Canon 300 4L non IS lens, what do you think of ?

[Pef]

Merry Christams to all !

I've gone to my favorite shop yesterday and they have lent me a Canon 300 4L non IS for the w-e.
The price is around 700 euros ($950).

Let me know if it's a good opportunity !

I own a 200 2.8L that I greatly enjoy...

Do you think that the same lens with IS is superior ?

Thank you for your help.

[Dale]

I have the IS version which I find to be very sharp. I have heard that the non IS is even sharper.

[bkunze]

I have that lens and absolutely love it, be sure to carry a tripod or use higher ISO. I can post a sample shot if you like...

Best,
Bernd

[eric1]

I have the IS version which I find to be very sharp. I have heard that the non IS is even sharper.
i would agree with Dale, that is exactly what i was going to say. here is a handheld 300f4 IS shot at 1/25, iso 800 with a 20D.

http://www.pbase.com/ericm/image/37760175

[retro]

Wow! That is really impressive. I may consider this lens down the road. Why is it that the lens looses its sharpness with the IS feature? How is the quality compensated? Is this also accurate of the Canon 70-200mm 2.8is?

[Whaler]

SHARP!!!! VERY SHARP! I think that anything over $850 USD is overpriced though.

[RichardtheSane]

SHARP!!!! VERY SHARP! I think that anything over $850 USD is overpriced though.
In europe, everything is much more expensive than the states

[Tom W]

Ummm - I believe that the EXIF data that Pbase provides shows the lens to be 100 mm, not 300.

[scottbergerphoto]

I bought a 300 f/4 IS L and was very unhappy with it's performance with a 1.4X Canon TC. I returned it for the 400 f/5.6. I like the longer reach and it focuses very fast. It also is easily used hand held.

Regards,
Scott:)

[eric1]

Ummm - I believe that the EXIF data that Pbase provides shows the lens to be 100 mm, not 300.
oops, your right Tom. try this one.
http://www.pbase.com/ericm/image/36080105