300 IS, 100-400 IS, or 35-300

[HKFEVER]

Any suggestion.

Mainly for people, auto, bird....

[lomond]

If you're looking for a 400 2.8 then keep looking, meantime buy the 100-400 for flexibility (people, auto, birds).

Not familiar with the 35-300 IS, but I don't like zooms with such a large focal range.
Somethings got to give.

[RockOne]

Personally, I'd go for the 100-400 based on price and flexibility (I'm saving for it now), but the 300 is a killer lens too...just a bit out of my league. I'm with lomond on the 35-350 / 28-300 L, but if you wish to travel (lightly), and or shoot in dirty / dusty environments where changing lenses might not be a great idea, then it might be useful.

[lomond]

but if you wish to travel (lightly), and or shoot in dirty / dusty environments where changing lenses might not be a great idea, then it might be useful.
Good point.

Also bear in mind there's some talk of a replacement for the 100-400L.( Just talk mind you)
If it proves to be true then there could be some bargains to be had for the original 100-400. (Notice I didn't say old 100-400) :)

[RJSorensen]

I just ordered one . . . perhaps they will update it . . . perhaps not. It is good glass and will get you pictures. The birds are getting colored up and spring fever 'now.' So I want to shoot this spring with long glass, one can't hold your breath on every rumor. I had a hard time deciding what to do as well . . . good luck on your choice. I think the 100-400 will be with me for a long time.

[HKFEVER]

I just ordered one . . . perhaps they will update it . . . perhaps not. It is good glass and will get you pictures. The birds are getting colored up and spring fever 'now.' So I want to shoot this spring with long glass, one can't hold your breath on every rumor. I had a hard time deciding what to do as well . . . good luck on your choice. I think the 100-400 will be with me for a long time.

I am sure you don't want to spend thousands and find out that Canon has a new version coming six month down the road.:cry:

Such as:
- some people mentioned Canon is having new version 100-400;
- One Canon insider told me today, that the next gen. MKIII or what so ever will be in different body shape. It may happen in next major camera fair.:evil:

[pcasciola]

I had to choose between the 300 f/4L and the 100-400L about six months ago, and chose the 300L because it's a little sharper and a whole stop faster. The 100-400 is flexible, yes, and remains on my list, but I'm glad I got the 300 first.

I had also considered some of the L super zooms like the 35-350 and 28-300, but you give up a lot of quality there for convenience.

If you're talking about walking around and taking pictures of people and cars, though, the 100-400L is probably a better choice than the 300L. Here's an example of what you get if you try to take a people picture from less than 10 feet away. Turned out ok, but you can see how 300mm on a 1.6x camera can be a bit long for people shots.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=55229

[HKFEVER]

Another concern is the size of the len. I don't want any lens is way too big to carry & with (come to take it) sign on it.

[pcasciola]

Oh, I didn't realize you were talking about the 300 f/2.8L IS!!!! That's a whole different story. I assumed it was the f/4L because it's in the same price range as the other two you mentioned. The 300 f/4L and 100-400L is typically a tough choice, but the 300 f/2.8 is a no brainer. I'd pick that one in a second. But, it's REALLY big for carrying around.

[flyfishnj]

Aren't you supposed to be painting?

[HKFEVER]

Oh, I didn't realize you were talking about the 300 f/2.8L IS!!!! That's a whole different story. I assumed it was the f/4L because it's in the same price range as the other two you mentioned. The 300 f/4L and 100-400L is typically a tough choice, but the 300 f/2.8 is a no brainer. I'd pick that one in a second. But, it's REALLY big for carrying around.

Talking about 300f/4L, what does it come with?

[pcasciola]

Talking about 300f/4L, what does it come with?It comes with a built in lens hood and tripod collar, if that's what you mean.

[HKFEVER]

It comes with a built in lens hood and tripod collar, if that's what you mean.

Will go to the dealer and have a try tomorrow. Only $1100, pocket change (just kidding):p

[HKFEVER]

It comes with a built in lens hood and tripod collar, if that's what you mean.

If this is the case how about 400 f/5.6?

[pcasciola]

Oh, I left out the soft case it comes with too which is actually pretty nice. Don't know much about the 400 f/5.6, but it's the big brother of the 300mm f/4 without IS. I didn't get it because I figured I could put a 1.4x extender on my 300mm and have a 420mm f/5.6 with IS, but the 400mm looks like an awesome lens based on the pics I see here. There are a lot of active members here with that lens who shoot birds. Check out these that Ian posted recently using the 400 f/5.6:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56334&highlight=great+grey

[HKFEVER]

Thank you for the link.

So IanD is the one with owl pictures that other thread talk about.