Canon FD 300mm F4L or Tokina 300mm F2.8 ..anyone tried both?

<p>Hello!<br />Just trying to get some comments about both lenses. I will use them for portraits and some sports like Hockey and Rodeo, etc also the Zoo and so on.<br />So...I am guessing the 300mm F4L will be a higher quality lens overall with less CA and sharper but is it sharper than the Tokina both at F4? I mean, having the extra speed on the Tokina could be nice for low light sport events plus a thin DOF for special shots too but while the Tokina is more expensive usually than the F4L , somehow I am always attracted to the L glass.<br /><br />Any thoughts? :)<br /><br /></p>

<p>I cant comment on the Tokina except it will be heavier, but the Canon FD 300mm F4 L is one of the sharpest 300mm lenses I have ever owned. Its sharp WO. If you are using it on digital you may have to remove the internal filter as it caused reflections with my camera.</p>

<p>Interesting that you mentioned that about the internal filter.<br>

I own the FD 400mm F4.5 and never tried removing it. What is that filter for any ways? I mean, if I remove it, can it cause any issues with dust etc? Do I gain more light? :D<br>

Thanks! :)</p>

 

<p>The canon fd 300mmf4L is better lens,is very sharp.</p>

<p>My vote goes with the 300/4 L. The 400/4.5 is an excellent lens. Are you just looking for something a little smaller/lighter? I guess an FD 300/2.8 L is too expensive? A better fit for the 400/4.5 might be the FD 80-200/4 L. This is one of the best FD lenses ever and is much sharper than even the 400/4.5. </p>

Not smaller just specifically 300mm final range. I just started thinking about saving for a long

time to get the 2.8 instead of the F4L today ...I wonder how much better it can really be aside

from speed.

I did see some amazing full body portraits with it with sweet bokeh and isolation.

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<p>I just started thinking about saving for a long time to get the 2.8 instead of the F4L today ...I wonder how much better it can really be aside from speed. I did see some amazing full body portraits with it with sweet bokeh and isolation.</p>

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<p> <br>

I have had the New FD 300/2.8 L, and still have the New FD 300/4 L. The f/2.8 isn't much, if any, sharper than the f/4, but it does offer the advantages of the extra stop, as you're well aware. It is, however, a beast of a lens, being much heavier and bulkier than the slower prime (2310 g vs. 1060 g). So if you're mainly going to be hand-holding, I'd get the f/4.</p>