Originally posted by richfam The fixed f/11 generated a lot of derisive comments when the lens was first announced, but reviews have been very favorable and people actually using it in the field seem to love it. With that combination of size/weight/reach & price I think that Canon does indeed have a hit on their hands.
I have a Sigma 150-500 lens and although it is an F 5.6 to F 6.3 (forgive me if I'm wrong,
I haven't checked in a long while) ...invariably when I use it (usually @ 500mm).
I set the F stop between F 9 to F 11, mostly F 10-F 11 to ensure adequate depth of field on the subject @ 500 mm.
Now this lens is an 800 mm...wow...if I may add. If I had this 800 mm lens, I would have no trouble setting it at F 11, as that is pretty well what I set my 500 at, with options to go to F 6.3...if I wish, but usually don't for the aforementioned reasons.
Given depth of field and 800 mm, I think F 11 would be just fine, as I also would be mostly using this lens during bright, sunny days. Given a modern cameras ability to produce great, not too grainy images at higher ISO...well the F stop issue is not as much of an issue anymore.
However, before I put my 1250 bucks down on the counter, I think I would like to try it out....even if it's out in front of the camera store, in the parking lot...just to see if I could hand hold it, and get a clear picture of that '07 Buick's license plate at the far end of the lot.