Would you sell your 300 2.8 for a 500 f4?

So I have found I am using my 300 with a 1.4 or 2x tc more than with the bare lens, I would love the 400 if it was hand holdable like the 300 and I am not a fan of the 400 DO samples as compared to the 300 2.8 and 400 2.8 so I was thinking about the 500? Anyone end up in the same boat? How does the 300 2.8 is with compare to the 500's image quality, I realize it won't be as good, but how much worse? Since all the samples I have seen on here are downsized they looked very very good. Any real life advice is much appreciated.

Richard

500 is a fabulous imaging tool...

Using TCs on my 300, however, is what prompted me to get a 500. You can't beat "naked" reach...

Oh, and 500 + 1.4X trumps 300 + 2X every time.

I hand hold mine 99% of the time.

skater911 wrote in post #14721015
So I have found I am using my 300 with a 1.4 or 2x tc more than with the bare lens, I would love the 400 if it was hand holdable like the 300 and I am not a fan of the 400 DO samples as compared to the 300 2.8 and 400 2.8 so I was thinking about the 500? Anyone end up in the same boat? How does the 300 2.8 is with compare to the 500's image quality, I realize it won't be as good, but how much worse? Since all the samples I have seen on here are downsized they looked very very good. Any real life advice is much appreciated.

Richard

i actually prefer the 100-400L to the 300L + TCs so unless i needed the bare 300L i would definitely get the 500L instead.

ed

I had the same experience (ended up using my 300 more with TC's than without), so I sold it and bought a 500mm. I am happy with the change.

With the move to FF bodies, I am considering selling my 400 f/2.8 and moving to the new 500 f/4.0L IS II. The prospect of moving from 12 pounds to 7 pounds is quite tempting. Bokeh should be great at f/4 and the ISO capability of the new bodies make the 2.8 aperture no longer a requirement.

That would also let me have the 300 and 500 for more of a difference between my two super-telephotos.

Phil

300mm f2.8 is and 500mm f4 IS is a very nice combo. 500mm at 700mm is as good as 300 at 420mm.

Phil - For sports 500mm gets too much unless FF and shooting from the end zone. I shot some games with it and on 1.3x it was too much,

I'm in the same predicament, but I am also considering the 600mm f4 II. Going from about 6 lbs (300f2.8 plus 2x) to 7 lbs for the 500 mm f4 II, I think handholding shouldn't be a problem. But I'm not sure about the 600 mm f4 II at 8.5 lbs. anyone lucky enough to have this lens and shooting handheld, please let me know your view on this. Also, can it be taken on a plane as carry-on?

Thanks in advance

Sure, if you're using it with the TC's more often than not, sell it and move to the 500.

Lnguyen1203 wrote in post #14721477
I'm in the same predicament, but I am also considering the 600mm f4 II. Going from about 6 lbs (300f2.8 plus 2x) to 7 lbs for the 500 mm f4 II, I think handholding shouldn't be a problem. But I'm not sure about the 600 mm f4 II at 8.5 lbs. anyone lucky enough to have this lens and shooting handheld, please let me know your view on this. Also, can it be taken on a plane as carry-on?

Thanks in advance

I HH 500mm f4 IS all the time and I am small handicapped person. The newer version IIs are much lighter so should be no issue IMHO HH.

Lnguyen1203 wrote in post #14721477
I'm in the same predicament, but I am also considering the 600mm f4 II. Going from about 6 lbs (300f2.8 plus 2x) to 7 lbs for the 500 mm f4 II, I think handholding shouldn't be a problem. But I'm not sure about the 600 mm f4 II at 8.5 lbs. anyone lucky enough to have this lens and shooting handheld, please let me know your view on this. Also, can it be taken on a plane as carry-on?

Thanks in advance

The new 600mm II is the same weight as the old 500mm, which most people considered quite handholdable (for its size), so I think it would be, and certainly the new 500mm II will be.

IF (notice that is a big if) I had those to lenses, I would not sell a 500. That is unless I were to get the 600II. I would prefer the 300mm (f/2.8) and the 600II, so in that instance I would sell the 500. Chances are I'd have to sell the 300 f/2.8 and a 500I to get the 600II.

Alas, all are just a dream to me right now. Hopefully one day I will be able to own a 500II or a 600II, I'd even settle for a 500I or 600I.

Thanks for all of the advice. I think my 300 is going to have go on the market. I figure if I really need a 300 I can use my 70-200 with the 1.4 in a pinch.

So I just got a 500 from adorama for 6100 in e+ condition with 6 month warranty so I couldn't pass it up. I hope is it is good otherwise I have all of you to blame. . Now I just have to wait for brown to show up.

I must say, I am really impressed by anyone who can handhold a 500/4 IS "99% of the time" or "all the time". Sure, I'll carry mine in a backpack or over a shoulder mounted on a tripod all day long. But in shooting position I'm good for handholding it about 5 or 10 minutes, then it goes onto a tripod or monopod.

skater911 wrote in post #14735314
So I just got a 500 from adorama for 6100 in e+ condition with 6 month warranty so I couldn't pass it up. I hope is it is good otherwise I have all of you to blame. . Now I just have to wait for brown to show up.

Yes I saw that lens listed . It started at $6500 and then went downafte a week. You got a good deal. Good luck with it