70-300mm 4-5.6 L - Very very Impressive

My 100-400 L gave up the ghost over the winter. It was the third one I have had, and probably the best copy - I've been very happy with it over the years and have taken & sold many photographs.

Since then I've been surviving on my 70-200/4L IS and 1.4x II as I don't do much wildlife in the UK, and 200mm is fine for landscapes. However I was out shooting Red Kites at the weekend. With the 1.4x attached it was hunting around quite a lot for focus. Back at the ranch, not many keepers...

So thought I would try out the new 70-300 L as a take everywhere telephoto to replace the 70-200 and extender.

WOW. ITS SHARP!

Comparing it in the real word to my 70-200/4L IS:

70mm - the 70-200 is noticeably sharper (but I have a 35-70/3.4 Zeiss for 70mm)
100mm - its a draw
200mm - the 70-300 has the edge - yes the 70-300!
300mm (vs 280 with the 1.4) - the 70-300mm wins

What impresses me the most is the performance wide open. the 70-300 is simply STUNNING.

I haven't been this impressed with a telephoto since my first 300/2.8 L IS!!!

So I don't think I'll bother with a 4th 100-400...

--
Landscape portfolio
http://www.pbase.com/richthompson/rich_thompson___landscapes