300 f4 vs 70-200 w/1.4x

[lauderdalems]

This has probably been answered over a 100 times, so here is number 102.

Looking at getting a 300 f4 (can not afford the 2.8). But I have the 70-200 2.8.

Is there a vast different in sports shot with the 300 f4 compared to the 70-200 - giving a 280 f4.

I'm shooting with a 40D.

[asysin2leads]

The 300 f/4 will be sharper. Primes usually are. However, I've had great results w/ the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and the 1.4x II. You can always rent the 300 and compare the 2 setups. Good luck. Oh, I do not have the 300 f/4.

[gh patriot]

I have the 70-200 f/4 and the 300 f4 and the 1.4x and I must admit for sports I like the zoom better just for the zoom factor. The IQ with the 1.4x on is not that bad and you wont really notice it unless you go pixel peeping. I have to admit that the 300 f4 is flippin sweet though!

[tmalone893]

I currently have the 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.4x TC that I use for soccer and baseball. I'm renting the 300 f/4 this weekend for my son's soccer tournament. I'll let you know how it does.

I want that 2.8 also but the $4K scares me a little.;)

[lauderdalems]

Do let me know how the 300 f4 does compared to your current setup.

The weather should be good.

[MDteX]

Looking at getting a 300 f4 (can not afford the 2.8). But I have the 70-200 2.8.


Just get a 300 f/2.8 and be done with it!!! :lol: It is the best thing you can get...next to the 400 f/2.8! The photos from the 300 f/2.8 are great as it has always been considered one Canon's top lenses.

I have not used the 300 f/4 but I would think it would be sharper than the 70-200 with a TC. As stated before, primes are generally sharper.

[bobbyz]

Besides sharpness, TC slows down focus, IMHO.

[mspringfield]

Besides sharpness, TC slows down focus, IMHO.

What he said... plus AF tracking is not as good either. Personally I have not had the best of luck with my 70-200 2.8 with a 1.4x compared to my 300 F4 alone. Most of the time I love my 70-200 but IMHO the 70-200 2.8 IS + the 1.4x TCII is the worst combo in my bag.

Michael

[books64]

I shoot a lot of rodeo events with Canon's 70-200mm f2.8 IS, along with a 1.4x teleconverter and love the results. I do not have the 300mm prime, but like other posters, prefer the zooming of my lens. In a number of events, I need to keep the rider or roper tight in the shot and would be unable to do so with a prime lens. I am constantly zooming in or out depending upon the direction of the bull, horse, wrestling or roping subject. It really depends on what you are shooting. For me, I would only use a long prime for beginning action at each gate. After that, the use would be more limited.

[svarley]

I have a 70-200 f4 non-IS and a 300 f4 IS and I freaking love the 300. Very sharp, very fast focusing, great looking color and contrast... It's a superb lens.

[tmalone893]

Do let me know how the 300 f4 does compared to your current setup.

The weather should be good.

I have a 70-200 f4 non-IS and a 300 f4 IS and I freaking love the 300. Very sharp, very fast focusing, great looking color and contrast... It's a superb lens.

Just got through using the 300 f/4 today for soccer. I love this lens. Very fast AF and the distance wasn't really an issue. I have been currently using the 70-200 f/2.8 with a 1.4x tc with some success. The prime is much faster and I had more keepers with it. My new setup is going to be the 300 with the 70-200 on the second body.

[lauderdalems]

Thanks tmalone893. I was leaning toward the 1.4x, but I'm going to shoot for the 300. Now to see how my wife reacts.