SPORTS ADVICE: 300f2.8 or MarkIII ?

[wyofizz]

I'm debating on a Mark III or a Canon 300 f2.8.
Would like to start shooting H.S baseball, football and youth soccer.
I currently shoot a lot of youth basketball and would like a faster
focus and better clarity at high ISO(who wouldn't).
My current gear is in my sig.
What would you guys do first?

Dave

[dsul413]

Well, in my opinion a 300mm lens is a bit long for basketball, so if that is your focus I would say go with the mkIII (based on your other equipment).

Its understandable for the other sports, however, to have a 300mm lens. It produces some outstanding shots, and the benefits of the mkIII may not be as obvious (at least, in my opinion).

Can't really go wrong either way.

[eigga]

I had the same debate last fall. I decided both was the right choice. Given you have the best ISO ability and focus ability in an non 1D already I would go with the glass first. Of course the 300 is too much for basketaball and most small soccer fields (especially with a 1.6 crop)

Buy the glass....save for the 1D

[vetkrazy]

FWIW: Since the 300 will be useful for football, soccer and baseball, it would be my first choice. You also might consider a non-IS which will save some $$$$. When the MKIII works it is a great camera but I personally am not convinced enough to give up my "N". With Photokina just around the corner I am waiting to see what Canon has to offer ( MK3N?). For field sports my 300 is my most used lens.

[mackidbrendan]

You also might consider a non-IS which will save some $$$$.

just a heads up, canon will not fix your 300 2.8 non IS lens anymore.
***********

my vote is for the lens. but wait til after photokina just to be safe. they might have something else u may want:rolleyes:

[MJPhotos24]

300 2.8 IS lens first....not even close to a debate IMO.

[bobbyz]

Agree, 300mm f2.8 no questions asked.

Maybe I shoot on different soccer fields but I use my 500mm f4 IS all the time on 1dmk2. 400mm would be ideal, IMHO. 300mm is less for soccer.

[chrishunt]

I'd get a used 1d Mark II and a used 300 f/2.8 IS. The Mark II will destroy your 40d and you save big bucks on the 300 f/2.8 IS.

This costs less than buying either the Mark III or the 300 f/2.8 IS new... and you get both a better body and lens.

[bobbyz]

Agree with Chris above. Buy used, it will save you money. And you can always sell for almost the same price you paid, atleast for lenses not for camera bodies.