300 mm f/4 vs 300 mm f4 IS

[bigcountry]

delima:

canon 300mm f4 + 1.4 kenko pro 300 tc - $840.

or

canon 300 f4 IS - $900.

both are used, the IS version is in "newer" condition but both are tack sharp!

[cosworth]

get the IS.

[StealthLude]

I have the IS version, its the way to go.

[GyRob]

I have the IS version, its the way to go.
i agree
Rob.

[gcogger]

Some say the non-IS is sharper wide open - but then some say it isn't :)

In the real world, however, IS may be more important than any potential difference at f/4.

[Big WIll]

how about the 70-200mm F2.8 L IS with an 1.4x convertor = 98mm-280mm F4 IS

[Fade2]

my .2cents

Go with the IS.

[Robert_Lay]

The only legitimate comparison with an IS lens is with another IS lens. (Any lens without IS is not even in the running.)

For some qualitative info on the performance of the IS feature, see my thread at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=297839&highlight=XTi

[jorj7]

BC, I would say it depends on what you're going to use it for. I had
the non-IS and liked it very much. In fact I've had 2. For static subjects the
IS works better, but since I usually shot moving objects, I preferred the non-IS.
Even though I now have the 300 f2.8 LIS, I turn off the IS when I shot moving
birds or cars. Also, if you're going to shot birds, you'll probably want a 1.4x tc,
so budget that in for later if you get the IS.

[cosworth]

how about the 70-200mm F2.8 L IS with an 1.4x convertor = 98mm-280mm F4 IS

How about the 70-200mm F/4 L IS with an 1.4x convertor = 98mm-280mm F4 IS and a boatload cheaper than above.

[ghms421]

How about the 70-200mm F/4 L IS with an 1.4x convertor = 98mm-280mm F4 IS and a boatload cheaper than above.
Except it'd be a 98-280 f5.6 IS.

[cosworth]

Except it'd be a 98-280 f5.6 IS.

Correct. I neglected to edit the entire quote. That lost stop is made up with the newer IS. Hopefully your subject stays relatively still.

Still, get the 300 IS prime. I had one, sold it and regret it.

[Permagrin]

get the IS...and then later, whenever it's in the budget, add the 1.4tc. It's a sharp fast lens and handholding in low light is made very possible because of the IS...(I use it almost constantly with the tc and have great results...)

[Lani Kai]

Go with the IS. Some say the non-IS is sharper, but my IS version is quite sharp and I've never actually lusted for more sharpness.Besides, the IS version is definitely sharper at 1/20s.

[cbock]

well, not that you need it, but, i'll throw in another vote for IS.