Canon 300mm F4 IS ?

I am considering this lens for my wife with use on her 40D. She needs a medium telephoto that with a 1.4 TC could give up to 400 mm. The weight seems right for her, so a 300 f2.8 is not an option. Together we already own a 100-400. The problem is that when we both need a medium tele up to 400 we are both reaching for the same lens. I would prefer not to have 2 100-400 lenses. Of course, if Canon were to introduce an upgrade - say a 200-400 f4 with IS and good IQ that would be the ticket. However, I have not even heard any rumors about this.

so, can anyone who has used the 300 f4 IS tell me if it is a good choice? Is the AF fast enough (I have heard it can be slow) and is the image quality up to par in today's world? I do realize that the IS is an older version, so I know the lens is not perfect. However, is it a good lens?

Thanks for your help.
Ed

I like the lens. It's great bare and really good with 1.4x TC if you stop down to f/7.1 or 8. The MFD makes it a semi-macro lens if needed.

Ed,
I like the lens a lot...

I would say the AF is slower that 400f5.6--but at least as fast as the 100-400. The MFD can be really nice when walking on boardwalks and fishing piers here in Florida where the birds are used to people. I have used mine with a 25 mm tube to photograph bugs and stuff when just exploring.

I dont use the lens as much since getting the 70-200f4is--but I can't bring myself to sell it...

This is one amazing lens. Extremely sharp. My website home page image was taken with the same lens!

Great lens. I replaced it after being disappointed in the 100-400 image quality. AF is as fast or faster than the 100-400. It is lighter and smaller than the 100-400. I still use my 300 f/4 when I don't want to carry heavier weight of my 300 f/2.8 or 500 f/4.
IQ is good with the 1.4x. Taken with my 300 f/4 + 1.4x TC (there is a full size portion too):
http://www.clarkvision.com/galleries...962.b-700.html

Roger

Hi Ed,

The 300mm F4 L IS Lens is a very nice lens. Its sharp, easy to hand hold. I had evaluated the 100-400 and 400 f5.6 before buying this. I am attaching a shot taken with this lens. You can find lots of shots taken with this lens in my site. At one point of time, this was my primary lens.

This works great with a 1.4x TC. I don't like the image with 2x TC.

Even today, I have this lens. When the animals are closer, I use this lens. Buy it. You will love it.

I agree with the others. It's a great lens. Very sharp and with the 40D great AF. I made a lot of flight shots of tern, gannets and other seabirds with it.
It's also great for flowers and large insects. Recently I used it a lot with a 1.4x and a 25mm extension tube when I needed more reach than with my 180 macro. The results are very good.

Markus

Thanks for all the responses. It is reassuring to know you are all happy with the lens. Every lens is a compromise. It sounds as if the 300 f4 IS is going to be a good choice for Gail. It also sounds as if I will get some good use out of it as well. Thanks again. :)

Another positive vote for the lens Ed It also has a great close focusing distance which makes it great for butterflies. btw if max reach vs weight is the reason might want to look at the 400 f 5.6 Something you might be using when she is not.

I echo the others in recommending the 300mm f/4. It was my primarily lens for a couple years of bird photography and it's sharpness, IS, and close focusing distance provided me with a great tool for a variety of photographs. It is still my favorite lens for butterfly photography when you add in the 1.4x TC.