OK so after lots and lots of looking and soul searching I came up with a shortlist, and it was a very shortlist.
Two possibilities:
Sigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport or Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS ii USM
Both very similar in weight and appearance, both come highly recommended, I have read tons of reviews about both lenses and they are so closely matched to each other there is hardly anything to choose between them.
Even on image quality its a close run thing with the Canon just edging out the Sigma according to the reviews.
Where there is a significant difference of course is in the all important cost, Canon currently selling for £8199 with a best ever price of £6139 and the Sigma currently on the market for £4690 and a best ever price of £4068.
I could not find a secondhand Sigma on the market, secondhand Canon's are currently around the £5500 mark obviously depending on condition.
I had therefore decided to plump for the Sigma as it comes with a 3year manufacturers warranty and being brand new I was thinking it would out last me as I am not getting any younger.
With the choice made I sat back and was watching prices daily, waiting for the Sigma to drop as at the time it was £4999 which is a little steep for me.
During this time I happened to mention to a fellow togger what I was doing when he informed me he would be getting a Canon 600 mk3 in the not too distant future and his 500 mk2 would be up for grabs as he would no longer need it.
I said that even secondhand it would probably be out of reach for me he then told me he would want £4000 for it !!
I said you are stitching yourself up you could easily get £5000, but he is happy with £4000.
So whats not to like I snatched his hand off and have agreed to purchase his Canon EF 500mm F4 L IS mk2 as soon as he gets his 600mm mkiii.
This is the best scenario for me being all Canon again as I only use Canon DPP for editing and all the Lens parameter's will be available.
Just have to wait for his new lens to arrive ! can't wait !
