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Canon 300 f/4 L IS Review

Started May 6, 2014 | User reviews thread
technic Veteran Member • Posts: 8,932
Re: Canon 300 f/4 L IS Review

jason sheridan wrote:

My lens is really sharp on its own and decent when combined with the 1.4x converter. I think due to the age of the lens there is some variation in performance form copy to copy. See the reviews below that show it's resolution similar to the 200mm f/2.8 L II.

Problem with such reviews is that they use test charts at relatively close distances, while I judge for near-infinity scenes. In that case the difference between the two is very significant but yes - that could be sample variation or sometimes AF accuracy woes. If possible I use contrast detect focus for test shots, but in real life without tripod this is often impossible and it could be that PDAF is more accurate for my 200L. I have never compared the two at closer distances like 5-10 meters, would not surprise me if the 300mm is at least as good then.

As for the IS, I hardly use it because it is so 'clunky' and takes about a second to kick in, which is too slow for fast moving wildlife; and sometimes I cannot take the shot at all if I move the lens too fast with IS engaged.

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