I agree with the comments of the others. I have owned 6 different Nikon and Canon 500 and 600mm lenses and the current ones by Canon are both terrific, especially when using F8. The 1d mark IV allows higher ISO and smaller apertures and, although expensive, it is the perfect addition to the 500mm lens.
I use a 1300 series tripod and I find this adequate, especially with higher ISOs.All of this takes a bit of practice though.
