Canon 500mm lens review - one week in Florida

[Theflyinhawaiian2000]

Weapon of choice, 500mm... Hahaha.

[canon5D007]

What's sad is I live in the Bay Area, and I still don't know how to get to the area he was filming near the golden gate.

[cameralabs]

@canon5D007 Just drive North across the bridge and park at the first place on the left, then hike up the footpath for about 10-20 minutes (depending on the size of your lens!) - I filmed that view from the first overlook. I'd have gone further, but the road was closed to traffic and I couldn't hike far with that lens! (Plus the Sun had almost set!)

[MarMarZwinZ]

how did you get the sunset shot?

[cameralabs]

@MarMarZwinZ I just pointed the camera at the subject and adjusted the exposure in Manual movie mode until the brightness looked right.

[GizmoBitz]

What sort of car mount did you use?

[cameralabs]

@GizmoBitz Just a gorillapod, nothing special!

[McSDCard]

1:33 sorry, what is it?

[cameralabs]

@McSDCard Just a small pair of cheap binoculars - nothing special!

[Niklasbrock]

Why would you want a lens with a fixed focal length of 500mm??

[cameralabs]

@Niklasbrock You really need at least 500mm to capture the shuttle in reasonable detail from the viewing location, and anything bigger than 500mm wouldn't fit in carry-on luggage. A zoom also wouldn't offer the quality - or aperture - I needed.

[Niklasbrock]

@cameralabs So lenses with a fixed focal length offer better quality in general?

[cameralabs]

@Niklasbrock Yes, normally fixed (or prime) lenses are generally brighter and better quality than a zoom.

[coolcarman555]

that has to be a good $4000 kit

[cameralabs]

@coolcarman555 And the rest! The 500mm alone cosst $6700 USD new these days. That's why I rented everything!

[NeillSilva]

@coolcarman555 lol $4000... the 500mm costs more than double that.

[AirbusTD]

Great video Gordon!

[LizzyAston]

Hey guys I just wanted to ask a question, if I'm taking pictures and one half of the photo is well under exposed but I want both halves of the photo well exposed, how do I go about doing this? As in, if you're indoors, outdoors through the windows is always pure white. Thanks

[unclesamtookmymoney]

You don't sound like a Queenslander. I'm guessing you're a northern git like me. Ex Pat Yorkshireman living in San Francisco. Recognize Fort Point where you did your intro. Good to see you living your dream.

[cameralabs]

@unclesamtookmymoney Yep, I'm from NW England, but lived in Huddersfield for a few years for my sins! Now I live in Queenstown, NZ. Hope you're enjoying SF!

[nutmeg14609]

What kind of lense do I need to rent if I will be taking pictures for Marching Band. I will be on the bleacher and of course the performers will be on the field. No clue how far that would be. My T1i is not good enough. I use 18-55 mm. Btw, I have no idea that you can rent this lens. That's good info.

[Michling45]

What do you say about the ef 100-400 lens? I own a 7D and looking for telephoto, the main doubt is between 400 5.6l and the 100-400, how will those lenses will preform on crop?

sincerely.

[cameralabs]

@Michling45 The 100-400 is a great zoom, but if you'll mostly shoot at 400, then get the 400 instead.

[subpoprec]

Am I understanding you correctly, Gordon? Do you use your DSLR to film your videos, as well?

[cameralabs]

@subpoprec Yep this was all filmed with a DSLR apart from a few shots with a Canon S95. My latest review videos have all been shot with DSLRs...

[skwurlking82]

great video man! im in the market for an FD 500mm :P

[PhotographerJan]

I'm 14 and I used this lens for 3 hours yesterday at a airshow. Simply amazing.

[rml695]

I wasn't even aware of the lens renting facilities until this video. I'll certainly keep it n mind, should I ever need it. Thanks. :)

[FlyingRubberGuard]

Stalker lens

[GOBbluthagain]

AMAZING VIDEO gordan.. take that ! digitalrev, this is a proper photography video review.

