Is it worth the difference in price?

[grandpawrichard]

I have the chance to buy a Canon FD 500mm f/4.5L for $1,500 or a Canon EOS 500mm f/4.5L for $3,700.

I realize that the Canon FD 500mm f/4.5L will be strictly a manual focus lens on my Canon 30D and 40D cameras. But I am swaying that direction.

Both lenses are in Great Shape, in fact the Canon FD 500mm f/4.5L lens is in Pristine shape, while the EOS model has a few paint chips.

If you had the choice, which lens would you buy? Please help me decide.

Dick

[boneaddict]

Not sure if the FD will fit on your 40D without an adapter.  Do you have the adapter, and or not sure how that effects your picture taking.  I think in a pinch you might be able to use your 1.4 multiplier, but then you are shooting another f stop and have lost some clarity.   I'm not real familiar with the FD.....

[grandpawrichard]

Thanks for the reply Bone!

Since I posted this I have done some research and posting on other sites. The FD will not work without an optical adapter. Then I would loose some photo clarity and also 2 f stops. It isn't worth it!

The other lens I have found is too high priced. So, I will just continue to save some extra bucks and get a better buy.

Dick

[boneaddict]

I've seen that eos 500 for 3,000 in brand new condition........  I'm sure you can do better than 3700

[popeshawnpaul]

Dick, if you owned the FD we might mess with it to get it to work but it will be a big hassle to get it to work on your camera.  There are two other 500mm options for you.  The EF 500mm f4.5 L and the EF 500mm f4 L IS.  Obviously, the IS version is newer and 1/3rd stop faster.  I have converted FD lenses before with a non optical conversion.  The biggest problem you have is getting infinity focus.

The 500mm f4.5 L lens can be had for about $3300 used in good condition.  Here is a link to one:  http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/803128/0?keyword=canon,500#7408211

The 500mm f4 L IS lens is the best all around wildlife lens, in my opinion.  It's relatively portable at 9 lbs, it has speed at F4, and it has IS.  I want to stress that.  Using large lenses can be frustrating at first and there are a lot of vibrations and issues with sharp images.  I had to carry a 5 lb bean bag with me to get my big lenses to steady while shooting wildlife.  It sucked.  You also have to have a bigger and heavier tripod to stabilize the lens.  By the time you are done with it, it's not that fun.  With this IS version, you can just throw it on a cheap monopod and start shooting.  You will have sharp images right from the start.  It is night and day difference.  Now, if you don't have the money for it I understand that.  I don't either right now.    They go for about $4600 used on FM as well. 

[boneaddict]

Several letters that will cost $..... L  and IS   

[huntnphool]

Grandpa, if you are going to spend $4k why not consider the 400mm f/4 DO + 1.4 extender. You would be over the 500mm, have auto focus and be less weight than the 500mm FD.

[Tom Reichner]

Hello, Dick!

It's my gut feeling that you'll be more satisfied with a newer, more current model of lens.  Even if you have to wait a while in order to gather enough $ for it.  I think that long term you'll be glad you waited. 

Here's a link to a site that has tons of information to offer on lenses and many other photography related subjects (there's even a section on wildlife photography):   http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php?s=08a71f86fce4904037a5daeaa439430a

They also have a classified section, where people buy & sell their used gear.  It will give you a lot of info on what's available and how much it's going for.

Hope it helps.

Tom

[grandpawrichard]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! I'm going to hold off, save some more money and get the newer lens that I will be happy with.

Dick