Fast, Long primes WITHOUT IS

C

c_robinson

Messages
953
Name
charlie robinson
Edit My Images
No
as per title really, what is ther and where can i find it, i don't believe i need IS, as 90% of my phtoographic subjects are moving (cars, horses, quads etc etc)

looking ideally not to spend more than £1,000 and want 300mm. would love a 300/4 NON IS if a: it's available, b: it's a decent amount cheaper than the IS version.

would consider sigma, canon. Focus speed is priority for motorsports.

shooting on a canon 40D

cheers
charlie
 
If you look around you can get the 300mm F4 IS for about £720 which gives you room to squeaze the Canon 1.4x converter (£180) into your budget with room spare. Or there is always the Canon 400mm F5.6 which is not image stabilised for a similar price - but personally I would go with the 300mm for flexibility.

Otherwise you can pick up a Sigma 300mm F2.8 prime for under £1000 although even at F4 the Canon will probably have the IQ edge (Depends if you need F2.8) and will definitly trump the sigma on AF speed - then there is the 120-300mm which is about equal to the sigma 300mm in image quality at F4 and above and is definitly suited to the sports shooter.

Choices.
 
Yup definitely look for a Canon 300 f4 IS - don't worry about the IS thing if you think you don't need it, although I will say it does work and I did use it a lot.

Really nice bit of glass and takes the 1.4x Canon TC lovely.

As I said, I used it a lot on my old Canon setup.
 
I know it's not a prime ( the iq is meant to be better than the prime anyway) but what about the 120-300 Sigma?
 
the non-IS is still repairable/serviceable?

I suspect not given that they don't support the other non-IS long primes any more...
 
when i click the product link it's saying 'Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L USM (USED lens)
Sorry, the product you requested is currently unavailable'

shame as at £450 that'd be worth a punt!
 
desantnik said:
the non-IS is still repairable/serviceable?

I suspect not given that they don't support the other non-IS long primes any more...
Click to expand...

I don't know but I wouldn't be surprised if it is as it is very similar in construction to the f/4 IS. I know the 28-70 f/2.8 has many common parts from the 24-70 and so can still be maintained (for most things)

We have a 300/2.8 non-IS in the house and I have to say that it not be readily maintainable isn't a big issue when you consider the cost saving over an IS version. You can buy another if the first breaks irrepairably and still have £1000 spare!
 
and surely if your insurance policy is old for new if the old is non-repairable you'd get the IS version if you claimed!
 
My local LCE has a Tokina 300mm f2.8 pro for 1050 but I am sure they would come down to 1000 or less.
I almost bought it myself (and I might still do if you do not rush there!)

It is mint with hood+case+filter (112mm!) and they also give 6 months warranty with it.
One was on Ebay with offers of more than 1100 before it was withdrawn so it is a bargain.

I have the SD (1st version) myself. EXCELLENT LENS

You might find this interesting:

TokinaSigmaandCanoncomparison.jpg
 
c_robinson said:
and surely if your insurance policy is old for new if the old is non-repairable you'd get the IS version if you claimed!
Click to expand...

I wasn't talking about accidental damage, I was talking about the thing mechanically failing...
 
On your chart thing micloi, where is the thing which tells you how fast it focuses?

If you are someone who doesn't shoot a lot of moving subjects you probably can't understand how focus speed is important... but it is, very important.
 
desantnik said:
On your chart thing micloi, where is the thing which tells you how fast it focuses?

If you are someone who doesn't shoot a lot of moving subjects you probably can't understand how focus speed is important... but it is, very important.
Click to expand...

I have the lens myself and before this I had the Canon 300mm f4 IS.

I cannot say that I miss any shots that I would have taken with the Canon. As I do no longer have the Canon I cannot give you a more scientific reply to your question but you (c_robinson) are only 1 hour from me so you are very welcome to come and try my Tokina :shrug:
 
You will find the IS worthwhile every time your hand-held shutter speeds dips below 1/500sec with a 300mm lens on a crop camera, and you could argue that it's of benefit even at faster speeds too. It will also be much easier to sell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top