[sasktank]

great video Gordon 

[Kaktusfeigenzuechter]

A very interesting and entertaining review!

[darkbouchon]

you were not scarred getting mugged all this???

[cameralabs]

@darkbouchon I'd just whack them with the 500mm. But seriously the nice thing about renting equipment is you send it back when you're done with it, so you're not carrying it with you all the time. The other thing is if you view a rocket launch or go birding, you're surrounded by big lenses...

[ingardj]

That is some lazy ass photography. I bet the birds really liked your exhaust fumes.. :)

Nice video still though..

[ktrwcm2010]

great video!

good work!

[aponcapone]

I want that bag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Problembaer4]

@aponcapone I own this bag and he is really bad heavy when fully loaded (mine abot 20 KG).

[Problembaer4]

@aponcapone I own the AAV2 but he is too heavy when fully loaded with gear (mine about 20 KG).

[chirantha]

Hi Gordon, thanks for sharing ur knowledge with others...

Just wondering whether u will be able to review Canon "70-200mm L f4 is" and "70-300mm L f4-5.6 is". Bit confused which one to buy...

[cameralabs]

@chirantha I would love to do that comparison, but can never seem to get both at the same time! I will try in the future...

[Fakeblad]

Nice hat :) about half way through the clip :D

[cameralabs]

@Fakeblad Why thankyou!

[SivaThe1]

hi what bag do you use

[cameralabs]

@SivaThe1 It was a Think Tank Airport Acceleration v2 and I have a review of it at cameralabs! Just click the link below the window to go to my 500mm review and there's a bag review section in there...

[tormentalous18]

Very informative!!

[GMSamuelRhine]

i was gonna say yopu should use an 800 instead but just remember with canon's crop factor its about equal to that. Sorry you didn't get to see the launch though mate

[cameralabs]

@GMSamuelRhine Thanks... maybe the next one!

[ArcanePath360]

Love the gear porn, that's my ideal gear.

[cameralabs]

@ArcanePath360 I loved using that kit - and it was great to rent it...

[MrCamerainhand]

The best reviewer out there for sure!

[reimann4]

Thanks for the review. Glad you were able to enjoy my home city of SF. Borrow Lenses is very good, I use them for telephoto rentals. Bummer about missing the launch, but at least you got some nice wildlife footage.

[cameralabs]

@reimann4 You're very welcome - and I love SF! PS - if you're using borrow lenses, please do click through to them via the link under the video - or at my 500mm review at cameralanbs - the prices are the same, but it helps support me and the site! Thanks!

[superkiwizorro]

the golden gate bridge is in san francisco, california, not florida....

[cameralabs]

@superkiwizorro Er yes, I know that. In the part with the bridge didn't I say I was in San Francisco renting equipment and that I was going to Florida the next day?

[is1dre]

Gordon -

It's been way too long since your last post, so thanks for this...looks like fun trip.

Wish I had known you were in SF, I would have bought you a pint!  Cheers.

[cameralabs]

@is1dre Thanks! I may take you up on that another time! PS - where are the best micro-brews served?

[is1dre]

@cameralabs

Gordon - I would recommend calling Anchor Steam a couple of months in advance and booking a free tour and tasting. Tons of fun, and they are the brewery that kicked off the micro-brew resurgence in the U.S. Aside from that, go to City Beer Store on 1168 Folsom Street. They sell beers and also have a bar area. Phenomenal!

[cameralabs]

@is1dre Thanks, good tips! I am partial to some Anchor Steam...

[sirNemanjapro]

Great video Gordon! One of the best, and I know I've been your subscriber for a long time. :)

[LionsEdge]

1:23 Is that the Rode Stereo VideoMic ?

[cameralabs]

@LionsEdge Yes it is! I was also using a Rode Video Mic Pro to record the audio for that sequence...

