Should i or should i not

Steven Gourlay · #1 11-02-2009, 09:26 PM

Just found a 2nd hand 500mm lens for a decent price under 2k, it is second hand and has a few bumps and marks, TBH how it lookes does not bother me how it works does. The lens has just been serviced and optics and AF motors are fine.

Anyone looking for a Canon 100-400mm L mint condition?

Ive uploaded the photos, its fairly local to me so i will go test it first, i should not be spending money but is this too god to pass up.

PS i am not sharing who is selling it.

CertEdFriday · #2 11-02-2009, 09:31 PM

I would not!! The lens may have been serviced etc but it looks to have had a hard life...
Maybe a pro has owned it and not been too bothered about looking after it as the next assignment will pay for a new one!

The general appearance would put me off right away. It may be under 2k but I still think it would be wise to hang on - as there will always be another - Patience...

Steven Gourlay · #3 11-02-2009, 09:33 PM

Yeah im going to go have a look at it, tbh i will never be able to afford a new one at £4.5k and i know it looks a bit of a mesh but if it works fine i will see what warranty they will give.

CertEdFriday · #4 11-02-2009, 09:37 PM

TBH I could easily end up in the same boat - but resisting the temptation...

Steven Gourlay · #5 11-02-2009, 09:41 PM

Yeah im just thinking the 500mm with my 1.4 which is meant to work well with fixed focal length lenses is a nice 700mm.

CertEdFriday · #6 11-02-2009, 09:46 PM

Which tripod head would you use with that setup then??

Steven Gourlay · #7 11-02-2009, 09:55 PM

My current tripod takes up to 8kilo, the lens comes in at 3.8kilo
The grip head takes up to 5 kilo.

I see what you mean there would have to be another head purchased, im not in any rush just seems to be in my price range.

CertEdFriday · #8 11-02-2009, 10:12 PM

It's the getting over that sudden - oh my god i've found one - initial reaction. Then once things have calmed down and you have done a bit of reflection, you could say, well I would have to part with my current lens, and lose the flexibility of the zoom. In addition - is there that much difference between the reach of a 400mm and a 500mm - and so it goes on...

Steven Gourlay · #9 11-02-2009, 10:15 PM

Yeah i hear what you are saying, like a kid with a new toy. TBH the 400mm with the 1.4 does not work as well as expected and have read that the extenders work much better on the prime lenses.

Takes a deep breath and thinks about it.

CertEdFriday · #10 11-02-2009, 10:23 PM

So watch this space...