Canon Ef 300mm f4L - any thoughts??

dougdarter

dougdarter

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Douglas
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Hi,

I have the chance of picking one of these lenses up for a reasonable price, and I was wondering if anyone has any experience of this lens??

All that I've read about it is good, especially it's ability to accept a 1.4 extender, with practically no loss of quality.

Thanks in advance.
 
Not used it with an extender but I like it. At times I wish it was f/2.8, but that only really when its dark. Can't find any pics taken with it atm, but it's a nice lens.
 
A lot of my swan pics are taken with the 300mm and the 1.4x Doug - no noticeable loss of IQ experienced. Worth noting that i have the IS version. Not sure from your note which you are aiming for - i only mention as the iS is second generation and not tripod sensing.....
 
Check these two reviews out:

Canon 300 f/4L

Sigma 100-300 f/4 EX

Imo the Sigma is the better option as it sports a zoom. You can stick a teleconverter on there and it will still produce some great results.

Obviuosly if your after the IS version of the Canon 300 f/4 then go for it as the IS is quite handy.

King.
 
I've got one on medium term loan from my friend - 300mm F4 IS (he now has a 300mm f2.8!)

Its pretty fast focusing (but thats to be expected as a L series prime), not too heavy or big either. Not tried it with the 1.4x until next week, but expect it to be still pretty damned good.

This was a fairly randomly cloudy day at Brands the other week, taken using my 350D:

506507128_d30ca08b2d.jpg


My only comment is that if you are used to a zoom, getting the hang of a prime takes a bit of practice...

They go second hand for around 500 quid, which isn't a bad price/performance ratio in my book.
 
Thanks to those who replied. I just rang up to pull the trigger, and the dealer who had promised to keep it until monday for me said he had sold it!!

Needless to say, I won't be recommending him!
 
dougdarter said:
Thanks to those who replied. I just rang up to pull the trigger, and the dealer who had promised to keep it until monday for me said he had sold it!!

Needless to say, I won't be recommending him!
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Hard luck Doug, The 300mm F.4 is a sterling lens which gives excellent results.

Works with both 1.4x and 2x converters like a champ.

Stay interested in this particular lens Doug, Its a good one that would go well next to your 400mm f/5.6..:thumbs:
 
:thumbs:
well i love mine doug its the reason i brought the 1.4 off you a while back
:naughty:
 
Contact Kerso (Ian Kerr kerso1123@msn.com), he has them in stock for a very good price, I know, I'm getting one as soon as he tells me where I can pick it up.
 
another vote here doug:thumbs:
 
Funny i brought my 400mm from him from Ebay without knowing he was around here, must have had my eyes closed or something lol

Must admit its a lens that on my wishlist.
 
The 300 is an excellent lens & was the reason I originally chose primes over zooms - works excellently with the convertors too. Great lens :thumbs:
 
I've finally managed to lay my hands on one.

I PX'd my beautiful old 80-200 f2.8L:'(

Truth be told though, I haven't used it much in a long time, and though I preferred it to the the 70-200 2.8L, it was, to be truthful getting a little bit long in the tooth.

I really need a shorter telephoto prime - has anybody else noticed that sometimes a 40mm or longer can be too long?
 
Hi Doug - an update: Received my x2 today and am totally blown away by IQ with both the 2.8 70-200 and the f 300 - the reviews I'd read prior to these threads pursuaded me the x2 wasn't worth it - utter festering excrement now says I. lightening fast AF on the 1d and decent on the 5d with the 70-200 - decent enough on the 1d with the 300!

Good luck chap :thumbs:
 
Jonnyreb said:
the reviews I'd read prior to these threads pursuaded me the x2 wasn't worth it
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I tend to take reviews with a pinch of salt. The reviewers tend to be pixel peeping at 600% or something rediculous. At the end of the day selling your work to Joe Bloggs who will hang it on the landing/stairs isnt going to be putting your kit through such a vigorous programme :bonk: They actually appreciate the photograph for what it is, not what made it.

Danny.
 
Jonnyreb said:
Hi Doug - an update: Received my x2 today and am totally blown away by IQ with both the 2.8 70-200 and the f 300 - the reviews I'd read prior to these threads pursuaded me the x2 wasn't worth it - utter festering excrement now says I. lightening fast AF on the 1d and decent on the 5d with the 70-200 - decent enough on the 1d with the 300!

Good luck chap :thumbs:
Click to expand...

Nice to know Johnny - Thanks:)
 
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