how to get 300 2.8

[johnhenry]

I found a secondhand but pristine 200mm f/1.8 USM and use mine with a 2x

 

[jdramirez]

Good compliments on her NEW hand bags & shoes will earn a lot of credit

I like your thinking about selling the 70-200 when 200mm f2 is in consideration. I'm few steps away from that 200mm f2 IS. I'm working on a deal package right now, including 35mm f1.4, 16-35 f4 IS and 200mm f2 IS. The store manager is playing hard-to-get right now(he thinks I want those lenses). I'm trying to keep my cool during negotation(I'm drooling from the inside though ;D).

I'm starting to lean towards primes in my "old" age... Sure the 24-105 has been a solid option along with the 70-200, but good... just not good enough. I like indisputably great... and I find the primes get me there... I'll probably pick up another 70-200, maybe the f4 is because of its small size and solid performance, but I did like the 70-200 f/2.8L usm... oh geesh... I might as well just keep the 70-200 f/2.8 L is mkii and suck it and up and have some redundancy. Damn you photography!!!

I will say that my camera gear has kept its value a hell of a lot more than my baseball cards from the early 90's.

as for the negotiation... I find that having an alternative vendor really helps to push the deal. Maybe contact Canon Price Watch and see what the "street" price for that package would be... Maybe they will come close or beat the asking price... and then explain that you want to buy from them, and it's not all about the money, but it's something you can get and do now... and lord knows that this isn't the end of the line... and if they want to keep your business, they do have to EARN your business.

 

[privatebydesign]

Ever mull over the 200mm f/2L and the 1.4 tc? It's not quite 300... it's not quite as sharp, though you also wind up with that extra stop of light if you are shooting indoors.

I played with it last couple days. Just like many mentioned, the compression of 200mm and f2 are insane.

My GAS status is now up-north. This could be the last purchase for 2014

There is no such thing as "lens compression" it is perspective, that is all.

 

[jdramirez]

Ever mull over the 200mm f/2L and the 1.4 tc? It's not quite 300... it's not quite as sharp, though you also wind up with that extra stop of light if you are shooting indoors.

I played with it last couple days. Just like many mentioned, the compression of 200mm and f2 are insane.

My GAS status is now up-north. This could be the last purchase for 2014

There is no such thing as "lens compression" it is perspective, that is all.

It's time for bed... I read that as

there is no such thing as lens comparison...

I was about to lose my mind...

 

[Steve]

There is no such thing as "lens compression" it is perspective, that is all.

What do you think the term "compression" means?

Perspective distortion takes two forms: extension distortion and compression distortion, also called wide-angle distortion and long-lens or telephoto distortion,[1] when talking about images with the same field size.

 

[stein]

I had the 300/4 and 100-400L for years and thought it was OK - BUT when I bought a 2nd hand 300/2.8L IS from Adorama in 2011 I started thinking WHY I had not bought this first. It makes a difference that is unbelievable!
I use it most of the time for birds with 5DIII and a 1.4IIIx attached - a great tool (but a little heavy..)
Maybe the new 400/4DO will do job, looks great!
See the first photo I took with the lens + an old 1.4xI handheld http://tromsofoto.smugmug.com

 

[lux]

The original question was used 300 2.8 l is or new 120-300 2.8 sigma sport. I would love to get the 300 2.8 ii but that just isn't going to happen and if I wait 3 years saving money for it my eldest will be almost done with high school soccer.

The trade off is sharpness for zoom and weight considerations. Has anyone used both lenses? I'm never going to have two great full frame cameras. Maybe a used 7d and my 6d but that is likely the best I could have in the foreseeable future. I don't see myself therefore using 2 bodies during a game.


Oh and someone was suggesting 85 ii for kids...maybe if they are sedated. 85 1.2 plus some Benadryl and you can get great pictures

 

[jdramirez]

Oh and someone was suggesting 85 ii for kids...maybe if they are sedated. 85 1.2 plus some Benadryl and you can get great pictures

My 1 year old loves to crawl into my 3ft minimum focusing distance. Considering I have to get on my butt to get down to her level, I wind up scooching back... only to rinse and repeat.

