Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens Imported

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  • B&H # CA30028LISEF
  • Mfr# 2531A002

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The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM sets new standards in performance and versatility with its lighter weight, better balance, and particularly its new Image Stabilization. In addition, the tripod collar can be removed for even more weight reduction and hand-holding comfort.

Fluorite & UD elements eliminate secondary spectrum chromatic aberration
AF speed is the fastest in the world
Full-time manual focus override
AF Stop function shuts off autofocus when an obstruction appears
Dust & moisture resistance made exceptional by magnesium alloy lens barrel and new rear gasket at lens mount
Two-stage image stabilization; dual-axis camera shake correction or vertical axis only(for panning)
3-stage focus limiter
Focus preset function allows for returning to a specifically set focus by turning a ring in front of the focus ring
Performance
Focal Length 300 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/2.8
Minimum: f/32
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View
Minimum Focus Distance 8.2' (2.50 m)
Magnification 0.13x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:7.6
Groups/Elements 13/17
Diaphragm Blades 8
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 5.0 x 9.9" (12.70 x 25.15 cm)
Weight 5.61 lb (2.54 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens
 
4.9

(based on 153 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (146)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (6)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (165)
  • Strong construction (110)
  • Consistent output (93)
  • Durable (80)
  • Rugged (73)

Cons

  • Heavy (57)

Best Uses

  • Sports/action (116)
  • Wildlife (61)
  • Wildlife photos (41)
  • Night photography (24)
  • Low light (18)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Semi-professional (30), Enthusiast (25), Semi-pro photographer (24), Photo enthusiast (23), Professional (19)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (31)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Canon 300mm f/2.8L IS is INCREDIBLE !!!

First I must say that the lens performance doesn't get any better than this Canon 300mm. It is the sharpest lens I have ever seen, or own. I'm using it as a 300mm, ...Read complete review

First I must say that the lens performance doesn't get any better than this Canon 300mm. It is the sharpest lens I have ever seen, or own. I'm using it as a 300mm, and also with a Canon 1.4x, and 2x converter on my 40D. If you do the Math on the APC Sensor on the 40D, you will see some fantastic numbers.

40D is 1.6x to start - The 300mm is really 480mm, and Sharp as a Tack.

Now take the 1.4x Converter with the Lens = 672mm

Move to the 2.0x II Converter and SUPER WOW = 960mm

Since the optics on this lens are so top notch you won't even know that you're shooting with an extender, plus with the Canon Converters 1,4x & 2.0x II you will get full AF still at this high magnification. The 2.0xII dose start to have a little drop in sharpness compared to the 1.4xII and is kind of minor.

I'm using the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens for high speed action Shots. With the nice long focal length and fast aperture make stopping the action dead in it's tracks very easy. It's a must have for the Nascar circuit, Football, Basketball, and so on. This is what the professionals are using at these events. I even use it to capture wildlife too. I have a pair of Humming Birds in my backyard, and this lens shows the hidden world around us frozen in time. I wont kid you the 300mm f/2.8 does looks like a Military Canon with a BIG Bore, especially if you use the Hood on it. It brings a lot of value when use it in front of a client, as it's a real head turner. I've also been doing some portraits with it too, because I just love the shallow depth of field it has with just the right amount of background blur to really make your image POP!

This lens is Sharp as a Tack, the color and contrast are excellent. I really don't have a single complaint about this lens at all. Some say they find the weight of the 300mm a little on the heavy side, but it hasn't been a problem for me. Now if you need to be running around a lot capture your images, or have to hold the lens to your face for long periods of time then this might feel much like a workout - Solution is to get a Mono Pod or tripod.

This is the 3rd "L" series lens I've bought from Canon. Before buying, I did lots of research for different kinds of this lens Canon has including the No-IS & No-IS f/4 versions of the 300mm. I looked for every reason to convince myself that I didn't need an IS version. I have never regretted this Canon purchase from B&H Photo.


ScottG

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Disappointed

Lens itself is great but i broke tripod collar.
And how? I unwinded screw too much (couse collar didn`t want to slip off) and now it is not getting back (sc...Read complete review

Lens itself is great but i broke tripod collar.
And how? I unwinded screw too much (couse collar didn`t want to slip off) and now it is not getting back (screw)

Be carefull with that!!

