300 f4 L vs. 100-400 L? at DVinfo.net

Jeff Price · December 5th, 2004, 06:13 PM

Trying to decide between these two lenses for bird photography (on a digital rebel). Plus maybe on an XL-2 in the future. I realize the prime may be a little sharper and faster, but the zoom a little more versatile and greater magnification.

Any opinions?

Robert Mann Z. · December 5th, 2004, 06:43 PM

i'm in the same cirle as you...and here is how i made my choice

the 300 by all counts is sharper, faster and lighter

the 100-400 is more versitle and has more range...

for me the most important factor is sharpness, then lens weight...

i'm going with the 300, also a bit cheaper

try these links
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=39&sort=7&thecat=2

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=19&sort=7&thecat=27

Bernard Diaz · December 6th, 2004, 05:14 PM

If it's bird photography you're after, I'd go with the 100-400.
I have, the 400 f/5.6 and I still wish I had more reach. Of course the 300 is significantly sharper, but the 100-400 can produce some very sharp images, plus it's versatile.
They both have the IS if I'm not mistaken.
Have you conscidered the 400 5.6.
The images are very sharp and since I shoot in broad daylight, I don't have any issues withthe speed.
Picked mine up used for $900 and I love it.

Steven Digges · December 9th, 2004, 07:56 PM

Don't forget to get a good monopod with it, and don't waste money putting a head on a monopod.

Steve

December 5th, 2004, 06:13 PM	#1
Jeff Price Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Chico, California Posts: 357	300 f4 L vs. 100-400 L? Trying to decide between these two lenses for bird photography (on a digital rebel). Plus maybe on an XL-2 in the future. I realize the prime may be a little sharper and faster, but the zoom a little more versatile and greater magnification. Any opinions? __________________ Jeff Price Flickerflix Nature Videos flickerflix@yahoo.com

December 9th, 2004, 07:56 PM	#4
Steven Digges Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,828	Don't forget to get a good monopod with it, and don't waste money putting a head on a monopod. Steve __________________ www.CorporateShow.com Been at this so long I'm rounding my years of experience down...not up!

December 5th, 2004, 06:43 PM	#2
Robert Mann Z. Skyonic New York Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NYC Posts: 614	i'm in the same cirle as you...and here is how i made my choice the 300 by all counts is sharper, faster and lighter the 100-400 is more versitle and has more range... for me the most important factor is sharpness, then lens weight... i'm going with the 300, also a bit cheaper try these links http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=39&sort=7&thecat=2 http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=19&sort=7&thecat=27

December 6th, 2004, 05:14 PM	#3
Bernard Diaz Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New Jersey Posts: 151	If it's bird photography you're after, I'd go with the 100-400. I have, the 400 f/5.6 and I still wish I had more reach. Of course the 300 is significantly sharper, but the 100-400 can produce some very sharp images, plus it's versatile. They both have the IS if I'm not mistaken. Have you conscidered the 400 5.6. The images are very sharp and since I shoot in broad daylight, I don't have any issues withthe speed. Picked mine up used for $900 and I love it.