2 hour poll

[Doom1701e]

Want to order a new lens tonight to recive in time for the weekend. I am most concerned about sharpness above anything else. Weight and price are not an issue. Versatility is not a big issue either.

[PacAce]

I guess the answer would really depend on what your primary intentions are with the lens (do I sound like a doting father giving a daughter's suitor the 3rd degree? :mrgreen:)

It's really a tough choice to pick one among the three. I had to make that same decision a year ago. I finally ended up with the 100-400L not becuase it's the better of the 3 but because it gave me the versatility of the 100-400 focal range. I wanted to use it primarily for birding but I have other interests and I couldn't afford to get a prime of different focal length to suit each one of those different interests.

Just took a look at your signature and noticed that you have the 100-400L on order. So, I guess this poll and my reply is kind of moot now, at least in your case! :)

[Belmondo]

I own all three lenses. The 300 and 400 are just about equal in sharpness so it becomes a matter of your preference for focal length, although the 300 does have IS. The 100-400 is almost as sharp, and is more versatile than the other two and also has IS. I know you said that doesn't matter, but when everything else is relatively equal, why not opt for the lens that gives you something more?

Of the three, the 100-400 is the one I'd give up last, so knowing what I know, it's the one I'd buy first.

Tom

[martcol]

Of the three, the 100-400 is the one I'd give up last, so knowing what I know, it's the one I'd buy first.

Tom

That's a pretty telling statement. I agree that the versatility of the 100-400 would be lot to give up once you've got it.

Martin

[CyberDyneSystems]

Wow.. as you say that versatility is not an issue.. I'd grab a prime.. Probably the 400mm... but the 300mm is stellar as well.. and does work well with the 1.4X for longer work..

The hallmark of the zoom is versatility... but it isn't exactly the best birding lens.

What is your intended use?

[Doom1701e]

What is your intended use?

Mostly photographing Corvette autocrosses and drag races (my other expensive hobby), some baseball games. Just general things I cant do with a 70-200. I really want to get beyond the 300mm barrier without a TC, so the three lenses I listed are the ones I have considered.

[Doom1701e]

P.S. Earlier I changed my sig. to show the 100-400L was on order. I just cancelled it. I am going CRAZY!?!?! I dont know what to do!! :(

[PacAce]

P.S. Earlier I changed my sig. to show the 100-400L was on order. I just cancelled it. I am going CRAZY!?!?! I dont know what to do!! :(

If you already have the 70-200 and versatility is not a requirement, then I'd go with the 300 f/4. You can then add a 1.4x TC and get a 420 f/5.6 if you need something longer.