hahah Andreas...well remembered...:)..actually, the 500 is twice as long as in image BUT, it does have a 9 inch lens hood attached!...chose the 500 over the 600mm due to weight and lenght! (both are f4)...I guess two important rules, firm stance and keep elbows tucked in for steadiness!...or find a suitable fence post, etc...all my shots are shot like this!...at the moment, 500mm glued to the 5D (remember, full frame sensor!)...the 70-200 2.8 is glued to the Mk ii!..and NO, will not part with either setup...lol :) tip: 20D Andreas :)