Friends,
I have been lurking on this list for a very long time reading the banter,
frequently with great amusement. Because so many have so much to say I
simply sit back, weed through the topics and chose what I read. Please do
not see that as condiscending, but rather an unbiased observation.
Like many of you I am interested in Canon products. This particular topic--
very long lenses ("Big Iron" as we used to call it) is an area with which I
am very familiar. It has been the mainstay of my arsenal for more nearly
fifty years. I am a semi-retired sports and nature photographer.
The Canon 400 F:2.8 and 600 F:4 (as well as the 800 F:5.6) are incredible
pieces of equipment. I have used all the variations from inception through
their evolution to today's place as the world's premire lenses. Most
assignments (e.g. football from the sidelines) required carrying the 400,
600, 70-200 zoom and a short lens (35 or 50). All with cameras and the two
longer lenses on monopods. Add 40-60 rolls of film, a lightmeter-- we're
talking serious weight and bulk here!
We all know that these lense are very expensive, heavy, and (lest we forget)
extremely specialized. I'm amazed that avocational photographers purchase
them. Sadly, because of their bulk and overall inconvience of use, they
quickly become more topics of conversation and trophies than everyday tools.
Digital photography has changed the methodology and thinking of
photographers. Autofocus, auto exposure, image stabilization, and Photoshop
have enabled almost anyone to be a photographer. The biggest change is no
longer being bound to using the lowest ASA to fulfill the demands of
producing the highest quality images. The sport's publication standard was
always using the lowest speed film (finest grain/highest sharpness) film.
That meant almost always shooting "wide open" at the fastest shutter speed.
We saw 100 ASA film as a "godsend." Today you merely increase the ASA at
anytime to without suffering the problems of grain, color change, etc..
Noise is being minimalized to the point that 400-800 ASA is commonly used
without fear.
The questions that a potential buyer of "Big Iron" must ask are: Do I really
need a 20lb camera rig? Do I need the extra stop of speed? It is
economically feasable to make that expenditure?
It sums up as-- Do I really need that lens?
Regardless of what's been said on this thread, no one (not even Caifornia's
Governer Arnold) can hand hold these lenses. Sure, they can be propped on
something, used on a monopod (my choice in almost all cases), or used on a
heavy duty tripod with differing results.
A suggestion:
If you think you want a super telephoto consider the 500mm F:4. It's a great
lens-- lighter that the others, an excellent length between them, fast
enough for almost any long lens need, and less expensive. I am "tuned" to
carrying and using the others, so there is no reason for me to change, or
spend the extra money.
As a point of reference, and if you have some time, visit my website and
wonder through the images.
If you have trouble logging in Hold CTL and press OK at the accept screen
I'm sure my comments will stir up more on this thread.
Manny
www.mannyrubio.com
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