Ken Durling wrote:
> Interesting thread, you guys. I hadn't really considered a used 300
> f/4 IS, but now I am, given the prices you're quoting.
The prices we've been quoting are for the non-IS version. You trade IS for
slightly better optical performance, and lower cost.
> I'm not sure how it would be with the
> 2x TC (600 f/8) but a 420 f/5.6 sounds good
> to me. Is anyone out there using it as a 600 f/8?
Not I, but the 300/2.8L is very very good at 600/5.6 (just won a contest, and had
three pix made using that combo chosen for inclusion in a book). The 1.4x
extender is virtually undetectable on both the 300/2.8 and 200/2.8. Just be sure
to use a very sturdy tripod and MLU if you have it, at 600mm!
> have a pretty fast medium tele. Only thing about the 300 f/4 is that
> I sure can't see using it as a longish "portrait" lens, (candids, etc)
> where with the others I can see it.
So at this point you really need to determine what your needs are, because as you
get longer (and shorter with wide-angles), lenses tend to become more
specialized. If you're serious about birds and other wildlife (and many sports),
then longer is better--you can't get too close. If your intentions are more
general, with only occasional bird outings, the 200/2.8L with extenders is
probably a more versatile option, not only in terms of focal length, but also in
handling. I actually have a few full-frame shots of a red-shouldered hawk taken
hand-held with the 200/2.8L and 1.4x extender that are good enough for 11x14
enlargements, if you'd like to see a scan. The bottom line is that once you have
the basics covered (roughly 35mm to 100mm using either fixed-length or zoom
lenses), lens choice becomes more and more a matter of choosing lenses for
particular uses. You end up in the somewhat disconcerting position that the more
you spend, the less use the lens is likely to see. My most expensive lens (by
far!) is also the one I use the least (by far). But when I need it, nothing else
will do. This is not an inexpensive hobby (or vocation).
fcc
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