Hi Marcel,
Rioja is absolutely correct it’s a lovely lens. Far be it for me to damping your expectations, if you can afford it then do get it. What I was writing about last week was that you would have the identical system as myself. There are pitfalls with having this number of lenses – which to use or carry, etc. I count myself very lucky indeed to be able to own these and similar.
As you have pointed out in your post there are weight and portability problems,
The 600mm is OK for short distances, but anything approaching 4-5 miles and you do feel it. Other people don’t have this problem and are capable of carrying this weight.
You will attract attention to yourself especially in a public hide. I like talking to people if they are interested in a). The birds, b) Photography. But on the odd occasion you’ll get the ‘Canon’ nutter who just wants to argue about the brands. Stability can be a problem in this situation with people moving about, and of course the scornful look from people that you are taking up too much room.
I don’t use the 2TC on the 600mm, I stick to the 1.4TC. Never used the 1.7TC.
In the end of the day, it’s your money and what makes you happy is the correct decision.
I can’t really advise you on the ‘mirror less’ 4/3rd system, as I’m confused as 99.9% of the rest of the world. It’s like going back to the 70s when Olympus launched the OM-1, with the successful Bailey adverts. Back then we all thought we wanted smaller lighter cameras. It seems to be happening all again, this time with all the manufacturers getting in on the act. There doesn’t seem to be any clear thinking from any of the manufacturers yet.
I’ve had a go with the Sony Nex, Panasonic GH2 and PEN 1. Image wise they’re OK, the Pen was a bit disappointing.
The problem I see is still the same – the sensor, and with this new design it looks like we will get new mounts, which means a whole lot of new lenses.
I am convinced that manufacturers have the determination to advance this market sector. Which one will come out top, I don’t have a clue!