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 153 customers

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabi

By Zambonidriver

from New York

About Me Pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavier than a 70-200mm 2
  • The weight is expected

Best Uses

  • Sports/Action
  • Weddings/Events
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

I am using this lens to shoot baseball. i intend to use it for other field sports as well. This lens is well built. It weighs about six pounds, but is much more maneagable than a 400mm prime. Overall this is a great product. It was only available at B&H.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

 
5.0

I love this lens!!!

By Dub

from Bountiful, Utah

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Sports/Action
  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

I shoot a lot of sporting events and this lens is second to none. The pictures are sharp and flawless. Would recomend to anyone.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Comment on this review

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Awesome!!

By Crash758

from Maryland

About Me Semi-pro Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Nice Bokeh

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

    I wanted to avoid the rising costs associated with the Mark II version of this lens, so I purchased this one. The current 300 is well known for sharpness and speed, and that is what I wanted. Not much to say other than this thing is perfect. Glad I did not wait any longer. I would suggest to anyone if you are thinking about it, just get it.

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    Dream realiszed. Finally I have it!

    By Justin the Sports Photographer

    from Singapore

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Lens cap

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Night Photography
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

    Amazingly fast focus, even on my 5D II. Image quality is the best I've experienced. Finally able to shoot evening sports, with this baby on hand. The lens cover is not easy to use. It is advisable to purchase a 3rd party hood hat from OP/TECH or Lenscoat.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • Yes

    Comment on this review

    (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    The Good, The Big, & The Sharp

    By Duke Fleming

    from Oak Ridge, TN

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh
    • Strong Construction
    • Very Sharp

    Cons

    • Moderately Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Night Photography
    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

    I use this lens on a Canon 7D camera for sports photography. This lens is perfect for football. It focuses quickly and produces tightly framed incredibly sharp shots in low light. It can also produce a nearly macro shot of flowers from nine feet away which has a beautiful bokeh. It is one of the sharpest lenses in the line having been refined over time and loved by all. I bought this lens just after the introduction of the new 300 F2.8 IS II with no fear of missing out on anything except the hugh cost increase of the new model. OK , maybe the new stabilizer would be interesting, but most sports photographers don't use one anyway. I have worked around many other professionals that have used this lens and produced outstanding quality shots for a long time. It will be best to use this lens with a monopod or tripod unless you have Popeye's arms.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    VERY CLEAN AND CLEAR PICS

    By BIG GAME ROB

    from COLUMBIA ,TN

    About Me Pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Rugged
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

    • Heavy

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action

    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

    THIS IS THE BEST LENS I HAVE ERVER USED

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

    (0 of 9 customers found this review helpful)

     
    3.0

    Disappointed

    By tom

    from san mateo

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Nice Bokeh

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Weddings/Events

      Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

      Lens itself is great but i broke tripod collar.
      And how? I unwinded screw too much (couse collar didn`t want to slip off) and now it is not getting back (screw)

      Be carefull with that!!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

      (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Best in Class

      By john K

      from Land O Lakes FL

      About Me Pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Hand Holdable
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Lens hood hard to attach

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Outdoor candid portraits
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

      Bought this lens before the new 300 2.8 IS2 totally replaced it. Read all the reviews and used a friends 300 2.8 for a few weeks before I made the (considerable) investment. Use it mostly for sports and wildlife photography. The lens is extremely sharp and the auto focus is lightening fast. The images are superb and the bokeh is buttery smooth. Much, much better that the 300 f4 it replaced. I use with my 7d and 1.4x 11. i see no image or sharpness degradation with the extender. Even though it is heavy it balances well with 7D (with battery grip) and is definitely hand holdable.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Great lens

      By Sialia

      from Santa Cruz CA

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Heavy

      Best Uses

      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

      I brought this lens to photograph birds in flight mostly on the ocean. Though the lens is heavier that I would like it is light enough to handhold for short periods of time and with the IS the result is pin sharp photos.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Wow, glad I got it finally

      By Jack

      from Texas

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh

      Cons

        Best Uses

          Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

          Fantastic and yes heavy, have a good monopod. Wanted a fast long telephoto for low light and shallow depth of field shots for aviation and sports car shots. EF 400 F 5.6 is a very good lens but has limitations (ie get what you pay for). Took me a long time and much thought to rationalize the cost of the EF 300 BUT when it arrived my first comment was WOW. Big, clear, fast and does everything I wanted. I would suggest also the lens cap made by Don Zack, much easier than the boot that comes with the lens. Would I do it again, you bet, should I have done it sooner YES.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          observe nature differently

          By boubou

          from switzerland

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Wildlife Photos

            Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

            perfect to capture with the camera wildlife, birds, ....

