Adi,


What do you plan on shooting with it? Do you need to be able to hand hold it?


Sorry, I can't help you with the non-IS version that you're interested in, however I tried out the 400mm 2.8 IS version and it's very heavy and cumbersome to use. The pictures I took with it were very impressive. If you just look at the weight it's not that big of a deal, but if you figure that you're holding your left arm out and extended, then basically after a few minutes it gets heavy really fast. So, you will definitely need a a good monopod which isn't really a problem, however it does limit the usability somewhat.


I ended up buying the less expensive but new 300mm 2.8 IS which is certainly hand holdable if necessary however I use it with a monopod most of the time, and if I need that extra reach then I just use it with a 1.4xII converter; which will make it 420mm @f4 with IS with very good results.


Rich