Ideas

[Tim N]

As you might know I have changed companies in the last little while (for more $$ ) ... the bonus structure is far more generous and I cut a deal with the boss (Katrina) that I would get to keep some of my bonus aside for me to spend on me ... originally I thought about saving up for a classic car, a MG or a E Type Jag or something along those lines ... but I have been thinking about it more and more and its just too expensive to register, insure, put petrol in etc etc ... so I have decided I am going to save up for some new lenses (a new lens). Think I might save up for a BIG one ... perhaps a nice shiny new 500mm f4 L IS ... I dont think I could wait long enough to save for the 400mm f2.8 L IS !
Any other thoughts ... I know I could buy 3 other L series lenses for the price of a 500 / 600 mm f4 lens ...

[Carmyllie]

What a wonderful way to invest in a 'bonus' Tim

My ideas are varied on your choice, based on the fact I think there's merit in all, depending on your needs.

I'd be investing a fraction of the bonus in renting all 3 over 3 weekends and getting a feel for each.

Let's know what you decide upon

Jenn

[Analog6]

Hard to decide, isn't it.  You like birding though so a big 'un is probably the way to go.  Check around the forums for used stuff though, I have seen several 600mm Canon L lenses on the Brisbane Photography forum (http://www.brisbanephotography.com/).  They area bit 'elitist' but I imagine they'd be happy to let you try it out if you can find someone local.

[Ross and Cher]

Get the 500 F4 Tim - 400 is too short and by the time you whack a 1.4 x TC on it, you have lost the advantage of 2.8. (And in the interest of fuel economy (carting such a big object) you could leave it with us in between uses....  ) and having said that - check out this one from a flickr friend - with a 400 and the rest of the series with or without a 1.4 x

http://www.flickr.com/photos/catoledo/6321023410/in/photostream/

[Tim N]

I am almost thinking of starting small ... I would like to upgrade my 28 - 105mm lens ... its the 3.5 - 4.5 non L series ... I would like the f4 L version of that ... I know Odille had that lens and LOVED it, I think it would probably get more use to start with than a big beast.
I am not getting out as much as I would like really to warrant spending HUGE HUGE amounts on a lens ... but then again if i did save and save for a while it might encourage me to get out more

[Analog6]

Yes, the 24-105L is a fantastic piece od kit, Tim.  You will use it as your walk around lens and it is great on full frame or crop cameras.  When the occasional scene presented itself that needed a wider view, I just made a pano.  And if you want a wide angle - quality wise the 16-35 MkII L is a lens to die for!