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Carefull, you will fall under its spell

            By Gramster

            from florida

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Nice Bokeh
            • Rugged
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

            • Heavy

            Best Uses

              Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

              A friend let me use it for the weekend. Not much of a friend, now I want one! The problem is I don't have the shuckles! This lens is so amazing. I focus faster than any lens I have used. Its depth of field, can't explain it. I have used it for portraits, the subject just leaps out. I have had photos in my mind for years. Now those photo are in my computer. You had best get one while you can. The next version is about $2,000 more than this tube of glass. Well my friend is a true friend, he is loaning it to me on an extended basis.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              One of the best lenses ever

              By Andrew Bohan

              from Hayward, CA

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Lightweight
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action

                Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                This lens, along with the 400 2.8, is the best I've ever come across. It's super fast and consistent, extremely sharp, and makes excellent bokeh.

                The ONLY thing I don't like about this lens is that the flash housing on bodies with on-board flashes hangs over the filter slot, so you can't change the filter without detaching the lens from the body. I'll gladly put up with that for the quality of this lens though.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                I would by this product again

                By buck

                from murrieta

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action

                Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                This product is great for shooting sports...especially when you need the distance. yes it is heavy but that is why there is a mono-pod for it. I work for a newspaper and it is a must have for the sports department....it does take some getting use to use it but that is on the photographer not the lens....

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                Great Lens

                By The Animal

                from Chula Vista, CA

                About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Nice Bokeh
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Sports/Action

                  Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                  This lens is great it has fast focusing speed and the images are very sharp. Lens is expensive but very well worth it. Just buy it.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                  (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  WOW

                  By Exnjcop

                  from West Palm Beach, FL

                  About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Nice Bokeh
                  • Rugged

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Sports/Action
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                    Just received my lens and shot a night soccer match under High School lighting conditions. The auto-focus is as quick, if not quicker than the 70-200 2.8. The lens exceeded my very high expectations. I simply can't imagine what the II offers that you can't get from this lens except a slight reduction in weight. If you shoot any of the field sports ( Football, soccer, lax, track) in relatively poor lighting than this is the lens for you.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                    (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    No lightweight

                    By Tex

                    from Texas

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                    • Big
                    • Heavy

                    Best Uses

                    • Sports/Action

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                    I bought this lens to photograph my childs soccer games. The focal length is perfect on my APS-C 40D. Great speed at f 2.8. Weight is the biggest issue. Handholding this lens is only possible for a few quick shots. For a soccer game, a monopod is required. The lens is big, but it fits in my Domke J-803 Digital Satchel with 40D attached. I was considering the 400mm. Glad I got this one. This lens is heavier than the reviews I read made me suppose. Makes my 70-200mm IS-L version II look small and light.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Outstanding Image Quality

                    By AustinTriGuy

                    from Austin, TX

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Heavy

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Weddings/Events
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                    I use the lens to shoot sports and it is a fantastic companion to a 70-200mm f/2.8. Its solid build and superior image quality are big upsides. The weight and inability to place a UV filter to protect the front element are its only detractors.

                    I've used this lens is adverse conditions and it performs flawlessly every time.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Outstanding piece

                    By Nanook

                    from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Durable
                    • Excellent image
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Rugged
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Heavybulky but who cares

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Sports/Action
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                    Probably the best prime lens Canon offers. Razor sharp images from my 5DMKll and extra reach with my 7D

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Top product

                    By YK

                    from Iceland

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Wildlife Photos

                      Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:

                      I mainly use this lens for photographing birds with a 1.4x extender. Splendid quality, focus is fast and works well both on flying subjects as well as the ones on land.

                      Can't really find anything negative about this lens, except maybe the weight since I only use it handheld. But that's barely a thing to be concerned about.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

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