US date code on EF 300mm f/2.8L iS

Have a great opportunity to buy the lens I've been seeking for quite a while. A 300mm f/2.8L IS.
Its a little older but in excellent condition. Won't be able to fund $7500 for a Mark II so a used Mark I is what I'm after.

Should there be any concern about the age if its in the shape promised?

My 300/2.8 is US date coded, gets a lot of use (weekly) and never misses a beat....I wouldn't be overly concerned about the age if the condition looks good.

Bob

i just bought a UT 500 f/4, it looks like it is brand new. I have already forgotten how "old" the lens really is. I think condition is more important with these lenses. I bet this type of lens gets used a lot less than their lighter counterparts.

I would say as long as the lens is in good shape, you should be fine. I was in the same boat as you not being able to afford a MKII so I picked up a Mark I UW Date Code 300mm f2/8IS used from a local camera store. It was in great shape and the price I couldn't say no to especially since I was able to inspect it in person.