Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens Imported
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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
Go To
| 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 | 8° |
| 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(based on 153 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
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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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filter Holders
- Price: $88.95
Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $119.95
Hoods & Covers
- Price: $15.95
- Price: $20.95
Cases & Wraps
- Price: $49.95
- Price: $54.95
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $79.99
- Price: $89.99
Rain Capes (Covers & Slickers)
- Price: $99.95
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.99
Color Balancing / Lens Calibration
- Price: $79.95
Tripod & Support
- Price: $51.95
Books & Tutorials
- Price: $26.95
What's in the Box
- E-145 Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- ET-120 Lens Hood
- Carrying Lens Trunk 300
- Drop-In Gelatin Filter Holder
- Wide Strap
- 1-Year Warranty
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