Hi
I am on the point of buying the canon 500mm f4 IS. However, I realise that the current version of the lense dates from 1999, when the first (or at least an early) version of IS was current. This apparently is 2 stop. Now that the very latest IS technology boasts 4 stops (for example the 70-200 f4 IS) I was speculating that the 500mm f4 might be seeing an update? Does anyone know if this is true. This, despite an excellent quote from Kerso, still counts as a "mega" in terms of investment. I would be gutted if I bought one and then Canon released a new version - depending on price of course. If they did a "Leica HD" I'd stick with older model.
Can anyone offer me any advice before I part with a significant sum during the start of an economic depression?
Thanks
Jonathan
I wouldn't let the off chance of an IS upgrade to the 500mm f/4 put me off buying one now, Jonathan!
More to the point though, I haven't seen a single rumour anywhere to suggest that the 500mm is likely to get an upgrade any time soon. The 100-400mm is a 1998 lens and there's no sign of that being updated either - I guess "if it ain't broke, why fix it?"
I go along with Keith with this one. In all honesty I don't think it would make much difference unless you are doing owls in moonlight or in a gale force storm or when you are sneezing whilst taking the picture. IS does not freeze a birds movement or the shake of its feathers as the breeze flows through them or as it makes micro movements whilst breathing or as the branch moves. IS is useful but it is not a cure all.