300 F4L user opinions

I have the 300/4L and I've also owned and used the IS version. Image quality is superb and still very good with a 1.4x TC. Drops to "OK" with a 2x. This applies to both lenses, but my tests showed the non-IS version to be just a touch sharper and less prone to flare under adverse conditions.

It's probably 2-3 stops harder to hand hold than the IS lens, just as you would expect. If you don't intend to use a tripod, get the IS version.

Just as long you have a steady hand and good technique, it's no problem to hand hold at 1/focal length (1/300 sec). It helps to use a heavy body and rest against fences, trees, etc. I rarely use mine at any aperture other than f4. Image quality with the Extender 1.4x is excellent and suffers little degradation.

With all that said, every breath, twitch & fart will be visible through the viewfinder, so it takes some practice to hold her steady. I find her at best on a monopod or tripod--not only to reduce vibration--but to keep the VF from bobbing around. Makes ya seasick...

I have the IS version though. Beautiful lens. Sharp!.

http://flickr.com/photos/dallascowboysfan/2706732966/sizes/o/

http://flickr.com/photos/dallascowboysfan/2704456947/sizes/o/

I should have added that the most use the lens will see is for auto racing, I'll be panning with the cars not standing still trying to point the lens at something so IS is not an issue for me. Thanks so far for your input!

P.S. The lion pic is fantastic, you could count the individual hairs on his mane!

What the others have said. If you're hand-holding you'll find it more comfortable to use if you remove the tripod ring, plus you'll save some weight.

Richard,

I shoot surfing from the local piers with the 300 f/4L IS and find my ability to keep the subject where I want in the viewfinder is much better with IS on, especially after a long day. Something to consider...

I just picked one of these up recently from KEH. It's the non -IS version. I use it mostly for sports and auto racing. You can handhold this fine for sports action shutter speeds. But if using it all day it will get heavy. I mostly use a monopod vs a tripod. Although you could pan auto races with either or none.

Like Bob I find the IQ fantastic and fine with a 1.4 tc basically no difference. I have not tried with a 2X but I may buy one now after reading Bob's comment that it's "OK".

I paid $700 for mine and am very happy with it. I would jump on it if it's a decent price. I think the new IS version is about $1150 though.

I have the non-IS version.

What puppy said! I cannot hand-hold it at all with my 1.6x crop sensor, but on a tripod it is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever owned. Even if the shutter speed is good enough, I can't seem to get the framing I want, so I always put it on a tripod.

I can use it with a monopod if I can push it up against something like a tree.

I do yet have any TCs yet.

I would get the IS version. The IS makes it much easier to hand hold in low light.

The mode 2 IS is also very hand when panning action. I use mode 2 IS on the 300mm F4 L IS for car racing. It allows me to lower the shutter speed and get more wheelspin in the shots.

Remember that you can always flick the switch and disable IS if needed for a shot.