300 2.8 non IS vs 300 2.8 IS

I am going to pick one up soon as I get some money. I can buy the 300 non IS right now but the ability of not being able to take it into canon scares me so I have some questions.

Start off I will be using this lens for indoor sports and Surf photography with a 1.4 or 2X TC. Always be on a tripod or monopod.

1) what are the odds of a lens failur
2) is the IS a $1600 upgrade worth it
3)what places could service the 300 non is?

Odds of a failure are low, but as you know they can happen.

Personally, I'd get it with IS. It might be difficult to sell without it and that makes it worth the $1600 to me.

United Camera will service it for you.
http://www.unitedcamer​a.com/CANON-EF-300MM-F/2.8L-USM/

Thanks Rick.

If using it on a crop camera in particular, I would seriously want IS on this lens. Even on a tripod or monopod, the IS is effective and can make the difference getting the shot or not. You won't want to handhold any version of this lens for very long... It's just too big and heavy for a lto of that.

You aren't just paying for IS with the more expensive option.... It's also likely considerably newer (the non-IS was made from 1987-99, the IS from 1999-2011), has revised optics, about a 10% weight reduction compared to the non-IS, has faster AF and is simply a superb lens. Used right, the non-IS might be sharper... but, really, either lens will "make your eyes bleed".

If you can be patient about it.... the 300/2.8 IS Mark II is rolling out now and that will probably drive down the prices on used 300/2.8 IS "Mark I" a bit.

rick_reno wrote in post #13629352
Odds of a failure are low, but as you know they can happen.

Personally, I'd get it with IS. It might be difficult to sell without it and that makes it worth the $1600 to me.

United Camera will service it for you.
http://www.unitedcamer​a.com/CANON-EF-300MM-F/2.8L-USM/

Servicing (calibration) isn't the same as actually repairing. New parts are essentially non-existent. The AF motor is the thing that tends to doom these old electronic focus lenses. Once that goes, you may as well sell it for parts and get a new one.

I've got a list of about 3 other places that will service the old 500 4.5--they would be able to do the 300 2.8 as well (most likely). You could have asked me for the list in the other thread.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13629453
If using it on a crop camera in particular, I would seriously want IS on this lens. Even on a tripod or monopod, the IS is effective and can make the difference getting the shot or not. You won't want to handhold any version of this lens for very long... It's just too big and heavy for a lto of that.

You aren't just paying for IS with the more expensive option.... It's also likely considerably newer (the non-IS was made from 1987-99, the IS from 1999-2011), has revised optics, about a 10% weight reduction compared to the non-IS, has faster AF and is simply a superb lens. Used right, the non-IS might be sharper... but, really, either lens will "make your eyes bleed".

If you can be patient about it.... the 300/2.8 IS Mark II is rolling out now and that will probably drive down the prices on used 300/2.8 IS "Mark I" a bit.

That's your opinion--I don't think so. If anything, it will drive the prices of the old generation UP! Think about it. You have the choice between the old gen lenses for about 1/2-2/3 the price of the new, optically nearly as good, with weaker IS. Not everyone can afford $7500 for a new 300 II. People will settle for paying $4000-$4500 for the mark 1. And as the lenses become more rare, and demand doesn't subside, price goes up.

Look at the 500 4.5L. It's still selling for $3700 on ebay (people actually pay that price). It was selling in the $4000 range before it was discontinued. It's ancient and a terrible liability to own, but not everyone can afford to pay $5500-$6000 for the 500 4 IS mk1 or $11000 for the 500 4 IS mk2.

Check canonpricewatch--the mk1 gen lenses have actually gone up in price since the mk2's were announced, at their insanely high prices. If anything, the announcement of the new generation lenses has been good news to older-gen owners.

I have both !! and the reason is i got front element damage on the non is which canon does not fix now !!! Just bear this in mind

Warren

I bought a 300/2.8 non IS (1999 vintage) almost three years ago and have had no problems with it.
The image quality is superb and matches any newer 300/2.8
It regularly gets used with both a 1.4 and 2x extender on both a 40D and a 1D MkII with no problems.
In Aussie, and as far as I can ascertain, other parts of the world as well, Canon will still service them - cleaning, calibrating etc if required.
Mine gets a once over from the Canon techs on an annual basis and has been given a clean bill of health. It's next service is due in March.
As Moko pointed out, there is a difference between servicing and repairing.
The problems arise if there is something that needs replacing.
Canon doesn't stock an inventory of parts so that is what makes things difficult.
As the techs have told me, about the only thing that ever goes wrong with them is the auto focus motor, but that is rare.
Would i get one again if required - in a heartbeat YES!

Fricks wrote in post #13629227
I am going to pick one up soon as I get some money. I can buy the 300 non IS right now but the ability of not being able to take it into canon scares me so I have some questions.

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2) is the IS a $1600 upgrade worth it

Yes, IS for a TELEPHOTO lens is a requirement [for me]