[DrPsycho78]

finally u went out side

loool

nice video thanks

[cameralabs]

@DrPsycho78 Ah come on, I spent most of my Nikon D7000 video outside too!

[44Bigs]

I'm sorry you missed the shuttle launch, but this was a great video. I'm surprised at how usable the 500mm is!

[sykeadelic]

Two thumbs up!! Great review, wiil deff rent one of those one day.

[aluxious]

Wow, a new youtube video in months!

[MrDobbyRocks]

For some reason I didn't get this vid in my Sub Box :( But I thought to myself "Gordon hasn't put out any new videos... wonder what's wrong" So I checked and tada! New video :P lol

[FunkyFreshest12]

Want to donate me a lens?:)

[cameralabs]

@FunkyFreshest12 You can rent one just like I did!

[santasl]

@cameralabs How much was the rent price? Of course the rent prices differ from location to location, but I'm really interested in the renting prices over seas

[santasl]

@santasl (I should have waited to the end of the video and not asked the question half way through the video :)

[cameralabs]

@santasl No worries!

[GIN0SVK]

Very good video, I love Canon bazooka looking lenses!

[operazek]

Gordon can you return to your previous (1 video explains it all) way of making reviews about cameras. In my opinion it was better than the new ones.

[cameralabs]

@operazek Thanks for your comment. I will be doing a mix on videos in the future.

[NebulusJones]

Yea Gordon is back! :) I feel sorry for you that you´ve missed the take off of endevour! But hands down your videos are getting much better compared to your first movies! I love your movies, keep it up!

[sgnx]

You are back!!!

[joshonator12]

I really liked this review compared to some of the more technical ones.

[abbasean]

One reason I like YouTube that I watched this amazing review whilst sitting on my sofa

[panzerjedi]

Sucks that you missed the shuttle launch. =( Seems like you made the most of the trip though!

[haji727]

Wow, Gordon has been shopping. He has a new shirt. Did it take you this long to find that shirt?

[cameralabs]

@haji727 It did - it took me five years! And I have to add, the new shirt is my Florida shirt, so I don't think I can wear it anywhere else...

[haji727]

You present the most thorough reviews I've seen on youtube. All of my cameras, both Nikon D7000 and 7D was purchased after watching your review. I am glad to see you back with another great review. Next time don't be away so long. Thanks for the great review.

[cameralabs]

@haji727 Thanks! Don't forget you can support me by buying your gear through the 'support us' page at cameralabs . com!

[haji727]

@cameralabs You are welcome and thanks for the tip. From now on, I will use it and support you as well.

[AETrainingDavid97]

LOL "Gear porn" :D

[john240881111]

GORDON!!! you're alive!!!!!!!! LOL

[vichiousfishes]

"what do you do?"

Cue bikini ass.

= }

[heythurrbbyg123]

ah florida, my home sweet home :)

[coastem]

Like all your videos- just know if you review a piece of kit it's going to be factual and to the point-

Keep it up!

[jkorte666]

how did you go about mounting the camera inside your car at 3:00 ? I have tried before but its never stable enough

[cameralabs]

@jkorte666 I used a gorillapod with its legs wrapped around the metal poles which hold up the head rest on the passenger seat. It was locked-in pretty tight!

[ragnarocking]

the launches are always delayed by something: the weather, meteor shower, funding cut at T-minus-2 seconds, etc.. The launch only takes one day, but prepare to stay for 3 months. The 500 is an epic lens and Florida offers magnificent birding opportunities. I hope that you enjoyed your stay.

[cameralabs]

@ragnarocking I agree, I think 3 months is the answer! But as I hope you gathered from the video and my review at cameralabs, I had a great time in Florida!

[heratus007]

great trip and lens

[artungonul]

i missed your reviews.. please make more videos

[monkeyboy85]

Missed your videos alot Gordon, you're truly a gem of Youtube! : - )

[cameralabs]

I can't believe no-one's mentioned the new shirt yet!

