EF 300 f4 IS any alternatives?

Hello, I'm thinking about my next lens purchase and I'm after

something longer for wildlife and sports such as cricket and

equestrianism.

 

The EF 300 f4 IS is about 900GBP, is there anything else I should

consider that is in the same price range and image quality?

 

Thanks Pete

Sorry, I forgot to add that it will go on my 20D.

The obvious alternatives in the Canon range are the 400/5.6 and the 100~400IS. Each has its advantages, depending on your priorities. Adding an Extender 1.4x to the 300/4IS is also an option to bear in mind.

You should take a look at the Sigma 100-300 f/4. No IS, but an outstanding lens otherwise that is sharp wide open and works well with a 1.4xTC for extra reach, focusses rapidly and allows FTM. The zoom would definitely be an advantage for equestrianism (and to some extent for cricket): the lack of IS is no real handicap in those uses, since you'll be looking for very high shutter speeds to freeze motion - even a medium pace bowler sends the ball down at 100ft/sec.

I passed the 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS and chose the 300 f/4L IS because beyond 200 we don't actually need a zoom lens. Moreover, with the 400 f/5.6L you will have only 400 and no IS. With 300 and 1/4x TC, you have two prime lenses in one: 300 f/4 IS and 420 f/5.6 IS. You can even add a 2.0x TC to make it three in one: 300 f/4, 420 f/4.6, and 600 f/8 with acceptable quality.

Pete,

 

Don't discount the 400 5.6L based on the TC information above, coupled with a Sigma 1.4X TC you get excellent results and full autofocus - the canon TC will prevent you from using AF without doing some pin taping. Image quality is outstanding, you just need good light.

 

If you want me to shoot some test pics for you then just drop me a mail with details of what you'd like to see. I'm going to Belfast for a few days on sunday, weather permitting I'll be visiting the zoo.

Buy a 1,4X TLC or a 100-400 IS if you use also focal rom 100 to 300mm.

Buy a 1,4X TLC or a 100-400 IS if you use also focal rom 100 to 300mm.

It has been my experience that IS is helpful even at higher shutter speeds. Remember that if you "shake" against the direction of your moving subject at the time of exposure, you've dramatically increased the apparent speed of the subject. After a day of working with a heavier lens, IS still helps save shots.

 

The 300 f/4L IS is a fantastic piece of glass. Unless you really need a zoom in that range, I would (and did) go for it.

I would definitely go with the 300mm f/4 IS. The image quality of a prime is better, and IS will be a huge benefit. I've taken shots at 1/30 with my 300, and had them razor sharp. In my opinion, nothing has the same image quality in that price range. Here's a shot I took today with it.

Peter,

 

I know you like to go for walks with your camera. The light weight 300mm f/4 L IS gives great opportunity for near macro as well as medium telephoto. Close focus of 1.5M yields a 0.24X magnification which is great for butterflies and flowers. Add the EF 1.4TC and you have an excellent 420mm IS lens with close focus ability that cannot be had with the 400mm f/5.6 without adding a few extension tubes. For small birds at close quarters, the 300 works extremely well.

 

For equestrian events 400 might be too tight. The only alternative I'd consider for your mentioned requirements is the 100-400 L IS push/pull zoom which may not be quite as crisp as the 300 and it does cost more. But, it does have IS and close focus.

Hi Peter

 

I bought this 300/4.0 IS recently after trying a few other lenses.

There's NO alternative if you need a sharp,light and stabilized lens.

I have used it with a sigma 1.4 teleconverter and i can hardly see any difference in image quality. I have often used it handheld at 1/60 - 1/80 with succes.Did i mention its RAZORSHARP? The image in the link is made at 420mm( 1.4teleconverter attached). http://gallery.zoommagazine.nl/image.php?id=158327&type=full

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Hello all, many thanks for the benefit of your wisdom.

 

I think in the end, I'm going to get the 300/f4 and the 1.4 TC. Possibly not in that order. All my zooms are f4 and now I'm pretty much used to what they will do in given light. For the time being, I'll be extolling the virtues of that lens to my wife and saying how cost effective it is! ! !

 

Have a good Easter. P