Sports lens: 300 f/4 or 100-400, or other?

[kenjancef]

I am a strictly sports photographer, and don't have much money, but looking for a longer lens than my 70-200 f/2.8 Mark II with 1.4 TC. I shoot with a 1D4 and 1D3, and looking for an outdoor sports lens, baseball/softball/soccer.

So I can just about afford to get a 300 f/4, and if I use the 1.4 TC I effectively get 420mm With IS, at f/5.6. If I go with the 100-400, I can get to 400mm with IS at f/5.6, without using the TC. Don't think I'd want to use the TC on the 100-400.

The only issue is that I just checked the prices on a new 100-400, and I'd have to wait a bit to buy one, unless I go used.

On a side note: I could get a 400f/5.6. I know it doesn't have IS, but I'd always use a monopod, and would hopefully keep shutter speeds high since I'd be using it outdoors. I would also think it would make a cleaner image since the TC wouldn't be connected.

So what would you all think the better choice would be???

Thanks!!!

 

[wickidwombat]

I have the 300 f4L i got it on ebay for $800 used got a kenko 1.4 TC for under $200
you get 300mm 1 full stop faster than you can with the 100-400 and you get 420 with IS at 5.6
its a great lens, very comfortable to use, far more so than the 100-400, lighter has the built in lens hood
and for some wierd reason people always seem to sell them off used much cheaper than the new price
the IS does make loud clunking noises but it works and image quality is great

I also feel that the 300f4L is faster focusing than the 100-400 propably due to the f4 focus points being more responsive than the f5.6. this is probably something that is important for sport (I dont shoot sport though)

here is a sample of mine with the kenko TC and tex posted some with the canon TC
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=5105.0

 

[IIIHobbs]

I to recently picked up a used 300mm f4 IS on eBay. I have the 70-200 f2.8 IS on a 5D and needed a little more reach. I originally had the 1.4TC on the zoom and it was good, but the 300mm f4 is superior in sharpness and much lighter weight to manage during the game.
If you really need to reach 400mm most of the time, I would look to get something that takes you there rather than adding the 1.4 TC to the 300mm F4. You can find a lot of helpful decision making information here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

Sample:

 

[Renato]

I own both and my 300 was resting for two years while I used the 100-400 for bird photography. Why? Becasue of the extra reach and the 100mm flexibility. Also the IQ (my opinion) of 100-400 is almost the same as 300. At the begining I used 300+1.4X but the 100-400 alone has faster AF and ended always with better and more keepers.

Finally my 100-400 died because I got moisture in it too many times. I dried it off by puttingthe lens in a ziplock with silica gell beads. After doing this plus baking my lens in an oven (at low temp) too many times I finally cooked it. I sent it for repair and they replaced the AF asn USM. Almost $300 to fix it. Now it is waiting in Miami for someone to bring it to me in Ecuador. So it is long story but you must protect that 100-400 from rain or drips or moisture which seems to easily slip thouth the slip barrel zoom desing.