[juidas]

@cameralabs : LOL your classic style was Great. I Loved it.. but this also looks good on you. hope you had a great time in Florida :D

[pumpum000]

wow it's been a long time since your last video Gordon :D

[KittysFeet]

How much does that camera bag weigh? LOL

[macbookpro57]

that is a big ass lens!

[tronicevil]

LOL 2:49

[crazybiscut]

Its like your Back from Dead please more videos!!

[TheSupasimon]

You can literally shoot people with it.

[DeRose05]

yay a new video. please make more. the videos you make made me fall in love with photography.

[jnskyliner34]

very entertaining video :)

[blaaaaaaah2]

What I want to know is how you secured the camera for the car shot! :)

[cameralabs]

@blaaaaaaah2 You mean the shots taken from the car? I just pointed the lens out the window and rested its tripod foot on the window frame in the door... handheld, but steadied by the car - and the engine was off...

[cameralabs]

@cameralabs If you mean the shot of the cars on the Golden Gate Bridge, it was handheld, but again with the tripod foot resting on a handy fence post! The IS is working really well...

[blaaaaaaah2]

@cameralabs oh, no! I meant the video shot from inside of the car, starting from 3:13. you were able to drive the car and it wasn't shaky at all... did you have to strap the camera to the headrest of the passenger seat or something?

[cameralabs]

@blaaaaaaah2 Ah, right! I used a gorillapod with its legs wrapped around the metal poles which hold up the head rest on the passenger seat. It was locked-in pretty tight!

[catalin205]

awesome video, but please try and make more videos, I realy love them and I did watch most of them on your website, but was dissapointed to see that recently you don;t do a video review for the latest additions

[Island728]

sorry not just great, but absolutely brilliant!!!

[Island728]

great vid

[cameralabs]

Hi everyone, to clarify an earlier question, I attempted to view the April 29th launch of Endeavour. This launch was scrubbed and while I did briefly extend my trip, I had to return back home before the successful May 16 launch. I'm sure like everyone here I wish the mission the best. I also echo Commander Mark Kelly's words before lift off regarding manned spaceflight: "We Must Not Stop". Thanks for all your positive comments everyone, I hope to increase my videos in the future!

[speckyprick]

That horrible Canon colour of lens makes it look like he's holding a prosthetic limb.

[DizzyDougTV]

Welcome back, Gordon! Fantastic video, digging the 500mm.

[1jbunceiii]

awesome video as usual. How much did it cost to rent everything? compared to purchasing everything?

[cameralabs]

@1jbunceiii Thanks! I covered it in detail in my 500mm review at the link below the video, but basically there was about 12k's worth of gear in total, rented for about $750 for one week. If you're renting through borrow lenses in the US, don't forget to via my link in the description box - thanks!

[225chapman]

Fantastic video, Gordon. Just wondering, did you have any issues regarding flying with your gear? You say that you took it on a hand luggage, instead of loading it into the hold? I know that several airlines in the UK only allow 20kg for luggage, and around 3kg to 5kg for hand baggage.

[cameralabs]

@225chapman The great thing about the Think Tank bag is the front pouch has a shoulder bag for a laptop and once that's removed, the main bag shrinks considerably, generally allowing it to comply with airline restrictions, at least on size. You obviously need to watrch the weight though. If I was flying on an airline which I knew was very strict, I'd have checked-in the 500mm in its dedicated hard-shelled case, but luckily I was ok.

[miike111]

WOW!!!!! That was a good review of the 500mm canon lens and the EOS 7D Camera.

The video of the sunset was great and wildlife was great. It is good to see you again in a long time.

[mikesomething]

nice review, looks interesting

[SR104]

I check in on camera labs once a week or so, really enjoyed watching the videos! Very in depth reviews much better than any other YouTube channel I've come across!

