After years of dreaming, it became a reality today when I received at work a large box delivered by UPS from B&H. I knew exactly what it was as I have been tracking it for the past couple of days. I am so F> > > > excited!! What a beautiful lens. Already told the kids to go in the yard and act naturaly by playing so I could snap a few shots.The first true test will be at the Philadelphia Zoo 9/29. Any one in the area then, come by and say HI.How do I tell my wife that I just spent 4K???? :> )

I envey you a little. This is a lens that I am considering but don't have 6K to spend on it. That's in Canadian dollars. I love adding new optics to my kit and am pretty picky with what I can use and what I think will just sit around. Lately I've used my 100 2.8 macro lens as a walk around. This was kind of cool as it alloud me to take macro as well as other types of shots as well. My only concern was that it was a little long for a lot of situations so I started thinking about something a little shorter and just recently ordered a 50 1.4 which I'm still waiting for. If the lens is going to get used and give you real enjoyment or finacial gain if your a pro then it's well worth the money spent in my books. I have the 16 - 24, 24 - 70, 70 - 200 2.8 IS and 100 2.8 macro and they all get used in the various shooting conditions. If I had the 300 2.8 it would get used quite a bit I rekon for sports, wildlife and portrature applications. I have little doubt that one day I'll be as happy as yourself. Enjoy. -- http://www.pbase.com/mikesf

I have been thinking about ordering this lens as well. I recently made the mistake of borrowing a good friend's copy of this lens a few times over the past couple months. I am WHITE with envy.I think I will place my order today with B&H... -- I'm a Canon shooter!

You will soon find by yourself, that this lens is stellar. Enjoy as much as you can, and don't tell anything to your wife -- I love the crop factor at the long end, I hate it in the wide range

Congrats, got mine about 2/mths ago, you will fall in love,,,,, not the same thing I would say if I had not OK'd with my wife before I bought it. You are a brave soul. The lens hood, is almost useless, try one of the below items. It was suggested to me when I opened a thread about this purchase asking what else I needed to order with it. It works like a charm, and is much easier. Quick to put on and remove for that quick shot.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221937-REG/Op_Tech_USA_8001272_Hood_Hat_XX_Large.htmlAlso this if you are using a monopod, which you'll need with this big boy. Works great, quick on and off. No scratches to tripod plate.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/491931-REG/Giottos_MH658_MH_658_Quick_Release_Assembly.html

It sure was/is my best buy. It also takes converters (1.4 and 2.0) very well (on my 1DII)Here is one taken with the 1.4 TC (no crop)Enjoy your lens!!!emile

When I went to pick mine up (didn't tell wife either) visa declined the transaction even though I had lots of room on the card.2 minutes later wife calls me in the store on my cell asking if I"m in a camera store buying an expensive lens....guess visa had called her due to the fact I was charging card in a different city and she'd just used the visa that afternoon.Needless to say, she had a good laugh and liked having the power to decline or accept the charge. In the end the transaction went through but I learned a good lesson for when I make my next big purchase; next time call visa and tell them about the pending transaction...

That's a great shot! I really like mine too. I feel it's very versatile since it works good with both converters.

Hands down the best lens I've ever used. I hope your wife doesn't insist that you return it, you may have to elope with it...

What do you mean the lens hood is useless? Mine never left the lens. It was build and designed to do two things very well.1) Keep out junk light. 2) Help keep potential objects away from that expensive front lens.I think you meant to say lens cover.jakepfasterwrote:Congrats, got mine about 2/mths ago, you will fall in love,,,,, not the same thing I would say if I had not OK'd with my wife before I bought it. You are a brave soul. The lens hood, is almost useless, try one of the below items. It was suggested to me when I opened a thread about this purchase asking what else I needed to order with it. It works like a charm, and is much easier. Quick to put on and remove for that quick shot.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/221937-REG/Op_Tech_USA_8001272_Hood_Hat_XX_Large.htmlAlso this if you are using a monopod, which you'll need with this big boy. Works great, quick on and off. No scratches to tripod plate.http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/491931-REG/Giottos_MH658_MH_658_Quick_Release_Assembly.html

Well, sounds like when i bought my 500mm. Never told the wife. Well, actually I did about 6 months prior. After I bought her a $2500 ring I told her i'd be putting out about $5k for a lens. she was so happy with the ring she said ok. well 6 months later i got my 500mm and she never saw it for about 3 or 4 months until a redtailed hawk was flying above us and i couldn't resist a few shots. Then, out came the "canon" and clickity click click and she was in awe of such a large lens. but, she never even asked how much, just when. that's when i told my wife. But, i really think it's better to be honest and let her know. Remember the old saying from women "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine!!!". kinda true in a way.dennis

It's fun to hear the "wife" stories!I can't remember who, but someone posted a message recalling the day his 600 f4 arrived at his house. He was at work at the time and his wife took the delivery at home. She didn't know what was coming exactly.She called him on the phone and said "What on EARTH could you have bought for your camera that would come in SUCH a big box?? This thing would barely fit through the door!!"He remembered thinking to himself, "Yeah, yeah, wait 'til she sees the VISA bill".

Yeah, my wife imposed an annual lens buying limit on me. God knows how that happened. I think women assume this sort of stuff is in the job description.

Yes, lens cover, hood is always on mine,,,thanks for the correction. Best buy I have ever made of photo equipment. Enjoy

you dont have to tell your wife........ i just told her

that's a good one