - pure frustration . I knew I should have bought this lens in the summer. The light is dire, and the birds don't want to know - story of my life. ;) These are the best couple, both taken 100th at F5.6, 800 ISO and fill flash -2 stops power, with 1.4 TC. Not what I was hoping for, but they bode well for better conditions I think ?
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Robin1_14_11_06.jpg
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/Robin2_14_11_06.jpg
here WAS (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/6147042.stm) an opportunity to test it out too :(
Nahh it's bust, I'd take it back. The background is all blurry and you can just about see the glue blobs under the right foot. Tch tch tch...
I take it those are not crops?
Very good. Promises to be a great spring next year.
Canon has more need to use reflective bodies than others, principally because of the fact that they use flourite based elements (well a single element because it is so expensive), flourite based glass is particularly fragile being prone to heat and shock.
That's what the ED glass in Nikkor lenses is too...
:notworthy: nice one ct nice one :notworthy:
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 16:13
That's what the ED glass in Nikkor lenses is too...
The thing is, I've forgotten exactly which compound is which, as two are used in optical glass manufacture, flourite and flouride. Often these are confused and even manufacturers slip-up (or stretch the truth for marketing)
One compound can be incorperated at some expense , the other is so expensive that it is not really viable for consumer products... I know from chats with my friends at Carl Zeiss, they cannot understand how Canon can afford to use this latter compound in their lenses.
To my knowledge, flourite has only been used in one or two Nikkor lenses, and they are old Nikkors.
I'll consult the Zeiss guys, as they know exactly what everyone uses.
cheers,
Andy
Forbiddenbiker
14-11-2006, 16:20
Congratulations Cedric. Super images, what a lens, blinkin nice blur too.
And theirs me about to spend more money than I ever thought I would on a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens....but you making me feel a bit inadequate right now. :(
:lol:
Lifted from the Canon website - talking about the 500 / 600 f4 IS L
"One fluorite element and two UD-glass elements effectively correct aberrations resulting in sharp and excellent delineation."
Some other reading from Canon
Fluorite
Fluorite has extremely low indexes of refraction and dispersion compared to optical glass and features special partial dispersion characteristics (extraordinary partial dispersion), enabling virtually ideal correction of chromatic aberrations when combined with optical glass. This fact has long been known, and in 1880 natural fluorite was already in practical use in the apochromatic objective lenses of microscopes. However, since natural fluorite exists only in small pieces, it cannot be used practically in photographic lenses. In answer to this problem, Canon in 1968 succeeded in establishing production technology for manufacturing large artificial crystals. Thus opening the door for fluorite use in photographic lenses.
Super UD lenses
The high cost of synthetic fluorite crystal production makes fluorite lenses extremely expensive. One answer was found in the latter half of the 1970s with the appearance of UD (ultra low dispersion) glass that could provide characteristics similar to fluorite but at a lower cost. While the indexes of refraction and dispersion of UD glass do not equal that of fluorite, they are significantly lower than those of other types of optical glass. Moreover, UD glass does display partial dispersion characteristics similar to fluorite. The selection of the proper lens element combination in consideration of the intended focal length and other factors can provide close to the same effect as fluorite, (two UD lens elements are equivalent to one fluorite element). Another breakthrough was made in 1993 when Super UD glass was introduced as a new material that achieves almost the same performance as fluorite while achieving a new balance of greater cost reduction and even higher quality.
Pink Fairy
14-11-2006, 16:52
O.K. some firm details on the flouride/flourite issue (but a bit late after the excellent post above)
Flourite is CaFl it is very expensive and time consumingly cultured in the factory. It is not as fragile as it's reputation suggests, though it is vunerable to shock and the elements.
Flouride ions are used by a few manufacturers, they are introduced to the glass... expensive but viable and sensible.
Neither of the above are used in Nikon's 'ED' glass, as Nikon's 'ED' designated glass was developed as a calcium fluoride alternative, a low dispersion glass that wasn't fragile or temperature sensitive.
This isn't about what is better, it's about different methods to reach the same goal.
one of the least interesting posts on here, I suspect ;)
cheers,
Andy
Congratulations Cedric. Super images, what a lens, blinkin nice blur too.
