Canon 300mm f4 L IS: Any Experiences On FF?

[EdN]

It's a fanatastic lens for both FF and crop. It works great with the 1.4x and is light and portable enough to pack into the bush. Most highly recommended! Only drawback is that it only has older 2 stop IS.

[Tom Wertman]

I used mine on a 40D and 5D. I found it to be sharp, with good contrast and color. I reluctantly sold it because it was not on my camera enough to justify the cost. It held it's value extremely well so I didn't lose much for the 1-2 years I owned it (could not have rented it for less). If you want it for birds, animals, etc. it will do well, but the 400 f/5.6 might be better, w/o the IS of course.

[Tony Printezis]

Hi all,


First, thanks very much for taking the time to share your experiences.


Only drawback is that it only has older 2 stop IS.


Of course, but it's better than no IS. :-)


but the 400 f/5.6 might be better, w/o the IS of course.


you'll find the 400/5.6L


I did try the 400mm 5.6. I liked how lightweight it is and I very much liked its IQ. And I did get some great shots with it. But, I found the lack of IS very limiting in lower light conditions (during which I really enjoy shooting). Clearly, I'm totally spoiled by the excellent IS on my 700-200 f4 IS.


or the 100-400 to be a better solution.


I haven't been enamored by the 100-400. The push/pull look awkward and the IS is apparently not much better than the 300mm f4. Additionally, the 300mm f4 will give me f4 at 300mm, which is a stop faster than the 100-400 at the same focal length.


You might be very happy with the 300mm on a crop body, however a lens
like this acts a whole lot different on FF. If you like the reach the
crop sensor gives you, you could be in for a surprise once you go FF.


The only problem is that you will be taking one step forward with this
longer 300mm lens and then when you put it on a FF Body, you will be
taking one step backwards regarding your desire for a longer lens.


It's real different world and if you really like long range, FF is something you really must get used to I think.


I totally understand the focal length differences between the crop and FF bodies. Right now my longest lens is the 70-200 (which has worked for me pretty well on my crop bodies). Which is also why I'm looking for a longer lens, 200mm will probably be a bit short on a FF.


I do own the 300mm f/2.8L IS on a 7D (1.6X) crop body and the image quality is outstanding


This lens is ridiculously sharp but also terribly heavy at 6 pounds.


I'd of course love to have the 300mm 2.8. But (a) I can't justify its price and (b) I don't want to carry it around.


Tony