Hi,

I had decided to buy the Canon 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 when I came across
the Tokina 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6. I looked at eBay and both can be had for
about ~$200 used, which is my upper spending limit for a telephoto zoom
lens.

I looked at photodo tests and the Canon is rated at 2.4 while the
Tokina is at 2.3. Nothing great, but if I was settling for 2.4, I don't
have a problem settling for 2.3 unless owners in this NG have had a bad
experience with this particular Tokina lens.

Over the Canon, the Tokina has:
1. Extra 100mm reach at the tele end and 20mm at the wide end.
2. Metal lens barrel (Canon only has metal lens mount)

Over the Tokina, the Canon has:
1. Ring USM assuring faster AF
2. the 2.4 vs 2.3 photodo test
3. Half the weight (1050gms vs 560gms)

I read thru' reviews on several NGs and photographyreview and people
seem to find the Tokina (as well as the Canon) good value for the money
- 1/4th the price of an equivalent "L" series lens.
Whats your recommendation?

Thanks,

Siddhartha