The other day I saw an "open box" 300 f/2.8 IS offered for sale by Henry's Outlet Centre in downtown Toronto for $4.6K CAN. The lens sure looked new and dust free to me.

If you have some connections with the shop and/or you are their established customer, you might even be able to get some sorta deal there.

Unfortunately I understand the Outlet Centre doesn't give refunds unless the stuff is clearly defective upon delivery. If you change your mind about the lens within a two week period, they would give you a store credit. At least that's the way I understand it. If interested, you better ask them for all the details.

(A note to those that are not within an easy driving distance to Toronto: please don't ask me to check the lens for ya unless you are prepared to compensate me for the time I'd have to spend doing it. )

Lastly, a disclaimer: I have no business associations with Henry's, nor would I benefit from the sale of the subject lens in any way.

I'll be the first (maybe) to thank you for offering that. It would be neat to learn that an FMer bought it and was happy with it.