 

[Dylan777]

Good compliments on her NEW hand bags & shoes will earn a lot of credit

I like your thinking about selling the 70-200 when 200mm f2 is in consideration. I'm few steps away from that 200mm f2 IS. I'm working on a deal package right now, including 35mm f1.4, 16-35 f4 IS and 200mm f2 IS. The store manager is playing hard-to-get right now(he thinks I want those lenses). I'm trying to keep my cool during negotation(I'm drooling from the inside though ;D).

I'm starting to lean towards primes in my "old" age... Sure the 24-105 has been a solid option along with the 70-200, but good... just not good enough. I like indisputably great... and I find the primes get me there... I'll probably pick up another 70-200, maybe the f4 is because of its small size and solid performance, but I did like the 70-200 f/2.8L usm... oh geesh... I might as well just keep the 70-200 f/2.8 L is mkii and suck it and up and have some redundancy. Damn you photography!!!

I will say that my camera gear has kept its value a hell of a lot more than my baseball cards from the early 90's.

as for the negotiation... I find that having an alternative vendor really helps to push the deal. Maybe contact Canon Price Watch and see what the "street" price for that package would be... Maybe they will come close or beat the asking price... and then explain that you want to buy from them, and it's not all about the money, but it's something you can get and do now... and lord knows that this isn't the end of the line... and if they want to keep your business, they do have to EARN your business.

Me too - Seems like you and I are on the same path JD. I start leaning to primes.

It's a cycle that many photogs(like you and me) have to go through. . I'm a bit worry, one day we might go back to zoom.

 

[niteclicks]

I bought a used vI and it is great on the 5DmkIII, but it even brought new life to the 40D. My favorite before it was the 200 2.8 II , Still is my go to for the kids playing outside .The 300 is sweet just is not as grab and go. My intent was also for soccer just have not had the time.

300 on 40D

 

[mackguyver]

Since you already have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II, I'd nix the Sigma, especially if you pick up a 1.4x as that combo is awesome and will work well with the 300 f/2.8 as well. I have the 300 f/2.8 IS II, but as many have said, the Mk I is an excellent lens and the only significant difference is in the IQ with extenders. If you can find a good deal on one, I'd definitely go for the Mk I. 300mm at f/2.8 is an awesome thing, especially for sports!

 

[tron]

I wouldn't waste my money on Sigma. I would definitely choose Canon 300 2.8.

 

[PFerrara]

Hello Everyone. New poster to the forum here (been watching for a while, though). I've got a similiar decision point coming up with my primary activity being kids playing soccer vs. HS football.

Since he has the 70-200 II 2.8 already, would purchasing a new crop sensor camera like the new 7DMkII accomplish the same? Would that turn his lens into a 112 - 320 f2.8? And pick up better focusing & fps in the process?

I know we don't have any data yet on the 7DMkII low light performance, and that must be very important for night football, but for me with most all day games of soccer I am leaning toward this route (after I see some real reviews of course on the 7DMkII).

 

[jdramirez]

Hello Everyone. New poster to the forum here (been watching for a while, though). I've got a similiar decision point coming up with my primary activity being kids playing soccer vs. HS football.

Since he has the 70-200 II 2.8 already, would purchasing a new crop sensor camera like the new 7DMkII accomplish the same? Would that turn his lens into a 112 - 320 f2.8? And pick up better focusing & fps in the process?

I know we don't have any data yet on the 7DMkII low light performance, and that must be very important for night football, but for me with most all day games of soccer I am leaning toward this route (after I see some real reviews of course on the 7DMkII).

The 6d has a really good center focus point, so as long as he uses that in conjunction with af servo, he should be able to stay on his subject. Also, the low light performance is, presumably, still 2 to 3 times better than any crop sensor.

