300 f4L non IS and dust

[Sprout Crumble]

Does this lens have a particular reputation for dust ingress and would you expect some fine dust to have any impact on sharpness or flare?

What do people think of this one?
I really can't afford a 2.8IS and was thinking this would be a good companion to my 70-200, maybe with a 1.4x as well.

Thanks

[schmoelzel]

Hello:

I have an older copy of this lens and as with any lens, over time there will be dust collecting inside the lens that one can see with the naked eye.........this is the sharpest lens I own and I love the colour, contrast, and incredible bokeh that you can achieve with this lens. I don't think it matters as far as optical quality when you are talking about dust inside the lens. Mine has the typical dust particals and exhibits no flare and is SHARP!!!

[Sprout Crumble]

Thanks schmoelzel.
Do you think it would be a good complement for my system (I'll sell the 75-300)?
I'd like the IS but a new one would run double a used non-IS.

Just to add, it'll be used for wildlife photography on a small Caribbean island. Daytime brightness is not really a problem.

[heffsarmy]

Hello Sprout, I just bought a secondhand canon 300mm f4 non is and its tack sharp here is a crop of a photo I took yesterday, with a canon 1.4 ex convertor...no dust inside and flare is not a problem with the built on hood...its as sharp as my canon 200 f2.8...primes are the way to go

[schmoelzel]

Thanks schmoelzel.
Do you think it would be a good complement for my system (I'll sell the 75-300)?
I'd like the IS but a new one would run double a used non-IS.

Just to add, it'll be used for wildlife photography on a small Caribbean island. Daytime brightness is not really a problem.

If you can find a used one, don't hesitate!! :lol: It is a great lens and I think while it may be a bit short for much wildlife shooting, with an extender it becomes a 420/5.6 and is still super sharp. It has colour to die for and if you find the right distance from the background, you can isolate your subject very well. I can rave and rave about this lens; it is that good. I haven't heard or read many bad reviews of this lens........the IS version is supposed to be as good with the added benefit of IS. I think it will outshine your 75-300 by a lot; but it is a prime and you have to get used to a single focal length. This is a good thing because for me it makes me think a bit more about each shot.

[wilflee]

According to these reviews, the non-IS version is sharper than the IS version.

http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/300mm/
http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/300-4

[antaine]

I bought the 300/4 non IS because it was cheaper than the IS version and because it was meant to be sharper than the IS version. I am very pleased with it - I don't use it as much as I thought I would though!