Looking at the specs and measurements, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II USM Lens comparison shows, primarily, the weight loss but also that the III picks up a 1-stop higher IS rating (5 vs. 4). I wouldn't buy this lens specifically for photographing landscapes, but if you have this lens, landscapes, flowers, and many other subjects can be captured with great results. As the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens is to the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens, Turn the focus preset playback ring very (very) slightly to get the low speed electronically-driven AF and turn it to a greater degree to obtain a higher speed with the direction of ring rotation determining the direction of focus distance change. Where you buy your gear matters. Because I don't like seeing smoke come out of the camera, 600mm lenses do not participate in our standard flare testing. The version III lens has the same weather-resistant construction as the II series lens which is really good. In this mode, only 1 axis of stabilization is provided, allowing the linearly-moving subject to be tracked. Once the investment challenge has been overcome, taking delivery of a new Canon super-telephoto lens such as this one will make even the most jaded photographer feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Keep in mind that this testing was done on an ultra-high resolution Canon EOS 5Ds R. Scroll down to easily select items to add to your shopping cart for a faster, easier checkout. - Bryan, My Recommended Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Retailers, Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens, More Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Related Information, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For those circumstances, there is the optional Canon ET-160B Short Lens Hood. Or, when photographing wildlife, getting the lens into action fast can mean the difference between getting the shot and getting nothing. That line is great for marketing, but the less-exciting news is that the .15x maximum magnification spec is unchanged and this lens is an only-mediocre performer among all lenses in this regard. Transmission . I never used the small one and apparently many others left their small foot in the box as well. This decision simplified the overall design, saving weight and increasing expected reliability. Many people found the original EF 500mm handholdable. When first introducing this feature, Canon USA said the feature helped "...moviemakers achieve smoother and more appealing focus shifts when filming.". Mounting with two screws is important to prevent the plate from twisting, but note that most lens plates will require a 3/8"-16 to 1/4"-20 Reducer Bushing in the larger threaded insert. Avoiding future shoulder issues may not seem important today, but I assure you that you will one day appreciate having taken good care of your body in your youth. What you will also feel is the already-discussed very significant weight loss. With these caveats in mind, here are a series of center-of-the-frame 100% resolution crop examples. (3050kg) lens. The focus recall ring has a new, much-improved look and feel. Rounded blades, often only found on more expensive lenses, improve the appearance of … That lens' tripod-sensing IS system was quite helpful in reducing vibration (including from mirror slap) when shooting from a tripod, but handholding the version II lens was much easier, the 4-stop-rated system was much improved, and I began relying on IS much more frequently. The III has electronic manual focusing. Canon optical technologies deployed on this lens include Super Spectra Coating (SSC), rejecting extraneous light wavelengths, and Air Sphere Coating (ASC, a thin film containing silicon dioxide and air formed on top of traditional multi-coating), helping to minimize glare and reflections. Looking at the specs and measurements, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens vs. Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens comparison shows the 400 to be the considerably shorter lens. The tripod collar lock knob gets a new texture that is easier to roll between the thumb and finger. Reasons to choose Canon EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM over Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM. For many more comparisons, review the complete Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Specifications using the site's Lens Spec tool. This lens is about as linear-distortion-free as lenses get. Rounded blades, often only found on more expensive lenses, improve the appearance of the out-of-focus areas.