And theirs me about to spend more money than I ever thought I would on a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens....but you making me feel a bit inadequate right now. :(
:lol:
I'd love a short stabilised lens of around that length Adam. It's not gonna be this week though. :D
I take it those are not crops?
They are crops, but nothing like as drastic as I'd normally have to do at that distance, and the birds are nowhere near 1:1 reproduction which would be huge, so it all bodes well... it's just the damned dismal light. Roll on Spring. ;)
busterboy
14-11-2006, 18:04
I wouldn't like to bet money on how long it will be before you've got one Tim. ;)
Well look what happenned when I saw what you did with your 180mm Macro lens..:lol:
Thankee, but it's not a toy it's an erm... essential recreational tool. :D
Is that how Mrs CT sees it :D
Is that how Mrs CT sees it :D
Well she feeds the birds every day, and loves it when I get great pics, so she thinks the new lens is pretty cool. I think she loves me as well - incredible innit? :D
I think she loves me as well - incredible innit? :D
CT, thats a bit mushy.
Sorry. :shrug: :wave:
:lol:
Well she feeds the birds every day, and loves it when I get great pics, so she thinks the new lens is pretty cool. I think she loves me as well - incredible innit? :D
:lol: You got it good all round then yer lucky fella ;)
A Bit of History for all you Canon-users...
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/index.htm
chuckles
15-11-2006, 08:38
A Bit of History for all you Canon-users...
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/index.htm
Well stated....... :clap:
Very very nice CT. :D
I'm sure you're going to make brilliant use of it. Perhaps it might even tempt you into venturing outsideof the garden. ;)
Not that you seem to need to go further for great shots.
Venomator
15-11-2006, 13:35
Can't find me soldering iron. :thinking:
Well... I've been set up all day - pure frustration . I knew I should have bought this lens in the summer. The light is dire, and the birds don't want to know - story of my life. ;) These are the best couple, both taken 100th at F5.6, 800 ISO and fill flash -2 stops power, with 1.4 TC. Not what I was hoping for, but they bode well for better conditions I think ?
You gotta look on the bright side Cedric ... at least you are getting some excellent practice in ...:D
AND of course /... we shall expect absolutely nothing but perfection next year ...:eek:
:lol:
:p
Very very nice CT. :D
I'm sure you're going to make brilliant use of it. Perhaps it might even tempt you into venturing outsideof the garden. ;)
Not that you seem to need to go further for great shots.
Thanks Daz, fear not.... I've got one or two places lined up, including a nice little pool which is home to a lot of wildlife and birds, well within striking distance for me. Last time I went though I was well under-gunned, I hadn't even got the 100-400L then - no chance whatsover. :shrug:
The lens is now cammo'd up in readiness. ;)
Venomator
15-11-2006, 13:59
The lens is now cammo'd up in readiness. ;)
Let's see it then ...:D
:p
You gotta look on the bright side Cedric ... at least you are getting some excellent practice in ...:D
LOL. Bright side? Bad choice of words Rog. I did manage this one this morning, but the light is still awful. All that dosh gets you closer, but the exposure difference still isn't as much as you'd like. This is 125th at F5.6 700mm, 800 ISO. Uncropped though! :)
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/squirrel_15_11_06.jpg
AND of course /... we shall expect absolutely nothing but perfection next year ...:eek:
:lol:
Well that's the plan, but slip, cup, lip and all that. :D
Pure curiousity shot of the M6 at 700mm. It's a good 1/4 of a mile away.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/M6.jpg
And at 1:1 ... yep he's on his ******* mobile! :cuckoo:
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/500/M6_life_size.jpg
Uncropped though! :)
You need to stand back then, you've chopped his feet off :lol:
Venomator
15-11-2006, 14:31
Still ... looks a great bit of kit Cedric ... you must be well made up ...:D
And that squidge doesn't look like he is enjoying a grey miserable day at all ... quite bright and cheery in fact ...:lol:
:p
You need to stand back then, you've chopped his feet off :lol:
:razz:
;)
Let's see it then ...:D
:p
Just keep me at it Rog! :D
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/cammo1.jpg
I still got the strips to put on the tripod mount, but I don't really fancy it as it's sticky sided, unlike the rest, which is just a real tight stretch fit. I'll just hang a bit of cammo net over the top - job done. ;)
Venomator
15-11-2006, 14:58
HeHe ... anything to oblige ..:lol:
Looks like a purty good job C ...:thumbs:
Is it sticky stuff or just stretchy fabric ...:thinking:
Assume you're leaving enough to go over your head too ...:D
:p
LOL. It's stretchy waterproof stuff. I'm just thinking about the cammo gear and hide poles I got rid of when I packed up pigeon shooting. :shrug:
Venomator
15-11-2006, 15:08
HeHe ... hindsight is great innit ...:lol:
Looks great anyway ... and must be excellent for those minor bumps 'n scrapes ... as if ...:eek:
:p
looks great ct. i am jealous, i was playing with one of these on a 1dmkii on the weekend and desipte being white was very very nice, and lighter than i had expected. infact it wasn't that much heavier than my old nikkor 300 f2.8!
