300 f4L vs 300 f4L IS

Hey Guys,

I just had an oppurtunity come up to get a 300f4L non IS off a buddy for 700 bucks. I was in the market for the 300f4L IS version, however I have no experience with the non-IS version.

I will be testing the lens out next week when he is back, but I was wondering how they both stack up together.

This lens will be paired with a 1DMK III and used for motorsports photog.

Thanks,

300 f/4L (non IS) for $700 is NOT cheap and depend on it's condition.

Check on KEH site: http://www.keh.com …1/sku-CE06009034036N?r=FE

I have not owned either of these so not much help with handling or IQ. However, I can tell you that the IS will be GREATLY appreciated!

x_tan wrote in post #14251373
300 f/4L (non IS) for $700 is NOT cheap and depend on it's condition.

Check on KEH site: http://www.keh.com …1/sku-CE06009034036N?r=FE

Oh I know its not cheap, but i know the history of the lens at least, and comes with the original box and hard case and is in like new condition for being that old!

And I like to think my panning technique is good so not too worried about the IS

I found my IS for $850. $700 sounds like no deals to me. The IS was a great lens though. Worked really well with a 1D2 and my 1D3. Only reason I traded it is because I clompletely stopped using it after I got the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mkII.

fiveohmike wrote in post #14251392
Oh I know its not cheap, but i know the history of the lens at least, and comes with the original box and hard case and is in like new condition for being that old!

And I like to think my panning technique is good so not too worried about the IS

Just need a bit practice, 300mm without IS should be no problem at all. Many people use 400 f/5.6L with great results.

Forget where I read, someone said the 1st generation IS lens is not as sharp as the Non-IS version.

I got one its as old as, but it still takes cracking shots.

If your panning IS wont help that much its when your trying to hold still that it makes the difference.

Great lens $750 is OK if its in good nick & takes good shots..

IS wont be the magic thing that makes your shots great,....itll help for long holding shots like wildlife...or Beach shots

$700 is a bit high. Can you get him down to at least $650?

Ignoring the price for the moment, I've tested my old non-IS lens against a friend's IS version, and mine is a little sharper wide open (otherwise the same). Of course, that's a pretty small sample to draw conclusions from

I may be wrong, but I also believe the spectacular minimum focusing distance on the newer IS version is very unspectacular on the old 300. I think it is something like 1.5m (new) vs 2.5m (old). If you're looking to shoot butterflies, insects, flowers, etc then I might still be looking for the IS version.

Mike,
The main thing to be concerned with when considering a 300mm f4 non-IS is the fact that Canon will no longer service that lens. If you need replacement parts, re-calibration of the focusing system, or even a simple "check & clean", you are on your own to find an independent service technician.
For this reason alone, I would only consider the newer IS version. Unless, of course, you can get the non-IS for an unbelievably low price.

mine has IS, I leave it off - works fine.

I have an IS and often times I turned it off just like ^^ rick says....it works fine. I like this lens as it's so versatile to use whether shooting macro with/without tubes, portraits to shooting outside sports and of course it takes the 1.4xII with excellent results. It's lightweight and easily hand held-able compare to my beastly 400 2.8. Highly recommend.

i have the is version. sometimes i use it,sometimes i don't. mine was built in late 2010 and looks like new came with a 1.4 exii with the same date code and i only paid 1100.00 for the pair. i'm not convinced that 700.00 for a non is is that good of a deal.