Canon EF 300 or Canon 70-200 f 2.8 with TC

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Hello everybody,
I have the Canon EF 500mm f/4 and I am looking for a short telelen
What about the difference of quality and AF between two lens?
Canon EF 300 f/4 without TC and Canon 70-200 f 2.8 always with 1.4 TC
My camera is the 50D

Thanks
Manos

[Roger Clark]

I also have a 500 f/4, 300 f/4, and 70-200 f/4. From what I've read the 70-200 f/4 is similar to or sharper than the f/2.8. If that is true, I would say the 300 f/4 has a slight edge. I usually travel with all 3 (plus some shorter lenses). If I want to
travel lighter, I switch to a 300 f/2.8 + 70-200 f/4 plus shorter lenses. If yet lighter, I take the 300 f/4, 70-200 f/4 and shorter lenses. If lighter, 70-200 f/4 and shorter lenses. etc.

Consider your total package when you travel. For example, in a photo trekker AW backpack, I can get the 500 f/4, 300 f/4, 70-200 f/4 28-135 IS two bodeis and misc (filters, memory cards) in the backpack. I could not fit a 70-200 f/2.8 instead of the f/4. Laptop goes in a second bag.

If I go with the 300 f/2.8 outfit, I use a computrekker pro and the laptop fits in too, so no second bag (for those airlines that have a one bag limit). Weight limits are another issue ;-). Photo vest and I look like a stuffed turkey....

Hope tis helps some.
Roger

[Doug Brown]

I would save a few bucks and go for the 70-200 f/4 over the 70-200 f/2.8. The f/4 version is a great lens and will still AF with a 1.4x on a 50D. I own both lenses and I never use the f/2.8 anymore unless I'm photographing my kids in a gym. Not sure what use you're looking for but the 400 f/5.6 is an awesome piece of glass too.

[Manos Papadomanolakis]

Thanks a lot!!!

[Alfred Forns]

Manos when I was with Canon sold the 2.8 to get the 4.0 The lens is very sharp and so small !!! Had a 300 f 4.0 but only used for flowers and bugs. It is a good lens but had problems with the size...... I really like going light !!

[Roger Clark]

Also, the 300 f/4 L IS is a great macro lens with huge working distance.

[Mike Tracy]

In addition to wildlife / birds I shoot quite a lot of indoor sports. The 70-200 f/2.8 never lets me down.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Manos,

The 300mm f4 L IS has an edge over the 70-200 f2.8 with 1.4 TC. The 300 f4 is sharper. I use the 70-200 f2.8 when the tiger is close to me and I need to use the short end of the lens. Else 300mm f4 is used. Even with 1.4TC the 300mm works very well and you get 420mm at f5.6. The 70-200 f2.8 with 2x TC is not good at the 400mm at f5.6.

I have no idea about the 70-200 f4 though.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi