300 f/2.8 -a big problem

[jhpeterson]

I heartily agree with the majority of others who find the 300/2.8 to be a stellar piece of gear. The primary subject of my work is racing sailboats and this is THE "go to" lens for most all situations. I'll often pair it with a 1.4x when I need a bit more reach.
The most affordable option, of course, is picking up an early version, whether it's the original IS or the even older non-IS. I've had two of the latter over the last 20-plus years and they have served me very well. The sharpness is incredible; the "look", perhaps even better. Note, though, that Canon US won't service the non-IS. If something goes wrong, you may be out of luck.
Not only are these lenses exceptional by themselves, they're very good when matched with Canon's converters. Other than slower autofocusing, I've found little loss with the 1.4x, and used with the 2x, while not in the same league, is not so far behind.

As for stacking both the 1.4 and 2x, they're more than acceptable for those times when you must have the shot, though be forewarned that focus will be slow. So, you might need a captive subject. Attached a 100% crop of a lunar landscape I shot this way.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

Appreciate the advice. Actually I rented the f/4 a few years ago and it also is a nice lens. Just did not feel the same infatuation. IQ was pretty good ( I used on my 50d) and despite the loss of a stop, it worked pretty well in low light but never tried it wit a TC. I'd be concerned about the focus ability with a TC although the 5diii is supposed to do OK with f/8.

It is a whole lot cheaper but, I'd really need to try it agin in low light to compare.

I currently own both the 300 F4 L IS and the 300 F2.8 L IS Mk1. Except for weight and price the F2.8 version is better in every way. This is not to decry the F4, I love mine but I cannot justify having both lenses! The F2.8 lenses ability to handle extenders makes it a VERY flexible lens and it gives surprisingly good quality images with the Canon 2 x Mk3 extender (I wasn't happy with the Mk2). The F4 can produce usable images with the 2 x but they are few and far between, though it's fine for record shots.
I bought my 300 F2.8 via E Bay and was very happy with the price (about $3200 US in ripoff Britain) and condition. A while ago I also bought an EF 400 F2.8 L (original version) for a steal on E Bay and my latest big E Bay purchase was a Canon 800 F5.6 L IS at a VERY reasonable price. I would have had none of these lenses without E Bay! You need to be careful and I will only bid if I can collect the lens in person, try it out and then pay.
I am afraid you made a big mistake using that lens, you will not be happy until you get one!

 

[discojuggernaut]

I agree with the sentiment above about the 300 being very versatile with the extenders (i have both mkII's with the IS mkI). It is a great piece of handholdable kit that performs well with the 2x, great with the 1.4x, and amazing naked. Great AF, decent IS, and incredible image quality and bokeh with almost no difference in sharpness stopped down. I was fortunate enough to find one at a decent price in excellent condition used on craigslist (it had camo protective gear so the finish looks brand new) and have loved every time i've pulled it out. I would only consider selling it to fund a mkII version or a 500 f/4 (i shoot kiteboarding, events, portraits).