Which super telephoto for wildlife ?

[Bikeman]

Im going to bite the bullet and get a big super tele lens for wildlife, I think its the mid life crisis coming on and Im thinking "life is to short" and "cant take it with you ".
Im thinking along the lines of either a 400mm F2.8 , 500mm F4 , or 600mm F4 ........???
I realize these lenses are all big and heavy but that side of it does not bother me too much, or at all, I'll carry anything anywhere to get a good shot, the thing Im not sure about is, do I go for the faster 400 2.8 , or a longer F4 .
Im hoping all you wildlife folks that have experience of using these lenses can share some thoughts on this to help with the decision.

 

[goldenstar]

Not a wildlife person but what about the 400mm 2.8 and a tc to give you a bit more if needed?

 

[Greywolf]

Ah, a man after my own heart taking the exact route as myself.

I am a Canon user

The Canon 400mm f2.8 is a beast. It's the heaviest lens they make.

For me it will be the 500 or 600 but I've just seen the prices of the newer versions they are bringing out soon and I had to sit down and steady myself as I'd started to hyperventilate. I wondered if they would run both versions side by side but the Canon website doesn't have the older lens on it any more which suggests that they will terminate it.

If you're thinking of buying new, I guess now is the time to do it.

Personally I will go for the extra readch of the 500 or 600.