300mm f/4 .. 2 questions RE price and collar thread

I've never had one of the big white primes before. Is the thread under the tripod collar "foot" the same as regular stuff, like the underside of a 5D body where I mount my Manfrotto plates for easier release?

Assuming excellent condition, does $499 sound like a good price for a Canon 300mm f/4 IS USM? Just casual price shopping, that price range sounds good. Been browsing camera stores and online stuff and spotted one in that price range.

mdvaden wrote in post #18947773
I've never had one of the big white primes before. Is the thread under the tripod collar "foot" the same as regular stuff, like the underside of a 5D body where I mount my Manfrotto plates for easier release?

Assuming excellent condition, does $499 sound like a good price for a Canon 300mm f/4 IS USM? Just casual price shopping, that price range sounds good. Been browsing camera stores and online stuff and spotted one in that price range.

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I don't know that I've ever heard the little 300mm f4 referred to as a "big white prime" before LOL.

Anyway, I just checked the classifieds at Fred Miranda for you. . Looks like a Canon 300mm f4 sold two months ago. . It was advertised at $400. . Who knows what it actually sold for? . Often times, items are listed at one price and the buyer negotiates a lower price.

I have found that over the years, the used prices on Fred Miranda run lower than they do anywhere else. . I guess the sellers there actually want to sell their gear, instead of holding out for the highest possible price. . I like that

Anyway, if I were looking to buy this lens, I think I would try to find one in the $400 range before coughing up $500 for one.


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Tom Reichner wrote in post #18947794
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I don't know that I've ever heard the little 300mm f4 referred to as a "big white prime" before LOL.

Anyway, I just checked the classifieds at Fred Miranda for you. . Looks like a Canon 300mm f4 sold two months ago. . It was advertised at $400. . Who knows what it actually sold for? . Often times, items are listed at one price and the buyer negotiates a lower price.

I have found that over the years, the used prices on Fred Miranda run lower than they do anywhere else. . I guess the sellers there actually want to sell their gear, instead of holding out for the highest possible price. . I like that

Anyway, if I were looking to buy this lens, I think I would try to find one in the $400 range before coughing up $500 for one.

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Thanks.

I'm certainly in no pinch for this 300mm. And if a few months meant saving another $100, that would be good.

Just a quick review of several sites.... this is what it looks like. Japan models are coming in at about $400 t0 $450. US models are coming in from $550 to $650. You just need to decide if you can live with the international serial numbered unit that Canon USA all not service, but saves lots of money. I happen to have a local shop that services canon lenses so its not a huge risk to me... but I still try to buy US products if at all possible.

I've previously owned one of these.... they are pretty good. The lenses has not been updated in literally decades.... so its not as quick as new stuff, nor as sharp. But still produces reasonable good photos. Back in the day I stepped up from this lens to the original Sigma 120-300 f2.8. At most focal lengths the sigma held its own versus the Canon. I literally beat the heck out of the Sigma - I have it on my self and rattles when you shake it.

For $400... if you get a good one..... your not going to find much that can do better for that price. Unless you need the extra stop for low light, or you need that extra stop for better bokeh, its a good lens to have in your bag.

Heya,

$499 is high for this lens these days. It's pretty aged. 2 stop IS. It's only F4, so it's not the super F2.8L version which still fetches over a grand. But this is no doubt an excellent lens. It's not a Canon big white. But it's an L in every regard. It's light weight, easy to carry, good build, fast AF, sharp wide open and has 2 stop IS which is at least useful when focusing if not helping with that one or two stops of light to avoid pushing ISO real hard. It also allows pretty close range focus which is not common on all "telephotos." You can focus very close with this one. I use a 300 F4L IS and its glued to my 1D3 for wildlife and birds. Takes a TC real nice too (420mm F5.6) and still is pretty sharp and fast to AF. I bought mine from KEH.com with a coupon, and paid around $450, but I was willing to pay that because of their 180 day warranty and guaranteed condition. Buy used without any guarantees, I'd go lower only. It's an old lens and if anything is wrong, likely hood of a fix is low to impossible.

I got a generic tripod collar and it's fully metal, same color paint, fits perfectly. Lots of these on the bay. But generally, I find it's not needed as I usually am hand holding, this is a light lens.

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I replaced it with my 100-400 II. I still have it as my wife told me to keep it for when I get old and stuff gets heavier.

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