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EF 300 f/4 L IS opinions

Started Mar 11, 2019 | Discussions thread
Bhotoz Senior Member • Posts: 1,561
Re: EF 300 f/4 L IS opinions

I'm also interested in this lens. I've thought many times that I want it, but never bought. Now I'm thinking about it again, stronger than ever, because I saw good deal from used lens... 🙃

I've had 400mm 5.6L many years. It's an excellent lens for BIF, but it lacks f4 and IS for static birds in low light. MFD 3,5m is also annoying for close ups, sometimes for birds too! Love the built-in hood and balanced feel with my bodies (5d3 and 7d2).

I bought Sigma 100-400mm when it was released, because it's small and light, has shorter mfd and IS, and it was cheap. But it's just f6.3 at 300mm... Sharp lens for landscapes and static bird shots in good light, but AF might fail in lower light, especially with 7d2. Not best action lens either.

70-200 ii + 1.4x is OK combo IQ-wise, but it's very awkward to handle (for me)...

I'm sure Canon 100-400 ii is great lens, but I'm not fan of its bulk, weight and price (2x pricier than 300 f4L IS, used or new). It's also "just" f5 at 300mm, so 2/3 stop less light. Yes, it has better IS, but IS won't stop the motion.

I've read a lot of this 300mm. Some say it's sharp, some find it too soft, propably copy variation too. Apparently it's sharper in FF than in crop? Anyway, talk me out of buying this lens!!! 😀

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