Super Zoom lenses ?

[Shadytree]

With the dollar currently at 2.06 and getting weaker, it's getting mighty tempting to pop over the pond for some serious glass.

So given the choice what should one go for?

Canon 300mm f2.8 IS or 400mm f2.8 ?

Used the 300 before and found it excellent, but never tried the 400.

[lowdrag]

For motor racing? No contest. Just have a look at the photos taken by F308MAN at Le Mans this year with his 400mm f2.8. Stunningly sharp and so well taken they are almost 3D so much does the car stand out. I've just gone through the same process and there are three shops I'd recommend to you over there.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ Brilliant reputation

http://www.17photo.com/default.asp Again very good. Both are Nikon dealers based in New York. Be very careful of too good to be true prices because they are - even the lens hood and battery you'll find to be extra! Go no further than these in New York on pain of financial ruin.

However the best I found was this privately owned dealer in Washington - cheaper too by $450 on the major lens.

http://www.ephotocraft.com/

Not only were they extremely pleasant on the phone but are sending everything I ordered to Watkins Glen ahead of me.

One thing you need to check is whether they will accept your (foreign) credit card. They all needed me to wire the money but not until the equipment was in stock. Best of luck.

Incidentally, on one lens alone I saved £1,400!

Edited by lowdrag on Tuesday 24th July 15:39

[Shadytree]

Yes, will be using a long lens for Motorsport and Airshows.
Loaded up at B&H last year. Amazing shop, but agree there can be cheaper places still.

Have you got a link for those 400mm pics ?

[lowdrag]

Here are some of Dave's shots. Absolutely stunning.

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Just search for his posts and you'll find more. I think it will convince you to buy the 400mm!

[rhubarb]

Do you really need f2.8 400mm for airshows. I can see why you need them for motorsport, but aren't they incredibly heavy - I'm assuming 2kg+. For motorsport you can use a monopod easily enough, but I would have thought for airshows, with the 360 degree movement you'd want something some what less heavy that you can hand hold? Not trying to put you off buying a lens btw

[lowdrag]

True - you are talking not far off 4 kilos for the 400 and you'll need Schwarzenegger arms to carry it all day. Perhaps this might be better?

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cam...

[Shadytree]

lowdrag said:

True - you are talking not far off 4 kilos for the 400 and you'll need Schwarzenegger arms to carry it all day. Perhaps this might be better?

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cam...

Got the 100-400 and used it at Fairford. It's good, but struggles in poor lighting. Looking for a faster lens really.
I guess the 300mm f2.8 will be more user friendly

[lowdrag]

A 300mm f2.8 plus a 1.4TC comes to 420mm at f3.5 anyway. Pity they don't have a Nikon equivalent of the 200/400 F4.

[MonkeyHanger]

Unless i suffer a major disaster before, i'll be having a 400 f2.8 and both Canon TC'c next year. I've got the 120-300 to sit nicely alongside it so the 300 isn't in the frame

I don't know what the US prices are like, but the 400 2.8 is around $3600 from DigitalRev at the moment.

One other thing. A 300 2.8 with 1.4xTC is 420mm at f4

[Andy M]

If you're willing to spend that much money on either, I hope you know that neither is a zoom lens?

[sidaorb]

Geoff,

How do you find the 120-300mm, I am assuming the F2.8, as I was thinking about it next on the shopping list?

Carl

[cannedheat]

Try Adorama in NYC It was a few dollars cheaper than B&H when I was there. Sucks getting stung for the 8% sales tax though so if you can find away around that then even better.

[Shadytree]

Quinny said:

Hey Shadytree,

Don't forget me if you have any more lenses for sale

I absolutly love the 28-135 IS usm I bought from you after your last trip In fact it's rarely off the camera.

Just the job

Glad you still like it Quinny

[MonkeyHanger]

sidaorb said:

Geoff,

How do you find the 120-300mm, I am assuming the F2.8, as I was thinking about it next on the shopping list?

Carl

Carl, it's nothing short of excellent. I can't wait to try it on the 1DMK2N as it's been fantastic on the 20D.