300mm F4

[Roosta]

Hello AP Regs,

Looking for anybody that has used the Canon 300mm L F4 Prime for sport shooting ,any positive or negative feedback with it. It will be used at high shutter settings and pushed with higher ISO in lower afternoon light.

I'm looking at using this lens for rugby union and league. I feel it might suit my intended use better, rather than the 400mm F5.6 due to faster glass and the lower afternoon light it will be mostly used in. Secondary for birding and surf/beach work. Also being a 77mm lens, the filters will interchange from my 70-200mm L (But if you feel the 400 is the goods, please enlighten me)

It will be used on my 50D so I would get 480mm equalivant on my APS-C (400mm to 640mm). Added to that, I have a 1.4TC so that would blow the IQ on the 400mm out to much I feel, but still be usefull on the 300mm L F4 for other daylight use.

Please link any pictures you've taken with this lens if available.

Thanks in advance.

[carrg1954]

I have a 300 non IS, IQ is great from f4, can't help you with the high iso

[Roosta]

I have a 300 non IS, IQ is great from f4, can't help you with the high iso

Hi, Have you used this lens on fast shutter speed, chasing moving objects, or was it more for stationery use? How was the focus tracking?

[carrg1954]

Yes,Yes,Yes and Good,

[carrg1954]

This is at the other end, f18, 1/100, the Hornet was with another 300 f4 IS, either version gives great results.
I can say that my non is version is sharp all the way through, focus I'd suggest is more to do with operator-camera-and what you are trying to shoot, I really don't think the lenses have limitations, (you always get what you pay for). Mine is almost always on mkiii nowadays, but it performs equally well on 30d, so your 50 should have no problems.
If you can find a non IS and you have steady hands then get it, otherwise go for an IS version. I know I have some low light late afternoon shots but these will be low shutter speed 1/100 to 1/160, colour is good. Other than a 300 2.8 that I cannot afford it is a solid choice. I don't know about BIF etc, regards

[Bercy]

I don't have this lens but those aeroplane shots are fantastic! Good demo of lens capability.

[Roosta]

Carrg1954, Thanks so much for these, bueat shots mate. I was looking at a new lens, have kept my eyes open for same as yours, but I think I'll have more luck getting poop for a rocking horse. These have made my decesion allot easier over the 400mm L F5.6. Thanks again.

[carrg1954]

Roosta,
I thought of your question re high iso.
I never shoot then but yesterday I did the attached at 1600iso, f4.0, 1/500 handheld. First quickly processed in my usual workflow in DDP, while the second
is no processing, just coverted and saved. Spitfire mk xvi
regards Gerard

[Roosta]

Nice work on the PPed version, the light is still good in the second for 1600, Thanks for these. I do appreciate the feedback. What distance where you from the Spit?

[carrg1954]

maybe 30m

[dannat]

i would like some advice re: this lens -it seems to have a lot of elements (15) for a prime -when i think the 200mm 2.8 & 400 5.6 have 10 or less. Can anyone tell me if the earlier mid 90's version which first came out with IS has the same no. of elements? -i have a friend who thinks his is lighter than 1190g -he says its under 1kg (& its the earlier version) -any links to specs would be appreicated
reason{i would use it for star shots -above 10 elements can give int reflections)-under 10 element primes are the best -i already have a 200mm f2.8

[Roosta]

i would like some advice re: this lens -it seems to have a lot of elements (15) for a prime -when i think the 200mm 2.8 & 400 5.6 have 10 or less. Can anyone tell me if the earlier mid 90's version which first came out with IS has the same no. of elements? -i have a friend who thinks his is lighter than 1190g -he says its under 1kg (& its the earlier version) -any links to specs would be appreicated
reason{i would use it for star shots -above 10 elements can give int reflections)-under 10 element primes are the best -i already have a 200mm f2.8

Check out this link, it lists all the Primes, and if you go right to the bottom of the page, you'll find the discontinued lenses, "http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx"

[dannat]

thanks roosta

[Wobbles]

Hello AP Regs,

Looking for anybody that has used the Canon 300mm L F4 Prime for sport shooting ,any positive or negative feedback with it. It will be used at high shutter settings and pushed with higher ISO in lower afternoon light.

Hi Roosta,
did you buy the 300L? I'm currently thinking about the same thing or possibly spending a bit more on the Sigma 120-300..

Cheers
John

[Roosta]

Hi Roosta,
did you buy the 300L? I'm currently thinking about the same thing or possibly spending a bit more on the Sigma 120-300..

Cheers
John

Hi john, Was really happy with lens, but think a prime is not going to suit what I want. Waying up the options what to add to my 70-200 F2.8 for shooting Rugby Union.

Attached is a hand held shots.

Overall, the lens performed really well, was easy to use hand held and on a mono. Will hire it again when rugby kicks off over here (Weekend grade union not Super 15's)
My main aim with the lens is to capture my sons (Under 9's) rugby action, and then from there, shoot the senior grades, If I can get a couple of great shots, well may be start a small site and sell some shots. Hope this helps.

The weather was crap. The Kooka was over 70 Foot away, wouldn't sit still, focus was very quick.

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