Used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Image Stabilizer AutoFocus Telephoto Lens

2021-09-03T04:12:50

What can be said that hasn't already been said about this incredible lens? The only con I can think of is although it's a 2.8 aperture, the T value is 3.3 - so it doesn't let in a lot of light. this isn't a problem with today's camera's that fair well with higher ISO values or if you're in nice sunlight, but it should be noted in case you're shooting with it and wondering why you have to lower your shutter speed or increase ISO at f2.8

Eric H.

2019-06-08T20:00:00

Sharpest lens on the globe! Don't believe me? Go to dxomark and sort by sharpness among all tested lenses, comes first, I just rented one, and am still excited about it, I just think that possible to have cheaper zooms with this quality someday? BTW, it was an unforgettable experience, try it at least once.

omidsolo s.

Originally posted at

2019-02-22T08:23:49

Focus is so smooth and fast and the weight has come down a bit. This is my go to lens for sports photography (baseball, football, and soccer) with my 7D Mark II. There is no better lens.

MICHAEL B.

2019-01-20T19:23:29

Fast, quick and much lighter than the first version. Great for surf, football and even portraits!If you have a need for speed and sharoness and can afford it, it’s worth it.

AUBREY L.

2018-07-14T20:00:00

The lens is awesome and being able to photograph birds in flight hand held all day long is awesome. And in low light at 2.8 when close enough is what really what makes me happy along with being able to use a 2x extender and get 5.6 and some beautiful image quality. Expensive yes but you will get over that.

Dennis W.

Originally posted at

2018-02-14T07:30:25

Extremely sharp & lighter than the original version. Wish I would’ve purchased years ago!

SCOTT T.

2016-09-27T20:00:00

I have used most canon's telephotos (300-600 and all are nothing short of amazing. Yet this lens stands up among all! It is small and coupled with extenders version III is very versatile. On a cropped sensor is perfect for racing track side and for concert shooting from soundboard.

silvexphoto

Originally posted at

2016-09-15T09:10:15

I take a lot of sports pictures indoor and outdoor. I was looking for a fast telephoto to go with my 70-200 2.8L. I tested the 300 4.0L and found it to be slow focusing which wasn't going to work for me. I finally decided to bite the bullet and order the 300 2.8L. I've photographed a number of soccer games ranging from full sunlight to dusk and under the lights with amazing results. I was also really surprised with the weight of the lens. It is heavy but not nearly as heavy as I was expecting. I normally use a monopod but have also not had any issue getting great handheld shots, wouldn't want to do it all day though. Have not have the chance to try it with my 1.4x and 2.0x extenders yet.

TODD V.

2016-03-29T20:00:00

I am a professional photographer who specializes in shooting ice hockey and motor sports. I've shot this lens at hundreds of games and events with nothing but amazing results. There a number of reasons why this lens has been and will continue to be with me at every shoot. First, the weight difference compared to the earlier version is striking. It's a large lens, but actually is so light I can shoot it without a monopod for extended periods. Second, the sharpness of this lens is nothing short of staggering. For example, while shooting a 1DX, I've shot IIHF and NHL events from concourse level with razor sharp clarity, allowing me to actually read the puck's logo or see a sliver of light between the flying puck and goal post. Unbelievable! Finally, I love this lens for portraits at a distance. For example, when shooting motor sports, I've been able to get tight portraits of drivers deep in their garages while I'm standing at a distance. It's also great for standing back from pit areas and capturing the drama of race action without being on top of my subjects. In short, this lens is a light, wickedly sharp, and versatile lens that is key to my sports photography success. I'm not sure how they could improve it, but I'd love to see the Mark III version if/when it comes out.

jaiprophoto

Originally posted at

2015-05-30T21:00:00

I primarily am using this lens with a 5D III and a 7D II for soccer games. The focus is fast and accurate and the build is superb. It's heavy but not too heavy to hand hold. The photos are tack sharp and the colors are gorgeous. The price is steep but the results are worth every penny.

ALEISHA J.

2014-07-13T21:00:00

Use this with 5D3 for raptors and about everything else too. Couldn't even dream the optics to be better and the new image stabilization. I use this all the time with a 2X TCIII for birds in flight etc, and shots are still incredibly sharp and the autofocus is fast. Don't let anyone tell you this isn't true. And, most of my flight shots are handheld using stabilization 3. Really quite amazing. I also use the lens for flowers and for people--the shallow DOF at 300 and 600 is gorgeous. Probably even better than the 70-200 2.8 iS II, which is pretty close to perfect. I walk with this lens combo quite a bit and although heavy, not really an issue. Expensive, yes, but if you want to shoot birds in flight and others things, it's kind of a miracle.

db

2014-06-25T21:00:00

Super crisp images. Perfect for wildlife, but quite heavy for for long handheld shoots.

KEVIN C.