A crop body may give you reach, but the image is still basically the same as a full frame, but if you cropped of the edges... so the perspective/ subject isolation isn't improved...

It is just a mirage really.

 

[westr70]

I noticed the remark about the 300 f/2.8 IS Mk 1 having a significant difference from the MkII with the TC extenders. If that's true I'll have to rethink the whole thing again. IQ + Cost are the major considerations.

 

[mackguyver]

I noticed the remark about the 300 f/2.8 IS Mk 1 having a significant difference from the MkII with the TC extenders. If that's true I'll have to rethink the whole thing again. IQ + Cost are the major considerations.

Yes - here's the bare lens - very close:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=249&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=739&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

and with the 2x III - definitely a noticeable difference:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=249&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=2&LensComp=739&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0

And according to DxO's review, Canon EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM review – Straight from the top drawer:

"Taking a lens launched in 1999 and testing it against more current models is always going to be an interesting exercise. Fortunately for the EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, the test data backs up what users have known for years – it really is very good. If you’ve got one and have been considering an upgrade to the Mark II version, you will find improved optical performance, though not by much. The main benefits will be in the reduction in weight (2,550g vs 2,400g) and the improved Image Stabiliser that offers up to four stops rather than two stops. Canon also claim the AF of the Mk II version is improved.

On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a 300mm lens and don’t currently own one, then your main deciding factor will be price. The EF300mm f/4L IS USM may not be quite as good as its more expensive stable-mates, but it still puts in a very respectable performance. Equally, if you can’t stretch to the cost of the latest Mk II 300mm f/2.8L, then picking up a second-hand EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM is going to offer you very similar performance, for quite a lot less money. In fact, if you don’t need the extra IS stops and the 150g weight difference is not an issue, then the older lens is probably the pick of the trio as it blends great performance with a more affordable second-hand price tag."

Keep in mind that DxO did not test the lenses' performance with extenders, which is why they don't comment on that difference.

 

[niteclicks]

I have used the 2xmkiii with the v1 . I am trying to learn BIF so this is not a good example probably, but its all I have available on this computer. Remember in some else's hands I think it would be much better. But maybe it will help.
handheld 2x mk3

 

[mackguyver]

I have used the 2xmkiii with the v1 . I am trying to learn BIF so this is not a good example probably, but its all I have available on this computer. Remember in some else's hands I think it would be much better. But maybe it will help.
handheld 2x mk3

niteclicks - using the 2x on the Mk I lens definitely works and it's almost as sharp in the center as the Mk II. BIF shots are really hard, but keep practicing and you'll nail one soon. It's a great feeling when you get a great one!

 

[Dylan777]

I have used the 2xmkiii with the v1 . I am trying to learn BIF so this is not a good example probably, but its all I have available on this computer. Remember in some else's hands I think it would be much better. But maybe it will help.
handheld 2x mk3

Like mackguyver mentioned, It will be little challenge(especially the condition in your photo).

Keep shooting

 

[Too_Many_Hobbies]

For what it is worth, I have the 6D, 100-400, and Sigma 120-300 S. I used to have a 7D but sold it(would like to get a 7D II or more likely a 5D Mark IV or III down the road). I miss the 7D for the tracking of BIF, frame rate, and buffer. I love the 6D's IQ and low-light performance, though, and think I made the right choice for me.

Personally I think my keeper rate/sharpness is better with the Sigma + 1.4 Canon Teleconverter II than the 100-400. I stop it down to F4.5 with the 1.4 converter and still love the results. Personally I'll probably keep saving for the 400 2.8, 500 4 or 600 4 way, way down the road as realistically I have every lens I really need except an UWA and I'll look into the Canon 16-35 F4 and Tamron 15-30 2.8 next year.

I did purchase my Sigma refurbished directly from sigma for $2,700 US last year.

If you are interested, I have a few pictures with the 120-300 here (with both the 6D and 70D):

https://www.flickr.com/search/?w=12732158@N00&q=120-300