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Canon 300m f4 L IS USM vs Canon 100-400 IS USM f4-5-5.6

  • 01-07-2009 12:06am
    #1
    damo2006
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33 ✭


    As above torn really between these two lenses.

    Both have their pros and cons.

    What are people's opinions ?

    The 100-400 is coming in slightly dearer than the fixed 300 but not by much
    Tagged:


Comments

  • #2
    Ricky91t
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,281 ✭✭✭Ricky91t


    Prime v zoom lens

    It's a no brainer from what i've read

    Prime optics are always better,Sharper etc..

    Someone might post their views on each though
    Add in a 1.4 tc to the 300mm though ;)


  • #3
    AnimalRights
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,067 ✭✭✭AnimalRights


    I read up a lot on this match up before I bought my 100-400L
    While the 300 prime maybe had fractionally better IQ (although if most of us would notice it is another thing) the 100-400 was far more flexable...
    Adding the TC to the 300 would lower the IQ and you'd lose a stop.
    "If 400mm is your goal, the 100-400 will give you better results than the 300 f/4 and 1.4x combo."
    Take a read through these 2 reputable sites.

    http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=19&sort=7&cat=27&page=1
    http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=39&sort=7&cat=2&page=2

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-300mm-f-4.0-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx


  • #4
    Blazer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,448 ✭✭✭✭Blazer


    I'd go for the 400mm as well.
    If you trawl through the airshow photos for Salthill in 2007 you'll see fantastic pictures with this lenses..I want one as well :(


    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055112439&highlight=lenses&page=3



    http://www.irishairpics.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?;act=ST;f=3;t=1471


  • #5
    Valentia
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,764 ✭✭✭Valentia


    I don't know about the 300 but I have the 100-400 and it is very sharp.


  • #6
    Blazer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,448 ✭✭✭✭Blazer


    Valentia wrote: »
    I don't know about the 300 but I have the 100-400 and it is very sharp.

    Give it to me :D


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  • #7
    charybdis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 802 ✭✭✭charybdis


    It depends entirely on what you want to use the lens for, I'm amazed people have offered opinions on what to do without even asking this.

    If, as someone suggested, "your goal is 400mm" I'd suggest you buy Canon's 400mm f/5.6 lens as opposed to the 100-400mm or the 300mm with 1.4x TC.


  • #8
    AnimalRights
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,067 ✭✭✭AnimalRights


    You're always amazed tbh. :rolleyes:
    Read what I said in my reply or do you even read other peoples replies?
    I linked to very much in depth comparisons between the different lenses including the 1 you mentioned.
    Here it is 'cos doubt you'll bother to go through it again if you didn't bother the 1st time.
    "If 400mm is your goal, the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 L USM Lens is another option you should consider. This lens shares very similar build design with the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens including the slide-out hood. By far (in my opinion of course) the biggest detraction from the 400 f/5.6 is the lack of IS. "


  • #9
    Valentia
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,764 ✭✭✭Valentia


    charybdis wrote: »
    If, as someone suggested, "your goal is 400mm" I'd suggest you buy Canon's 400mm f/5.6 lens as opposed to the 100-400mm or the 300mm with 1.4x TC.

    Don't really agree with that. As AR says the IS is a really big factor. Massive in fact. Also the quality of the 100-400 is so good having the range is a very nice added bonus. Ideally the only thing that would tempt me to sell and change would be for a 300 2.8. I would really really love one but I fear I will never be able to justify the cost. Drooooooool........


  • #10
    AnimalRights
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,067 ✭✭✭AnimalRights


    OP also asked for our opinions on the 2 particular lenses. :p


  • #11
    damo2006
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33 ✭damo2006


    Thanks guys

    I'm gonna go with the 300mm fixed f4 with IS.

    I'll grab a 1.4 convertor also which will give me more range on this and the 70-200mm I already have.


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  • #12
    Fajitas!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,624 ✭✭✭✭Fajitas!


    For any time I've use them, the 300 prime wins out. Lovely lens.


  • #13
    Valentia
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,764 ✭✭✭Valentia


    AnimalRights wrote: »
    OP also asked for our opinions on the 2 particular lenses. :p

    Oh! Right. I missed the fact that it has IS.


  • #14
    darraghsherwin
    Registered Users Posts: 164 ✭✭darraghsherwin


    I tried out the 300mm f/4 with the 1.4x and it is slow to focus and lacks decent sharpness.
    You are better off going for the 100-400mm it will be sharper and faster to focus
    See this post about it

    I use a 300 f/2.8 and the 100-400mm and I love using the 100-400mm for flight shots of birds where I need to zoom quickly and I know a few wildlife photographers who have both lenses and will always have their 100-400 with them

    Darragh


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