Canon ef 70-300 IS L for bird photography?

gh172 wrote:

I know that 300mm isn't an ideal amount of reach for bird photography, however, having only just dipped my toes into bird photography I'm not keen on spending a crazy amount this early. I have been shooting with a EF 70-200 f2.8 IS II which is a great lens however requires too much cropping for birds At this stage I'm using a Canon eos rp so the 70-200 is quite front heavy. I have the opportunity to pick up a second hand EF 70-300 IS L for less than half the original cost and only two years old which is considerably shorter and lighter than the 70-200 and offers an extra 100mm . Ideally I'd prefer the 100-400mm but that's a lot heavier and more expensive. I've also never bought second hand so that makes me a little nervous. Is it worth spending money for the 70-300 or save up and eventually get the rf 100-500mm or the Tamron 100-400mm?

longer reach is an abstract thing, you can never have enough of it i usually use canon TC 1.4 III with my canon 600 f4.0 II and never satisfied with the reach. it really depends, if you live in the state of Florida and shoot big birds, a EF 70-300 L might work but if you are after small birds, the reach is not even close.

one of the surprises i have, is my 300 f2.8 II/2.0 III combo. this combo works like a charm and the reach is sweet, although it is only 600mm, but i am not sure if it is within your budget reach.

good luck.