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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
canon 300 f/2.8 old vs new
Philip Bowen, Photographer
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Kampala | UG | Uganda | Posted: 5:02 PM on 11.04.09 |
->> Hi-
I'm probably going to get a 300mm f/2.8 and am looking for info/advice about the quality/technology of the IS vs the non-IS versions.
This would be primarily a sports lens, so shutter speeds should be high enough to make IS a non-factor. Are the auto-focus technologies and the glass qualities etc comparable between the two? Is one better or worse with a 1.4x or 2x extender?
Any other differences between the two that affect their use?
Thanks for any help! |
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Andrew Nelles, Photographer
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Chicago | Ill. | usa | Posted: 5:07 PM on 11.04.09 |
| ->> I've shot with the IS quite a bit in the past, but currently own a non-IS. I gotta say I'm very happy with it. Lack of canon service for it sucks, but the AF and image quality are top notch. If you find a good deal on a non-IS it's absolutely worth it. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 5:40 PM on 11.04.09 |
| ->> The newer the better with the 2x both the lens and the extender. |
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Jeff Martin, Photographer
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wellington | OH | usa | Posted: 5:57 PM on 11.04.09 |
| ->> Non IS models are no longer serviced by Canon. |
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Jimmy Hickey, Student/Intern, Assistant
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 8:02 PM on 11.09.09 |
->> I have one, very satisfied with it for the price. No complaints. Fast focusing, sharp images, other than having Canon be able to service it, what more could you want?
Just out of curiosity, what is the general lifespan of a 300 non IS, and what could potentially even go wrong? |
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Daniel Bates, Photographer
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Fayetteville | NC | | Posted: 9:38 PM on 11.09.09 |
->> The focus motor could burn out. It's not generally repairable, unless you are fortunate enough to find a replacement USM assembly (I wasn't).
Of course, the lens was still a nice MF 300/2.8. |
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George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 10:49 AM on 11.10.09 |
->> Jimmy,
What Daniel said plus a bent mount, scratched element, a drop that damages internal gearing, etc. etc. etc. Any of these things and Canon will no service the lens. Some repair shops will still try but as parts get scarce you end up with having to buy a new lens. I know that money is tight for pretty much everyone (lottery winners not included) but why not invest a little more into something you know can be fixed and probably give you a longer usable life in the end? |
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Phillip Davies, Photographer
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Garden City | NY | US | Posted: 3:27 PM on 11.10.09 |
->> I've been using a non IS 300mm 2.8 for quite a few years now. I can't say enough about it. GREAT! lens. Most of the time I use it with 1.4X TC and get great results. Very fast focusing.
Other than the IS advantage, I believe one of them weighs a bit more, which is not usually a factor with a monopod but I have hand held mine on occasion and lighter is always better. |
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Jimmy Hickey, Student/Intern, Assistant
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 9:07 PM on 11.10.09 |
| ->> Hrmm thanks for that guys. I have had my 300 for over a year with no problems, but am aware of the potential dangers of it now, thanks:) |
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Josh Lehrer, Photographer, Assistant
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NY | NY | USA | Posted: 9:27 PM on 11.10.09 |
->> I'd second Phillip's statement...the new 300mm IS is significantly lighter than the older models, which makes transporting and using it much easier. I would recommend the IS model if possible, but the older models are still superb.
Good luck! |
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Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 10:35 AM on 11.13.09 |
| ->> My non-IS version has been fantastic. I thought something was wrong at one point and it turned out to be the 1DMkII mirror acting up. Point is, I had to look around for a shop to possibly repair the older 300 and through the great assistance of many members here, wound up with multiple names of shops that would service it (assuming available parts of course which is really the biggest concern in my opinion). |
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