Should I sell the 70-200 f/4 for 70-300 DO?

[Sherpa]

I currently use a 70-200 f/4 L with the 1.4x extender on my 300D. I'm finding that I use this combo almost exclusively and very rarely use the 70-200 by itself. Also I'm getting a bit frustrated by the lack of reach of this combo for wildlife and motorsport photography.

I'm wondering if I should sell my current lenses and get the 70-300 DO IS which will give me more room for manouvere. I love the qaulity of my L lens but do you think this is a wise thing to do?

Cheers

[Cadwell]

Nope.

You will barely notice the extra 20mm of focal length and you can't use the teleconvertor with the 70-300DO on the 300D and retain autofocus. I think you will be wasting your time/money.

You mentioned motorsport... I don't know what type of motorsport and where you are shooting but I find 300mm too short for most major circuits in the UK. Ideally you need around 400mm.

[Sherpa]

Thanks for your reply. I think I'll look at trading up to the 100-400 L lens as this will give me all the versatility I need. I mainly go to Mallory Park where spectators can get very close to the action.

[CyberDyneSystems]

NO NO NO!

I have the "DO" and I would not chose it over any other L... it is NOT as good period.

[Jesper]

I have the 70-300 DO and I've never tried a 70-200 L (altough I do have another L lens).

Remember that if you buy a big, white, conspicuous 70-200 L, everybody will be looking at you if you walk with that thing on the street. Sometimes it's an advantage to have a "pro" looking lens, because people at events automatically assume that you're a pro and make place for you if you want to make a photo. On the other hand, it can be a disadvantage. I bought the 70-300 DO because I wanted an inconspicuous but good lens.

The image quality of the 70-300 DO is not always good - especially wide open at the long end, it's not really super sharp. If image quality is your main concern, get the 70-200 L.

[Belmondo]

These are different lenses that fill different purposes and fall into decidedly different price points. I continue to be amazed at the quality of the DO lens; I was out shooting with it yesterday (trains, of course). It is compact, reasonably sharp, and inconspicuous.

The 70-200 f/4 is sharper. It is large, conspicuous, and a brilliant performer. Only you can decide what's important and what isn't.