300 f2.8 Canon

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Views on second hand canon 300 f2.8 what should I look out for I have asked for the serial number off the guys selling them but will canon tell me how old and if any work carried out .
 
You can tell how old it is from the serial number but tbh I wouldn't be too concerned about age ... imo condition is much more important.

Some people make a big deal if a lens is getting on a bit but a newer one could have had a lot of abuse while a 7 /8 year old lens could have only been used a handful of times.

Great lens on the 7D though .. mine takes the 1.4x converter very well and the 2x is not too shabby either.

Edit: Presuming you are on about the 2.8 IS
 
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it is difficult to get spare parts for the Canon 300mm 2.8 non is model, so i would try and avoid them.I have a 300mm 2.8 is and it is really sharp and focus is quick,a great lens to get a hold of.
 
Pick said:
it is difficult to get spare parts for the Canon 300mm 2.8 non is model, so i would try and avoid them.I have a 300mm 2.8 is and it is really sharp and focus is quick,a great lens to get a hold of.
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There is a risk with purchasing the non IS version due to the fact that Canon no longer support it. But if the price is right, it could be a fantastic purchase.
 
Been looking at the IS mk1 could do a mk2 but is there much to gain other than its newer and its going on a 7D,I have a 600 f4 non is great lens but heavy 300 just fits what I need.
 
Like has been said, I wouldn't worry too much about age. I got mine 2nd hand about 12 months ago and only used it a handful of times. They are a superb lens and absolutely pin sharp.
If I was looking now, I'd be more interested in the condition of the body (don't worry about the rubbing where the lens hood attaches as they all have this), the focus rings rubbers should be clean and smooth, and make sure it's a sharp copy (although I've yet to come across anyone complaining about a soft copy).

Out of interest, how do you find the 600/4? I've been considering the 500/4 IS & 600/4 IS, but wondered how you manage with the non-IS?
 
wippers said:
Like has been said, I wouldn't worry too much about age. I got mine 2nd hand about 12 months ago and only used it a handful of times. They are a superb lens and absolutely pin sharp.
If I was looking now, I'd be more interested in the condition of the body (don't worry about the rubbing where the lens hood attaches as they all have this), the focus rings rubbers should be clean and smooth, and make sure it's a sharp copy (although I've yet to come across anyone complaining about a soft copy).

Out of interest, how do you find the 600/4? I've been considering the 500/4 IS & 600/4 IS, but wondered how you manage with the non-IS?
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600 is fine even without the is ,tripod mounted and high shutter normally 500sec or more maybe see you on the loop ,must get there one day.
 
I had the non IS version and TBH it was a fantastic lens i knew at the time that canon would not be able to repair it but it worked just fine and produced some fantastic images, only sold it to fund a 400 2.8 is mk1 the 300 went to a member on here :)
 
300 f 2.8 was my first big prime, and a great lens. It is hand holdable, works really well with both 1.4 and 2 times T/Cs and is widely regarded as one of canons sharpest lenses. As has already been said condition is more important than age.
 
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