MicrostockGroup

So, its that time of year for me to go out and spend some serious cash on equipment I probably should be getting, but here is the initial list that I am going to order:

Canon Telephoto EF 500mm f/4.0L IS (Image Stabilizer) USM Autofocus Lens

Wimberley Gimbal Type Tripod Head II - with Arca Swiss-Type Quick Release Base
(Requires Plate)

Wimberley P40 Arca-Type Quick Release Plate for Telephoto Lenses - 5.9" (150mm)

Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens

Hoya 58mm Ultraviolet UV(0) Haze Multi-Coated Glass Filter

Canon EF 1.4x II Extender

Canon 2x II Extender EF - Autofocus

Case Logic SLRC-4 SLR/Computer Backpack - for Photo or Digital SLR Outfit with a 15.4"
Laptop Computer, plus accessories

Now, I have to ask those who use such materials whether they believe that the Canon 2x II is worth it.  As well, I currently own a 100-400L but is the 500mm that much better for wildlife and sports

The 500mm will obviously be limited for stock and such but my passion is wildlife - especially birds - so thats why I want it.

I also own a 30D so I will lose autofocus with that lens (planning on a 5D MK II upgrade)

I'm thinking of dropping the 50mm f/1.4 and the 2x until then

Any suggestions?

ichiro17 -

The one item that you do not have on the list is a good heavy tripod (maybe you alrady have one).  I have been shooting long lenses 500 and 600 mm for a long time and the tripod will help your success rate.  With IS you can getaway with a lighter tripod.  The Canon 500 f4 is an extremely good lens and sharper than the 600 so I think you are making an excellent choice there.

I am a Nikon shooter, but I have looked at imae from friends that have used the Canon teleconverters and they are amazingly good so the teleconverters are a good investment.  My reccomendation is to use the 500 without teleconverters initially, as the learning curve to use good long lense technique is pretty steep - be patient read online about some of the tricks of the trade in using the long lens.

The Better Beamer is a good investment and only costs about $40.

Scott

It's all fine... But, instead of that 500mm you may buy 7D or even cheaper 550D and put your 100-400L on it... With crop body you get 60% more on distance as well deeper DOF... 3MP less is close to nothing. I think it is better investment than just that 500mm which you will use only for birds.
Also, You may consider Mk IV if you need more resolution... It is 1.3 Crop but pricey. Nevertheless you get 30% more distance and deeper DOF with good 'old' 100-400L.

Yes, two suggestions. Take a pass on the 2X if you are getting the 500mm and PM me so you can use my shipping address to receive your new purchases.  

You didn't say what you are using for your 50mm or short lens, so it would be impossible to answer that one. If you have a 1.8, why spend the money for what may be a very minor improvement?

Find a friend with a 1.4x and test drive one. You don't really lose the auto-focus if you tape the last three contacts, but it's hardly accurate or fast either. The camera won't write 700mm in the EXIF data, it will say 500mm on your shots, so you won't know when you had the extender on or not. Take notes or use one card for with the extender, one without, if you use the tape bypass for auto-focus with the extender.

Two years old post? Yikes!

I would swap the 50mm f/1.4 with the 50mm f/1.2L which is absolutely stunning.

I'm with Leaf on the TC matter. I wouldn't use them, especially if you're after BIF shoots and you need good autofocus.

haha... good point 

Unbelievable! I see dead people!

So he missed the 50mm f/1.2L. Such a shame...

Looks like Albert Martin has become our newest resurrecter of old threads, like so many now silent alias's before him. 

Matt, that you again?   

Put AstoneHans in your list!

ROFL!!  Quite a dust cloud being kicked up around here 

FWIW, I could see resurrecting the odd ancient thread if one actually has something of value to add, but just to make random irrelevant comments?  Kinda sad really...