looks great ct. i am jealous, i was playing with one of these on a 1dmkii on the weekend and desipte being white was very very nice, and lighter than i had expected. infact it wasn't that much heavier than my old nikkor 300 f2.8!
It's not too bad to carry around, either using the tripod foot as a handle or on tbe shoulder strap. I tried hand holding it today. 30 secs is about max. If you had a lie down for 20 minutes you could probably do it again. :lol:
Seriously it's gotta be straight up and take the shot, after that you've got no chance of keeping the AF spot on an area smaller than your average elephant.
Pink Fairy
17-11-2006, 10:03
It's not too bad to carry around, either using the tripod foot as a handle or on tbe shoulder strap. I tried hand holding it today. 30 secs is about max. If you had a lie down for 20 minutes you could probably do it again. :lol:
Seriously it's gotta be straight up and take the shot, after that you've got no chance of keeping the AF spot on an area smaller than your average elephant.
I don't know why but my recently arrived 600/4 I.S. feels lighter than my old Nikon 600/4... technically, the Canon is a fraction heavier. I suppose it's just a case of differnet balance when carrying it.... nice to have a soft rubber grip on the tripod foot, my hands are going to appreciate that nice touch.
Trouble is, I went for a 30d as a temp camera... and it's front focussing :( Another 30d arrives tomorrow, if that doesn't work, then it's off for calibration (fortunately Canon repair HQ is les than 10 miles away)
Still, what it does focus on is gorgeous :)
Nice one on the 600 L, Fantastic lens,
first thing to come off mine was the foot, which was replaced by the low profile Wimberley one.
Pink Fairy
17-11-2006, 10:28
Nice one on the 600 L, Fantastic lens,
first thing to come off mine was the foot, which was replaced by the low profile Wimberley one.
Yep, seems to be a lens that delivers the goods... managed some cracking detail at 1/80s yesterday.
Just need to decide on camo now... either use my usual no mark fabric or go for a lenscoat. I hounded the poor guy at Lenscoat over the non-appearance of a cover for the Nikon A600/4 F-S MKI, he comes up trumps and I switch to Canon ;) So I think I owe them a sale. Not sure about that forest green pattern, the new realtree max looks more my cup of tea ;)
I decided to get the aquatech sports rain jacket, and make a camo cover to fit loosly over that, (when i get around to it) as mine is used mostly for surfing shots, and wanted a very good waterproof cover.
I will probably get just the lens hood camo the they sell here as its only £18
http://www.wildlifewatchingsupplies.co.uk/ the C60.4 one.
and then cover it in a bit of leaf scrim.
I don't know why but my recently arrived 600/4 I.S. feels lighter than my old Nikon 600/4... technically, the Canon is a fraction heavier. I suppose it's just a case of differnet balance when carrying it.... nice to have a soft rubber grip on the tripod foot, my hands are going to appreciate that nice touch.
