I ended up not getting the 300mm f2.8 IS. Even if it is still my dream lens, I had to face the fact that a 200mm would be much more useful for my needs. I ended up ordering the 200mm f2.0, brand new, and I am very excited about that. I was worried about buying a used lens that expensive, I feel much better about getting a new lens, even if it is quite a bit more than I initially wanted to spend. I guess I never thought about the 200 before because I have the 70-200mm f/4 L. But since I upgraded from a 30D to 5D mkII, I am using the 24-105mm f/4 L IS 99% of the time, even if I have 4 other lenses for specific purposes (wide, tele, macro, fast). I love the lens, the IQ and the IS and I know I will love the 200mm too after seeing what it can do. Thanks for all the help guys! It is highly appreciated. With the 200 I might feel confident enough to try to participate in assignments. :-)