Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens USA

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I have a number of L series lenses to go with my 5D MkII and 7D bodies, none of them a slouch in performance
- 16-35 f/2.8,
- 24-105 f/4,
- 100mm f/2.8 macro,
- 100-400 f/4.5-5.6,
- 70-200 f/2.8 Mkii
besides the superb non-L 17-55 f/2.8.

However, this lens is something else indeed.

I was going on my first wildlife shoot and did not think I would be satisfied with the 100-400. I thought long and hard about which telephoto lens to buy debating between the 300 f/2.8 and the 400 f/2.8 (both mkii versions). I finally decided in the favour of the smaller lens mainly because of the lower weight. The decision was justified because I ended up taking all shots handheld due the conditions of travel and I am thrilled with the results.

For the few bird shots I used the 1.4x extender but found the results not as good when handheld. However, when on tripod, you can barely tell the difference.

I also think it was a good buy for wildlife with the focal length on a crop body. For birding, I wouldn't have found even the 400 a bit short thus I am planning to go for a 500 f/4 for that use. I think the 300 f/2.8 and the 500 f/4 compliment each other very well, both can be handheld (the 300 for an entire day) and will cover all telephoto needs.

I haven't used it more than the 4 days of Safari but took a thousand images and have under 5 percent rejects ! This on a handheld basis. So far the 70-200 f/2.8 was my dream lens, it still will continue to be my most used lens (due to the focal length range) but the 300 is my best lens without doubt. As for the 100-400, I am selling it. It was a good lens but gets squeezed between these two.

To think of the 300 as a wildlife or indoor sports lens alone is a grave error. It takes absolutely mind-boggeling portraits with awesome bokeh. I take my portraits mostly candid and the 70-200 was attracting too much attention, with the 300 I can be at a distance not to be seen before I take my photos ;-).

It is not a cheap lens but it would be silly to expect this quality lens at a cheap price. As for those who think this is heavy, one can just say "If you find this one heavy, just forget about using a 300mm plus focal length of good quality glass"

If you can afford it, buy it, if you cant afford it yet, save for it. It is worth it.

PS : Always buy the teleconverters (MkIII) with this lens and its bigger siblings.

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Used mostly for bird photography. With no TC extenders it is incredibly sharp. With the 2X TC-III it provides exceptionally sharp images.
I usually use it with 2X attached to get the equivalent of a 600mm with a great weight savings, as I usually use it hand-held. It's about 3.5 lbs lighter than a 500 + 1.4X, but this is significant if you are carrying it around for a long time.

The slow focussing with the 2X is a particular
nuisance on the full focus range and if the lens hasn't been prefocussed on something in the approximate range of the subject. On either of the partial ranges it works well, but clearly not as well as without the extender. In any event it has worked out well for birds in flight which demands good rapid accurate autofocus.

I got it as a lighter weight substitute for a 500 with 1.4X. That combo focuses faster, but the 300+2X seems to give comparable image quality.

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

This is a "prime" lens that offers "tack sharp" images. It is versatile, that is,
I am able to capture DIII football photos and render sharp images with a reasonable crop (I use a 1D Mk III camera.), yet I still am able to use it on a high school gymnasium floor for basketball and get some remarkably tight captures. It's best on a monopod, yet can be hand-held if needed. It's "Image Stabilization 3" setting seems to be a marked improvement from its predecessor. Canon has also lightened the weight of the lens, made some improvements on the hood cover, and has included the "Portrait"/"Landscape" "click alignment" (I believe they're called 90° detents.) I also like the new carrying case for the lens.

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

The support collar and the weight reduction alone made this purchase worth it. The image quality is outstanding, can't say if it's "better" than the prior version but the collar and weight alone make it "better" for me. Now I'm struggling with ditching the monopod and hand holding only...! And the new IS setting #3... fantastic! It's pricey but it's quality.

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Light, fast, sharp, great IS! Best lens Canon produced!

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

Purchased the lens a couple of weeks ago. Went from the 300 2.8 non IS to new 300 2.8IS II. My original 300 lasted 18 years great year. Was my all-time favorite lens. I tested the new one with my Mark IV on a couple of NHL preseason game, 1 youth hockey game and came away amazed. The images were tack sharp, focusing speed is fantastic. The image quality is great. I also used it with a 1.4 version II, with almost no drop off in focusing speed or image quality. It was time to replace some of my old glass. The price was hard to justify, went back and forth in my decision. In the end, Canon has nailed it with this lens...

Comments about Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens:

I just got this lens today and I love it! The quality is so sharp and the build quality is excellent!