Canon L lenses

[philip]

Hi guys,

I am thinking about purchasing the following lenses soon:
Canon 300mm L USM f4
Canon 70-200mm L USM f2.8

I have already made up my mind about the 70-200 as I tried it before and it was the sharpest lens I ever used. The IS version is too expensive for me but I think at this focal lenght I can do without.

Does anyone have some advice about the 300mm prime? On several reviews it is said that the non-IS version is even sharper than the one with stabilizer. Of course it is also a matter of price and I am not a big fan of IS anyway...I hardly ever switch it on on my 100-400. Would be great to get some opinions about that one especially in combination with a 1,4x Extender - I need some decent airshow equipment

Thanks guys!

[Tanner_J]

You can find a used 70-200 2.8 IS for the price of a new one without IS if you want to go that route. Or you can find a used 70-200 for around 8-900.

[Olli Vainio]

I've tried both IS and non-IS version of the 300 and own the IS-version, I'd say the difference is marginal and IS will help a lot with long focal lengths. Get the IS version if you can.

[philip]

Thanks guys!

Tanner, the market for used quality L lenses is quite small in Austria and Germany so it will be hard to get one on ebay. I dont have good experience with used stuff in in general, better spend a few more bucks and be sure.

Olli, thanks a lot I will look out for one with IS. Have you ever tried yours with the converter? How does it manage low light situations?

Thanks again

[Tanner_J]

I would try Fred Miranda. People ship all over the world.

I've never had bad experience with used equipment, but I guess it's becuase of where I buy it. I'd still look into it. I see the 300's all the time.

[Will M]

Phillip , the 300mm f/4 L IS performs sweeet with the 1.4X TC II on it. this lens really excels around f/8 and I won't be trading it in for a night with Paris Hilton anytime soon !
You might also want to consider the 70-200 F/4 L IS if you want the same quality build with IS properties.

some examples:

300mm F/4 L IS
[photoid=5989314]
[photoid=5977324]
[photoid=5957371]

With Converter:
[photoid=5947215]
[photoid=5947164]

[philip]

Great, thanks a lot for the tips! I will decide on it soon as I'd like to shoot with the lenses at the Air Tattoo..

Tanner, who or what is Fred Miranda, got a link or something please!?

Great shots btw. Will!

[Cosmo]

http://www.fredmiranda.com/

[LX-A343]

Just an addition: Fred Miranda is one great website for informations around many aspects of photography!! Always worth a visit!

Gerardo

[Olli Vainio]

Olli, thanks a lot I will look out for one with IS. Have you ever tried yours with the converter? How does it manage low light situations?

I use EF 1.4x II Extender frequently, quality is very good but AF is not so brilliant any more, it works well if there's plenty of light. I wouldn't use extender in low light, but all in all, it works very well on the 300.

[philip]

Just to let you know I finally decided on the following:
Canon 300mm f4 L IS USM
Canon Extender 1,4x II
Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L USM

Thanks a lot for the advice, very helpful!

[Harlequin67]

The 300mm and 1.4X converter are in a special discount lens offer for the EOS camera system 20th(?) Anniversary, if you are buying new.

This maybe only a UK offer, but might be offered in Europe as well.

Check your local dealers and websites and the local country Canon website.

[Fletch]

The 70-200f2.8L IS and 1.4x is a great combo, I rarely take the 1.4x off:



PG