After pondering for a long time there's a chance that I'll finally purchase the 500mm f/4 lens. I'd like to know what kind of accessories I'd need to consider. The first priority for me is a trip to Churchill for Polar bear. So apparently I need a carrying case or some sort? Any recommendation on lens hood/cover and eventually maybe a new tripod/head (currently using Velbon EL Carmagne 630A CF legs and Acratech Ultimate ballhead)?
Thanks a lot!!
Tien-Chien
Posted by Bret Edge on October 6, 2010 at 11:41 PM
Tien-Chien - the 500mm comes with it's own suitcase. It's pretty burly and you won't need to buy something else, unless you're looking for a Pelican style case. It also comes with an integrated, screw-on lens hood and a cover for the front and rear element. I use my Gitzo CF tripod and Acratech Ultimate Ballhead with the 500mm lens attached to either a Canon 50D or 5D2 and am very happy with this set-up. I doubt it would work well for fast moving smaller subjects such as birds, but your kit will likely work just fine for polar bears. Hope this helps. Have fun in Churchill!
I travel with mine in a backpack so I can get it on board when I fly. I keep a few towels around it for added protection. I always use a wimberly which I find essential. It's a great lens!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on October 7, 2010 at 1:11 AM
Bret, I haven't seen anyone use the "bag" that comes with the 500 as a lens cover!
I packed mine away in the suitcase and haven't seen it since.
The suitcase could be useful as carryon, however, that will be your only carryon bag, so where does your other camera gear go?
Corningware has some round white covers for their bowels. I got a set at Walmart for ~$5 a few years ago. The only ID that I see on them are F-24PC for the 6 1/2" cover, and F-16PC for the 5 1/2" cover. The larger one fits perfectly over the lens hood and the smaller one covers the lens with the hood stored. If they had a Canon logo on them, they would probably sell for $50 each.
Kinesis has large padded lens bags of various sizes that will fit the 500 with or without the lenshood attached. I use their bag to transport the lens in the car. With the lenshood attached, everything is ready to go.
Be sure to get a 1.4TC if you don't already have one. I can't see any decrease in image quality.
I bought a ICU XLarge insert from f-stop that will fit in your hiking bag to carry the 500mm. Dimensions are 7.5" deep x19" tall x 11" wide. Cost was about $75 and has dividers to store other camera equipment also. I think this should work for traveling with the 500 on a plane. I debated for awhile before I bought the 500 but am glad I did. Still use the 100-400 a lot. I think both work well together especially if you have 2 bodies.
You better check the carry-on limits for flying into Churchill. With that in mind, you definitely will not want the anchor that is referred to as the Canon case that comes with your 500. You will need a lightweight backpack, I use the LowePro AW600 case or the Domke Scopepack (lighter than the AW600)(no longer made, but I believe Joe McDonald sells a better version of it from his website). Another possibility is to reinforce a standard carryon suitcase and pad the lens with clothes. Please be aware, you will be required to (gate-check) stow the carryon with regular luggage as you board the plane, no exceptions granted. I also use the Corningware covers that WalMart still sells that Bill mentioned, much better than the one Canon supplies(lighter and way more compact).
For a head I have used the Acratech Ultimate but it is way inferior to my large Foba Superball, which in turn is way inferior to the full size Wimberly. For your trip to Polar Bear Central however, you will be shooting from inside a large wheeled vehicle (the only legal way to access Wapusk NP) so most of your shooting will be either off a window mounted bean bag or from a tripod on an outside steel-mesh deck.
If you have any questions shoot me an email. I was there in Nov 2002 and got my 500/4 specifically for that trip. My 600/4 was too large to stick out the narrow window openings.
Discussion
6 repliesThanks a lot!!
Tien-Chien
I packed mine away in the suitcase and haven't seen it since.
The suitcase could be useful as carryon, however, that will be your only carryon bag, so where does your other camera gear go?
Corningware has some round white covers for their bowels. I got a set at Walmart for ~$5 a few years ago. The only ID that I see on them are F-24PC for the 6 1/2" cover, and F-16PC for the 5 1/2" cover. The larger one fits perfectly over the lens hood and the smaller one covers the lens with the hood stored. If they had a Canon logo on them, they would probably sell for $50 each.
Kinesis has large padded lens bags of various sizes that will fit the 500 with or without the lenshood attached. I use their bag to transport the lens in the car. With the lenshood attached, everything is ready to go.
Be sure to get a 1.4TC if you don't already have one. I can't see any decrease in image quality.
You'll love the lens, Tien-Chien.
For a head I have used the Acratech Ultimate but it is way inferior to my large Foba Superball, which in turn is way inferior to the full size Wimberly. For your trip to Polar Bear Central however, you will be shooting from inside a large wheeled vehicle (the only legal way to access Wapusk NP) so most of your shooting will be either off a window mounted bean bag or from a tripod on an outside steel-mesh deck.
If you have any questions shoot me an email. I was there in Nov 2002 and got my 500/4 specifically for that trip. My 600/4 was too large to stick out the narrow window openings.