EF 300 f/4 L IS opinions

TeeJay626 wrote:

Bhotoz wrote:

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!!! 😀

I"m definitely not going to talk you out of buying this lens! I traded in my Sigma 100-400 for this lens and I'm extremely happy with the choice. Even with a 1.4x TC, it's sharper than my copy of the 100-400. It's easy to carry and the sharpness and contrast is amazing. I'm shooting on a crop body, 60D, and it's the sharpest lens I've owned so far, just ahead of the Canon 100mm f2.8 Macro I once had.

I picked my copy up used from a reputable local camera shop and like I said, am very satisfied.

Yes, I'm pretty sure I would be happier shooting with 300L in low light, compared to my current long lenses. F4 IS vs f5.6 non-IS / f6.3 IS is big enough to get better focus and IQ - with good sharp lens.

As I said, my Sigma is pretty sharp. But it's quite "demanding" lens: it needs good light and contrast, and target needs to be close enough to get good focus. I've got too many missed shots in lower light, especially from moving targets. If I buy 300L and like it, I might sell my Sigma, but definitely keep 400L for BIF.

By the way, what TC do you have? I have Kenko Pro DGX 1.4x, but haven't use it much...