Trouble is, I went for a 30d as a temp camera... and it's front focussing :( Another 30d arrives tomorrow, if that doesn't work, then it's off for calibration (fortunately Canon repair HQ is les than 10 miles away)
Still, what it does focus on is gorgeous :)
LOL That was quick! Congrats. :thumbs: Hope you get the focusing probs sorted OK. I just fitted a long Wimberley plate to the 500 and the whole thing is now much better balanced on the head.
Pink Fairy
17-11-2006, 12:57
LOL That was quick! Congrats. :thumbs: Hope you get the focusing probs sorted OK. I just fitted a long Wimberley plate to the 500 and the whole thing is now much better balanced on the head.
Yep, ordered monday night, arrived first thing yesterday.. .took the HK route in the end :)
Balances well on my 393 gimbal... I use this so the lens is hanging down uderneath, far easier and quicker attaching it that way.
Now the Wimberley has shrunk and lost some weight, I may give that a go at some stage... though I could be trialling the Jobu heavy duty black widow soon.
I usually use the Kirk king cobra, but have just picked up a mint Wimberley mk1 for silly money, the extra size and weight over the mk2 and the extra money, I decided not to bother with it.
I can definatly rate the Kirk King Cobra, built like a tank and silky smooth with a monster quick release clamp.
I'm going to decide between the Wimberley and Kirk then sell the one i decide against.
Pink Fairy
17-11-2006, 16:24
I usually use the Kirk king cobra, but have just picked up a mint Wimberley mk1 for silly money, the extra size and weight over the mk2 and the extra money, I decided not to bother with it.
I can definatly rate the Kirk King Cobra, built like a tank and silky smooth with a monster quick release clamp.
I'm going to decide between the Wimberley and Kirk then sell the one i decide against.
I've used a King Cobra, couldn't live with the side mount at all, fine with smaller lenses but I found a 600mm was very awkward and slow to get on and off, sheerly because of it's positioning... but speed is not an issue for most.
cheers,
Andy
I've used a King Cobra, couldn't live with the side mount at all, fine with smaller lenses but I found a 600mm was very awkward and slow to get on and off, sheerly because of it's positioning... but speed is not an issue for most.
cheers,
Andy
I find it as quick as the Wimberley, and smoother in action.
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/data/530/onpodsanshood.jpg
.....a really useful aid to bagging the shots, which is more than I can say for the AF Stop function.
If you look at the back rubberised band towards the front of the lens you can see a black micro switch. There are actually four of these at 90 degree intervals around the band. Pressing any of these halts the AF function (overriding the shutter button) until you release it, when AF resumes.
For the life of me I can't think of a situation where I'm likely to need it, or be able to find one of 'em in the heat of the moment, especially being so far forward on the lens. :thinking:
Time might prove me wildly wrong, but the jury's out. :shrug:
Well with 5 months or so behind me actually using the lens, I've had to review my hasty and disparaging comments about those AF Stop buttons!
If you rest your left hand towards the front of the lens as you're supposed to with lenses of this length, then these buttons actually fall very conveniently for your left hand.
Most of the time I shoot in servo mode and unless it's a flying subject I usually only have the centre AF point enabled. It's not always desirable to compose your shot with the critter so central. The problem is if you enable another AF point to the left or right, you can guarantee the critter will be hopping around faster than you can keep changing the AF point.
Once focus is obtained with the centre AF point, then pressing any of these four focus stop buttons, disengages the AF system (as long as you keep it pressed. As soon as you release it you regain AF) and you can recompose your shot as you like and shoot. It's not something I use all the while, but it's very handy in some situations.
Even though the buttons are now covered by the camo sleeve, it's very easy to feel the slight indentations where they are to locate them, or just fold the sleeve forward a little for better access.
So there you go - perhaps Canon actually know what they're doing after all. :D
SHOCK HORROR CT in admitting Canon may not what they are doing ! ;) hehehehe
I will have to try that CT :)
LOL It's pretty useful sometimes.
well now i know what it actually does i may give it a go ! ;)
chuckles
26-04-2007, 08:10
:lol: :eek:
chuckles
26-04-2007, 08:11
:lol: On the Darkside these similarly placed buttons are (IMHO - far better) described as 'Focus Lock' :eek:
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