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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Canon 300 f/2.8 non-IS or 400 f/4 DO with IS?
Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Salisbury | NC | USA | Posted: 10:36 AM on 05.09.11 |
->> I have an older 300 f/2.8 non-IS that has always taken great, sharp images. Now a buddy is offering to sell me his 400 f/4 DO with IS that also shoots great stuff.
Which is better for a guy who can't afford both? The faster 300, which is non-IS but used 99% of the time on a monopod, or the longer reach of the slower but newer 400 f/4 with IS?
In case low-light situations are a factor in your thinking, I use a Mark IV on the 300 and would use it on the 400. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 10:57 AM on 05.09.11 |
| ->> 400 do are subject to varying degrees of sharpness the newer generally the better test it for yourself and test it with your extenders |
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Jim Colburn, Photographer, Photo Editor
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McAllen | TX | USA | Posted: 11:00 AM on 05.09.11 |
| ->> The one example of a 400mm/4DO that I've used was SO sharp and SO light (for it's mm) that I'd go for the 400mm. It's a beautiful lens. |
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Dan Powers, Photographer
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Appleton | WI | USA | Posted: 11:15 AM on 05.09.11 |
| ->> The 400 is a nice lens...but I found it doesn't play nice with a 1.4x...Dan. |
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Dave Einsel, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Houston | TX | United States | Posted: 11:18 AM on 05.09.11 |
->> It is all about personal preference.
I would suggest sticking with the 300. The non-IS version was one of the sharpest lenses Canon ever produced. If you have taken good care of it, it will continue to serve you well. Add a 1.4x and you have a darn good 420 f/4.
The 400 DO is a nice lens. It is light weight and very sharp. However, my experience is that it does not play well with extenders. As suggested above, do your own tests.
Good luck. |
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Michael Granse, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 11:37 AM on 05.09.11 |
| ->> I have a 300mm f2.8 non-IS that works VERY well with my 1.4x TC II and 2x TC II. Naturally, the 2x only comes out to play in bright sunlight but my 1.4x has done well even in a domed NFL stadium. |
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Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Salisbury | NC | USA | Posted: 1:19 PM on 05.09.11 |
->> My 300 and my Series II converters are a match made in heaven.
How about with the new Series III versions of the 1.4 and 2X? Anybody have any experience using those with the 400 f/4? Or with the older 300 f/2.8 like mine? |
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Neil Turner, Photographer
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Bournemouth | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 3:20 AM on 05.10.11 |
->> I love the 400mm f4 DO but I sometimes miss the extra f-stop that I have with a 300 f2.8. My 400 does not like being used with a MkII 1.4x.
Is the 300 f2.8 non-IS still supported by Canon? It is a nightmare getting kit serviced once the spares run out. |
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Andy Bronson, Photographer
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Bellingham | WA | USA | Posted: 4:05 AM on 05.10.11 |
->> Neil,
the 300 2.8 non IS is no longer supported, as I found put two years ago when it got busted. |
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David Welker, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Springfield | MO | USA | Posted: 5:52 PM on 05.10.11 |
->> Andy,
While it is true that canon no longer supports the 300 2.8. I am sure there are other shops that will, like midwest camera for example. I think the lack of canon support on various lenses can be a bit over played when all it takes is a phone call to some of the other trustworthy repair centers. |
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