Canon Lens help needed

[Durruti]

A friend of mine is a keen wildlife photographer and is looking to extend his reach a bit. Where's the best place to obtain a Canon 500mm F4 IS Prime for the best money?. Is there much point in searching the UK or is the HK route the only sensible option?.

Opinions or suggestions please. Thanks.

[DanH]

5500 USD in NY...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/183203-USA/C...

Not sure what import duty is on lenses? I think digital cameras are VAT only, but wouldn't assume anything on lenses.

[MonkeyHanger]

As Quinny says, try Kerso.

Or there's DigitalRev in HongKong via Ebay, but make sure it's a No Vat/Duty sale as you can reclaim any extra HMRC try to screw from you when the lens hits the UK.

[Durruti]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will try Kerso and check out digital Rev and see what's around.

[Luca Brazzi]

Nice lens !
LB

[Famous Graham]

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

[Podie]

Famous Graham said:

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

Might be for panning..?

[finnyuk]

yeah definately go with kerso, I have used him a few times and he seems the best deal so far.

[Famous Graham]

Podie said:

Famous Graham said:

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

Might be for panning..?

True. Still seems a little pointless on a lens that size though. Still, I don't know if there IS (hoho) a 500 without it

[Podie]

Was clutching at straws TBH...

[tog]

Famous Graham said:

Podie said:

Famous Graham said:

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

Might be for panning..?

True. Still seems a little pointless on a lens that size though. Still, I don't know if there IS (hoho) a 500 without it

The older 500mm f4.5L is perfectly hand-holdable, even without IS, being far lighter than the f4 version that replaced it. I know a guy selling one if you're interested.

[Famous Graham]

tog said:

Famous Graham said:

Podie said:

Famous Graham said:

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

Might be for panning..?

True. Still seems a little pointless on a lens that size though. Still, I don't know if there IS (hoho) a 500 without it

The older 500mm f4.5L is perfectly hand-holdable, even without IS, being far lighter than the f4 version that replaced it. I know a guy selling one if you're interested.

I wish

[CVP]

Famous Graham said:

Luca Brazzi said:

Nice lens !
LB

Isn't it just I'm a bit perplexed about the IS though - can you actually handhold that thing?

IS comes in pretty handy the longer focal length you use as tiny movements in the camera become magnified. Anything less than great technique really finds you out with the big long lenses

Chris

[Luca Brazzi]

I use IS all the time on a monopod, in panning mode.....works a treat.

[MonkeyHanger]

With regards to the usefulness of IS on a big lens...try shooting with one on a monopod in anything other than a gentle breeze. The hood will act as a very nice sail so you need as much stability as you can get