----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeffrey Higa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Hi all,
>
> I recently purchased an EF100-400 L IS zoom and am loving the
> versatility of it. I also own a EF300mm f/4 L IS and am considering
> selling it (even though it is my favorite lens) since it seems
> extraneous with the new zoom. What I'm wondering is if there is someone
> out there with both EF100-400 L and a EF300mm f/2.8, and whether you
> find your self using the 300mm f/2.8 and for what uses? Is it worth
> getting so that I can stack an extender on it or am I better off selling
> my internal organs for a EF500mm? I handhold mostly, since I shoot alot
> with field biologists, and since I am the dummy, I have to carry field
> equipment rather than a heavy brain which leaves little room for a good
> tripod. Which Is why I've shied away from the really long telephotos.
> Does anyone handhold the 300mm f/2.8?
>
Jeff
This is an interesting post to me, since I'm in a similar situation.
Unfortunately I did not see any replies, but I can give you my opinion.
I have the old 500 (f4.5) and I've used it handheld for short periods in
good light with good results. I've also tried the old 300/2.8 handheld. To
me the 3kg lens is about the limit of handholding. I think the 500 (3.8kg?)
will be just too heavy and I don't want to rely on IS all the time.
That said, I believe that 500mm is probably the best focal length for
wildlife, since it is still relatively light (not too difficult to carry)
and can be nicely extended to 720/5.6 (in emergencies to 1000, but the f8
gets pretty slow for most wildlife). With practice, some exercise and a
little bit of steroids you can even learn to handhold it, but I would really
mainly use it on a tripod.
The 300/f4 is, off course very light and convenient, but I think you will
find that your 100-400 will probably replace it now. I am in the process of
making a move to buy the 300/2.8IS and the main reason is that I feel it is
handholdable for short periods (2.8kg) and, very importantly, makes a very
convenient 600/5.6 that focuses to ~3m and has IS, and off course is by all
reports amazing quality. Interestingly, if you look at the result of last
year's BBC wildlife competition, the single focal length that is used more
than any other is in fact 300/f2.8.
> I shoot mostly mammals with my telephoto lenses. My other photographic
> subjects include abstracts (for which is use the 28-135 IS) and macro
> (for which I use my 100mm and 180mm macro). Oh yeah, I shoot with an
> aging Rebel G (having spent my money on glass) .
>
Thats good policy, although if you are getting serious with wildlife, at
least an EOS30 or second hand EOS5 might not be a bad idea even if its just
for the focus tracking ability.
Regards
Thys
---------------------------------------------------------
Thys van der Merwe
Portfolio of African Images:
http://home.mweb.co.za/te/teknovis
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