[Zo3ff]

There were hints of the green flash during the sunset, very nice! There's also a sunspot just to the right of the center. :-)

[cameralabs]

@Zo3ff Thanks! Yes, I was really pleased to see the spot and green flashes on the video, as again I didn't see them when filming it - only when viewing it later...

[se254eva]

Welcome back indeed! Far too long a break. Great idea for renting the beast ;)

[lfglass]

Talk about long time no see! Finally got around to do another vid! WOO HOO!!

[shadow0466666594]

Welcome back Gordon, interesting video. Keep it up :)

[macintosh0]

Great video :D

[Matz20Rios]

Welcome back!!! OMG! It's been a while! we all missed you man! great review~

[kimosis004]

i was there when i got cancelled that was too bad and had school on the rescheduled date

[cameralabs]

@kimosis004 I feel yuor pain - were you there in April 29th? That's when I was there..

[kimosis004]

@cameralabs yes i drove 2.5 hrs from tampa with my d5000 and 75-300mm. it must have been really bad to come from new zealand then san fran.

[BramowitchIII]

@cameralabs I beg of you: Make more youtube vid's. Refresh your lens-reviews, etc.

(I always was a great fan of Cameralabs, but it seems that you review a lot of these point-and-shoot cam's in which I am not intrested in)

[cameralabs]

@BramowitchIII I do try and review every DSLR and lens that is available to me in NZ, but supplies are often limited. There have been lots of point-and-shoot reviews at cameralabs recently, but they're popular! Look out for some more DSLR reviews soon though...

[Ziadalabbady]

Is it me only or even you guys feels that any video with an English accent is more catchy and more informative? .. welcome back

[NiteAngel]

LOL you almost got it right with the beach shot ! more please,

[linuxcream]

Welcome back!

[cinexstudios]

welcome back Gordon! we've missed your reviews and vids! :D

[QwoPhasaArius]

Good to hear from you again.

[blank10123]

What microphones do you use on you Cameras ?

[cameralabs]

@blank10123 I use a Rode SVM and Rode VMP in the field and an AKG C1000S at home...

[saitousan15]

I live in Orlando and discovered some new areas thanks to your video.

[cameralabs]

@saitousan15 You're very welcome!

[spwr140]

Welcome back!!

[Wetrathebest]

Make a photo of crusing plane with this lenses.

[tongolemify]

I LOVE your reviews! I'd really just like to sit down and have a coffee with you in Queenstown and maybe photograph some people passing by (not with the 500mm f4 though :D). keep up to grand work!!!

[TheRAZZITEAK]

Welcome back love your videos and site!!! :-)

[TheOpticalFreak]

Thank you, that was a very nice review, i wish i could afford one.

[cameralabs]

@TheOpticalFreak I wish I could afford one too! That's why renting is such a good idea!

[pepomk123]

YAY! Cameralabs! And you've brought treats. SWEET!

[madchimp911]

Shit! I thought you ran away!

[eveningniteshade]

i cant' see teh plane

[fanjapanischermusik]

@eveningniteshade

its above the sun at 6:07 and moves quite fast.

it is hard to see.

[mikedeenfer]

hope you enjoyed florida, it can be really nice if you get out of the city.

[Quex01]

You should do some barbell squats and pushups, then heavy bags aren't gonna be any problem, even 40 kg ones. lol

[diwash9612425]

Great video Gordon I think we miss you

[lolitaluvphotography]

Long time no see Gordon! Glad you're still here at Cameralabs Youtube Video & still uploaded such a fantastic video.

[johanneswingerlang]

So long... you have been indeed missed!

And, awesome stuff. Would looove to have that kind of zoom.. damn.

[Maj2004]

Thank you for more youtube videos! I love watching them.

[gixxer4646]

ho hoooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOONG time no see around here! Good review as always!

[dyrsten]

Nice to see you back :)

[c2thew]

welcome backkkk

[abatti95]

Welcome to the good life youtubers.

[Olphus]

Where have you been??

[fergfergferg123]

3:17 classic british tourist :0