Grey heron and 600/5.6 AIS

[Bruno Schroder]

I found recently a 600/5.6 AIS in very good shape. The week of frost provided a good opportunity to get closer than usual with otherwise shy birds at a nearby lake so I took it for a first test. It is not the sharpest lens but I'm quite pleased with the rendition. Minimal processing applied.

[elsid]

For the age of the lens and its (low I assume) cost, the photos are very good.

[Randy Stout]

Bruno:

Nice to have the reach!  Will look forward to seeing some additional images with slightly brighter light, so that the contrast will be a bit higher.  Should help with the apparent sharpness. 

Are you able to hand hold this lens comfortably?

Cheers

Randy

[Bruno Schroder]

Thank you, Elsid. The lens is from 84 and is indeed way below a current price point for this focal lenght

Randy, the lens is on the limit of handoldability. The photos above are with a monopod but I took it bare for a water bird counting session and was surprised by the result. I did not need sharpness for counting and identification so did not pay a lot of attention but I had much more keepers than expected.

I'll post more pictures when we have light and I can take it out.

[John Geerts]

Great results Bruno.   Nearly 3 kg the lens?

[Bruno Schroder]

Thanks, John. The lens is 2.7kg, according to Roland's data. A bit better than the 500/4 AIP, at 3kg, and less than half the 600/4 AIS which does 5.65kg and I only use now if I can park the car at proximity.

Fully loaded though, with camera, hood, Arca Swiss plate, lanyard... I'm almost at 3.9kg, without the monopod. That I can carry for a day but I dream of the 600/5.6 PF

[Akira]

Looks like you've had a nice start, Bruno.  Am looking forward to seeing how you are going to enjoy your lens!