Canon 300mm f/4 for youth soccer

[int2str]

Hey guys!

Can anybody post some examples of youth soccer pictures taken with the Canon 300mm f/4 preferably at f/4?

I'm considering getting the 300mm down the road for the added reach (and hopefully IQ) compared to my 70-200mm. I also own the 1.4x TC and may throw it own occasionally for some back-of-the-field pictures.

Any thoughts on the lens choice?
And no, I can't afford the 300mm f/2.8 ;)

Thanks!

[Dan-o]

You already have 280 with the 70-200 and 1.4. Don't know that I would shell out the money for the extra 20MM. I have seen some very nice pics with it though.

[int2str]

280mm f/4 is not sharp enough with my current combo to be usable. And at f/5.6 or so the backgroung isn't as blurred anymore as I would like. Plus the 300mm would give me 420mm on occasion when I need the reach.

Anybody have any soccer shots taken with this lens?

[int2str]

Btw. here's a quick comparison between the 70-200 f/2.8 + 1.4x TC and the 300 f/2.8. The 70-200+TC was shot at f/4, the 300 at f/2.8. Both lenses on a monopod.

[Zivnuska]

Btw. here's a quick comparison between the 70-200 f/2.8 + 1.4x TC and the 300 f/4. The 70-200+TC was shot at f/4, the 300 at f/2.8.

How exactly do you shoot the 300 f/4 at f/2.8?

[int2str]

Oops, typo. I'm currently renting the 300mm f/2.8 (non-IS) since the camera store did not have the f/4.

[eigga]

Here is 300 at f/3.5 Thats about as far as I usually stop down so I dont have anything at f/4 other than with a TC on. Not exactly what you want but maybe it will help

I do suggest getting at least a 300mm lens. I cover a LOT of youth soccer and the 300 is typically the only lens I use. Even though the field gets smaller with age so does the size of the subject so I find it to be the perfect reach for everything other than a full size field...which I use the TC at 420mm for those

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff66/mcgomez13/FOF_5829.jpg

Edit.. I was able to find one. I know the horizon is off but its just for FL purpose :)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff66/mcgomez13/U9Dynamite-201.jpg

[int2str]

Great sharpness! Exactly what I'd like to achieve!
I actually just came back from my first games with a rented 300mm f/2.8. Unfortunately they didn't have the f/4. The f/2.8 seems to be pretty awesome.

I do find myself way too close though many times. Which is weird because the 200mm feels way to far away.

Now I'm really confused as to whether an 300mm f/4 will be the right lens for me. I'm spoiled by the f/2.8 :D

If only my 70-200 f/2.8 was this sharp @ 200mm. I'd probably be able to make due...

[eigga]

Using a 300+ prime takes practice. I wouldnt cover most youth sports with anything less than a good 300 prime.

[tmalone893]

Here are a few with the 300 f/4. It is an awesome lens. The 2.8 is the king but 4 times more expensive.

1.http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v7/p531441330-4.jpg

2.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v8/p59242281-4.jpg

3.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v8/p342906643-4.jpg
4.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v8/p789922032-4.jpg
5.
http://www.maloneactionshots.com/img/v8/p1001909408-4.jpg

[int2str]

Thanks eigga & malone!

I just did the first pass over the images I took today and I'm absolutely impressed. My 70-200mm is going into Canon repair again with a stern letter and I'm going to buy that 300mm f/4, I think!

malone's images sealed it. If the f/4 can do that, I'm sold!

Thanks again guys!

[clarence]

I do find myself way too close though many times. Which is weird because the 200mm feels way to far away.

If you enjoy being able to compose with zoom, don't rule out the 100-400L...

1.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3717n.jpg

2.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3818n.jpg

3.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3798n.jpg

4.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3870n.jpg

5.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3898n.jpg

6.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_3961.jpg

7.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_4088.jpg

8.
http://crtforum.com/t1i/images/2009-05-16_4005.jpg

These were taken with a Canon Rebel T1i/500D before I got my 1D Mk II. My son's first time playing soccer and my first time shooting, but enough to show that you can get some decent background separation without f/2.8 or f/4.

[DAUMO]

these are great!