Help Needed (need to make a decision quick)

Hi boys and girls...

I just bought the Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L IS and the Canon EF 1.4x II Extender last week.
after taking a few shots with it, I have come to realize that I made a mistake.
This lens (a really good one by the way...) focal lengh is a bit long for my type of shots.

As it is a brand new lens, I went to a local dealer checking if I can replace it with another (I bought mine from HK)
Anyways, he offered me the following:

I give away:
Canon EF 1.4x II Extender
Canon EF 300L f/4 IS
Canon EF 70-200L f/4

I get the Canon EF 70-200L f/2.8 IS

Should I take it??? Does anyone else have a better combination I should pick?
(I can find a use for the 300mm but it wont be that much)

My shots are 95% of my kids

My equipment list:

Canon EOS 40D
Canon BG-E2N Grip

Primes

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
Canon EF 135mm f/2 USM L
Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L IS

Zoom
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L

Accessories
Canon EF 1.4x II Extender
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash


Thank you all for helping my out.

Sarel.

Maybe if I was in your situation I would keep the extender and then make the trade. Then sell the extender.

how do the prices of it all purchased new stack up?

bobthefish wrote in post #4174855
how do the prices of it all purchased new stack up?

mmmm....

I forgot to mention that I can return one item or all, (I only thought of returning the 70-200 because I will get the better 2.8 IS one...)

these are the credits value

300 IS - 5500 NIS (1300$) price for new 1560$
EX 1.4 - 1200 NIS (293$) price for new 450$
70-200 f/4 - 2500 NIS (610$) price for new 780$ (this lens is not new, I have it for almost a year and it is in perfect condition and a very good copy)

The 70-200 2.8 IS value 2240$ (for a new one)

Please note, these prices are local (In Israel) and are much higher than in the US or HK.

I can not get money back, only a credit.

Any other combination is welcome as I get a credit of 9200 NIS (2240$)

Thank you.

Answer for us two question:
- With the local dealer, how much is the gear you'd trade in worth (local prices), and how much is the 70-200 F2.8 IS worth?
- If you return the new lens for a credit, can you get a new 70-200 F2.8 IS and if so what credit do you have left over?

tim wrote in post #4175195
Answer for us two question:
- With the local dealer, how much is the gear you'd trade in worth (local prices), and how much is the 70-200 F2.8 IS worth?
- If you return the new lens for a credit, can you get a new 70-200 F2.8 IS and if so what credit do you have left over?

Already provided this info but I'll do it again...
Local prices for new:
300 IS - 1560$ credit offered for NEW lens I own 1300$
Ex 1.4 - 450$ credit offered for NEW lens I own 293$
70-200 f/4 - 780$ credit offered for USED lens I own 610$

Total value for new - 2790$
Total credit offered - 2240$


A brand New 70-200 f/2.8 IS price is- 2240$

Please note, I dont have to get everything back, I can return only the 300 + the ex 1.4 and get whatever I want.

The question is:

1. Is it worth trading those 3 items for the 70-200 2.8?
2. can you think of a different combo instead of this items?

Thank you so much,

Sarel.

Too many numbers for me. The most important thing is if you feel good about the deal.

Yeah- I say go for it. The 70-200/2.8 IS seems to be a pretty hot item. I'm a total noob though, and I wouldn't listen to my advice

Yup to many numbers for me n all, how much are you losing out on and why can't you take the time to get an exchange from the HK store? what will cost more overall?

Sounds like the right choice of lens..

tim wrote in post #4175346
Too many numbers for me. The most important thing is if you feel good about the deal.

Thank you so much for trying to help.

The issue is not the money, I know I will lose over this deal and I honestly dont mind.

The issue is to find the right combo...
lets put it this way, by looking at my list of gear, would you trade those 300+1.4 ex for any other combo? (85L, 50L, 35L , 200L + 17-40, 50 1.4 +17-40L, 17-40L + 70-200 2.8 Non IS) or any other combo. your suggestions are more than welcome...

I know that I am asking too much... sorry...
Just think it is a shame I will have a lens (300mm) which I will be using rarely.

most of my shots are my babies.

I don't see that you need any more equipment at all. 17-55 F2.8 IS (or your 24-105 but I like wider) for most shots, and the 70-200 F4 IS (with flash if it's dark) for when they're further away. I would spend the money on books and courses myself.

Given you need to get something with the credit you might consider another flash for off-camera lighting, maybe a 430EX, and a seamless white background with a stand for it.

70-200 f/2.8 IS would be a nice lense to have for use around the house etc. Might be a bit long at 100mm [Using the multiplier] but would produce some stunning results. Another idea would be the 50mm f/1.4 and 17-40 but do you use the current 70-200 alot? Do you find it too slow at times?

h4rri wrote in post #4175383
70-200 f/2.8 IS would be a nice lense to have for use around the house etc. Might be a bit long at 100mm [Using the multiplier] but would produce some stunning results. Another idea would be the 50mm f/1.4 and 17-40 but do you use the current 70-200 alot? Do you find it too slow at times?

Hi friend,

I used to work with the 70-200 alot but ever since I bought the 135 and the 85, I find myself use it very rarely (in Fact, I cant recall when was the last time I actually used it) maybe because of the fact that most of my shot are at home.

I used to shoot with the 70-200 outside and as you probably know, Israel has a lot of sun most of the time so I didnt find the f stop that important.
Maybe if I will have the 2.8 version I will use it at home much often instead of my primes... rrrrr....

That was a pretty dumb move buying this 300 and the extender I guess...

Sarel.

I would keep the 1.4TC as it would be great on the 70-200 f2.8IS L and maybe credit on the 70-200f4 and 300f4 and pay some cash for the 70-200f2.8L IS

If the new lens suits your needs then I would say do it. It honestly doesn't sound like too bad a deal from a retailer. Here in Canada we're lucky to get 50% value on tradeins with a retailer. Of course you could do personal sales/trades but it's more hassle and no warranties.

If the TC is a big deal you can pick one of the Kenkos up later for alot cheaper than the Canon brand and it's pretty good in fact.