300mm f4 is

Hi my mind is pretty much made up to buy this lens along with 1.4xtcon.
This lens has been narrowed down with the help of Bilde0rg for when i go motorcyle racing. Now bearing in mind i will prob go to 3-4 races a year i still need to use lens for other stuff . I have looked at archives and stunning pics but how often do you really use this lens . I have a 30d with 28 - 135 is just ordered a nifty 50 pick that up tomorrow. I have 2 young children and we like to spend days out at zoos and such local parks . I am not dedicated to any particular sort of photography. So what are your thoughts this would be the most expensive lens i have brought so want to get decission right.
Like said mind pretty much made up but just need reasuring i guess that im going to use it and not just sit in me bag.
Cheers shane

I have a 30D and just was using it with the 28-135 because my 24-70 2.8L went back to Canon for calibration. I was surprisingly happy with the 28-135. The IQ was ok, it gets a little wide, and it gets a little long.

That being said, the 300 4.0 is a nice lens, and the 1.4 will make it longer. However, unless you want to take close-ups of the animals at the zoo, I can't see how it will help you with the kids, etc.

I think if you want better IQ and speed, go with the 70-200 2.8 IS if you can afford it. If not, maybe the 70-200 4.0 + the 1.4x if you think you really need the reach.

I think you'd find that the 300 would be a little long for what you'll be using it for, and the 300 with the 1.4x will be way to long.

I agree - I like my 300 F4 IS, but I find it quite difficult to use (high learning curve) and quite long for many subjects even on the 5D, never mind a 1.6x crop if that is what you use.

For general purpose photography I'd definitely go with the best 70-200 you can afford & then use a TC to get a bit of extra reach for motorcycle work. Perhaps add the 300 F4 later on when funds allow? Taking photos of kids & zoo stuff the 70-200 is perfect. My choice would be one of the 70-200's but if you are normally in fairly good light & concerned about carrying the weight of the 2.8 then go for one of the F4's. Incidently the 70-200 non IS + 1.4TC is about the same as a 300 F4 IS + TC

I use my 28-135 IS on my 10D, and keep the 300 f4 on my 1DMkII unless I am shooting indoor sports or portrature, then the 70-200 2.8 is on the MkII. I to was surprised by the 28-135, and shoot walk around stuff and some commerical with it...

On film cameras the 28-135 IS was my standard wedding lens!

I have a 3 year old and the 70-200mm has pleanty of range for how far I will let my son out of my sight. 28-135 works well at the park range wise but the 17-55is and 70-200mm pics are much nicer.

noticed on the 70-200 f.28 non is that will still af with a 2x tcon anybody got any pics with this combo not seen any yet is there much loss in IQ.
Cheers Shane

The 70-200/2.8 loses quite a bit with the 2X TC. It won't be in the same league at the 100-400 native, 400/5.6 native or 300/4 with a 1.4X.

Do you really need 300-400mm on a 1.6X body? If yes then consider the 300/4 and TC.

I can't remember the exact link but someone did a comparison of the 70-200 2.8 L IS with a 2x t-con vs the 100-400 and the 400 5.6 L. I know that the 70-200 had a huge drop off in image quality with the 2x t-con when compared to the other two.

The 300mm would be good for zoos and parks, and fits your motorcycle racing criteria. Better IQ than the 70-200, if it fits your needs, definately get the 300 over the zoom. Way too long for people - especially family who won't be running away from your big white lens!

The 70-200mm w/2x definitely works and you can get good images from it, but yeah, it won't be the same as a 300mm or 400mm prime, or even the 100-400mm. With a 1.4x things are much better and very usable.

I think the 70-200mm would be a better all-around choice - but the 300mm is a darn good lens if you can use it often enough.

ninjaboy wrote in post #5253882
Hi my mind is pretty much made up to buy this lens along with 1.4xtcon.
This lens has been narrowed down with the help of Bilde0rg for when i go motorcyle racing. Now bearing in mind i will prob go to 3-4 races a year i still need to use lens for other stuff . I have looked at archives and stunning pics but how often do you really use this lens . I have a 30d with 28 - 135 is just ordered a nifty 50 pick that up tomorrow. I have 2 young children and we like to spend days out at zoos and such local parks . I am not dedicated to any particular sort of photography. So what are your thoughts this would be the most expensive lens i have brought so want to get decission right.
Like said mind pretty much made up but just need reasuring i guess that im going to use it and not just sit in me bag.
Cheers shane

If you are satisfied with the pictures from your 28-135 then perhaps the 100-400 L is a "better" choice. You wouldn't need the TC ( the 300 with 1.4 TC is 420 mm), the two zooms together would give you complete coverage from 28-400, the 100-400 has IS and then you'd only need to carry two lenses on your outings. On the other hand the 300 is a superb lens--fabulous IQ even with a TC, it has IS, it is a pretty effective macro lens for flowers, and large insects and it is SHARP, SHARP, SHARP!! You may become unhappy with the pictures from your 28-135! If I was in your shoes I'd probably consider the 70-200 f/4 IS first, the 100-400 second and the 300 f/4 last. Good luck.

For the 4 or 5 times in the year when Shane wants to do his thing, and not a family day, he wants the best results he can get. He knows exactly the shots he wants.
This means an expensive prime, with or without t-con, and little room for compromise. All the above suggestions are quite valid, but will eventuaslly frustrate him. I think he'll end up getting the 300 f4 anyway, along with a load of grief of the better half.
Buy once, buy nice.

Have you rented one to be sure this is the FL you need? It might be cheap decision insurance.

Have Fun

Rob

Thanks for all the reply i will of course be renting a couple of lenses to see how i get on . I will let you know what happens and hopefully post some decent images.
Cheers Shane