Herb, I bought it used from KEH, $2400, which is about the upper end of what I would pay for any single hobby-related item. I couldn't afford an f4 version unless it were heavily discounted due to condition. I've never seen one like that.
I find it quite sharp, though have nothing against which to compare. Fred Wasti has one also, and I bought it based on his recommendations, which I value. Ken Waller has the f4 and lives nearby, maybe someday we can do a comparison. It has one structural flaw that I think is serious - the tripod mount is at the very back end of the lens, near the aperture ring. It is a real "stove pipe" of a lens, long and thin. The slightest jitter is magnified out to the end of the lens, thus making a relatively big arc. Though the lens is light, I don't think my ball head is adequate - it needs something that clamps it down very tight and on a large, non-rotating base. If you're on a budget, though, it's a good ticket for a 600mm lens. But get the f4 if you have the money. -----Original Message----- From: Herb Chong [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: March 26, 2004 7:17 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: tele extenders how does the A* 600 f5.6 perform wide open and why did you pick this one over any of the 600 f4 lenses? the price difference isn't that large once you have decided to spend that much. Herb.... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Sawyer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 6:42 AM Subject: RE: tele extenders > I have the 600 f5.6, Herb. What would you like to know?
