In fairness to him, I have used that lens and the optics are 100% on it. A little bit of paint missing here and there isn’t going to affect how the lens works.
Anyway, enough about that one. Has anyone got another one?
I have the 300 f2.8. It has IS but you are welcome to try it out if you like. I bought it 2nd hand from the UK. It has hard case and a Kinisis lens pouch. Let me know if you are interseted. CAn I ask why you don’t want IS?