2014-02-19T19:00:00

This lens is simply phenomenal. This is my first step into the "big whites" and I am sure will be in my collection for many years to come. Optically, it is practically flawless. The sharpness is out of this world and unlike any other lens I have had the pleasure to use and own (such lenses as the 24-70 II, 70-200 II, 35L, 85L, 135L, 300 f/4L, 400 5.6L…. And many more). The 300mm f/2.8L II is in a league all its own. Some of those lenses come close, but are not quite to the same level. The IQ with the 1.4x III is just as good with no loss in quality that I can see. I still need to buy and try it with the 2x III… The attention to detail in the build quality is stunning. First, the lens just feels great in the hand. Focus ring moves smoothly with no play. Switches have a nice snap to them and positioned well enough that you won't be bumping them into the wrong position (something I do often with my 70-200 II and have to use gaffers tape to cover them!). The tripod ring with the 90-degree indents are a really nice touch. The buttons have a high quality feel to them. The lens was also well lubricated (as you can hear the lubricant when you move the focus ring and the power-focus ring slightly). This lens is for sure a step above the high end L's in the sub-$3,000 range in terms of build quality. The colors and contrast are fantastic straight out of camera. The isolation given from the 300mm and f/2.8 is really quite awesome, even at great distances. The 3-D "pop" is also present with this lens, thanks to the isolation ability and extremely high resolution and contrast. The minimum focus distance is really nice, I am glad Canon was able to improve it over the Mark I. I did not run into many instances where I had to backup to get the lens to focus. I am simply fascinated by the mode-3 IS… I was confused on how this worked, as I never really read a clear description of it. To clarify for others, when you start to meter (say half-pressing the shutter or back button focusing) you hear the IS kick on as you would expect. However, the viewfinder does not stabilize. It appears like the IS is completely off. But when you go to take the image it instantaneously kicks on and stabilizes the image perfectly with no visual delay. I could not get over this! A really cool feature. Overall, the IS works extremely well and is actually really quiet (even more so than the 70-200 II). You hear a confident "chirp" when it turns on/off, but nothing during operation (unless you lay your ear on the lens). Big improvement over the Mark I when I rented it. The IS also behaves extremely well on a tripod to help combat faint vibrations when using telephotos on a tripod. No reason to turn off IS on this lens, as it actually benefits with tripod use! I think unless you are doing exposures over 1-second, the manual recommends to leave it on. The AF performance of this lens appears to be extremely good. Shot-to-shot sharpness is very consistent and I have yet to get an image that was randomly out-of-focus for reasons other than my own. The weight is surprising with this lens… I rented the original IS and it was a hefty lens (as is this one), however the Mark II appears to be better balanced and not as front-heavy making it feel lighter than it is. I have no problem what-so-ever handholding this lens for long periods of time. For reference, this lens along with my 5D3+Grip comes in at 8lbs and 15oz. I don't plan to use the tripod much at all with this lens, there really is no reason to if you are able to support the weight… A good camera strap (I recommend Op/Tech) are extremely comfortable for supporting heavy loads. The case included with the lens (along with keys) are nice additions. I will use mine often when transporting and storing the lens. The new lens cap is a HUGE improvement over the old version, far less clumsy and easy as can be to use. Canon did great updating this. The only downfall of this lens would be the price… While it is the cheapest of the Mark II super-telephotos, it is still a very expensive lens. However, as expensive as it is (even as a hobbyist only) I don't feel cheated. The performance and build quality of the lens help curb the sting a bit. I highly recommend this lens to those who can afford to splurge on it. You won't be disappointed.

STEVEN F.

2014-02-15T19:00:00

You can count on this pro grade canon glass to get your money shots 99.9% of the time. I have 300mm is/vr lenses from both camps, and I would say that this canon IS II version takes the cake, as it is both lighter and IS mode 3 is an evolution of the IS system. The new front cap is great, as I no longer feel the need to buy a don zeck cap.

Villard C.

2013-11-10T19:00:00

I bought this as an upgrade for my current f4.5 EF 300. I wanted betterr magnification than the old 300 (or my 200-400 zoom). Ideally I would like a 600mm f2.8 that was as light as this lens. I'm a bird photographer and am always reaching for more distance without having to lug huge lenses around. This lens with a 2x extender is the perfect compromise for me. The only downside is that now my lens is better than my camera body and I want to upgrade that too.

nosmoking

Originally posted at

2013-11-10T19:00:00

So I took a big step in getting this lens as I've been shooting a lot of sports lately.... I am impressed by everything about this lens. It's strong and feels like it, it has good features and isn't as heavy as I thought it would be. My biggest surprise was the weight, I fully expected to by mounting this to a monopod all the time, I'm a medium build guy and I have no problems hand holding this lens and shooting with it. 4 stop IS and the new addition to the IS mode is nice, as is some of the other features like focus preset, power focus and some others I won't talk about. The AF is fast, esp for how much glass is involved.... and the Image Quality is spot on as well. This lens cost a lot, but it pays to have good glass and this one is a great balance in features and quality.

CHRISTOPHER R.

2013-06-07T20:00:00

Since this is my fourth Canon 300mm f/2.8 lens, I'm very aware of its evolution over the last 30 years. Each model has come with improvements both optically, and mechanically, but secrectly I've always longed for the size/weight of my original, the new FD 300mm f/2.8L. The first two EF's manufactured were both great lenses, but their weight/size were just a tad bulky for consistant hand holding, even having added IS on the second version. Hand holdability is a big reason why I like using a 300mm so much! However, this latest version is lighter while still keeping its durability! It weighs about the same as my original, and coupled with the latest IS system, and the low light performance of the 5D3, it performs like nothing else has before! Also, I didn't like the sloppy collar design on the original IS, but loved it on the first two versions, now that has been corrected too! Finally, I've often wondered since 1985 why Canon didn't use this double flourite design before?? Cost, production issues?? It's surely working here - clearly the best optics ever in a tele lens! Read the many technical reviews out there... or better yet, attach one to a 5D3 and just look at the files! I know this lens is rather expensive, but it just doesn't matter if photography is your business! I've sold so many shoots just by how this lens represents me. It's the best! Well done, Canon!

PC P.

Originally posted at

2013-05-19T21:00:00

I have been using this lens for a few weeks now and am very impressed with how well everything works. I use this lens for wildlife, mainly bird photography and the clearity and focus is exceptional. I can see the difference both through the lens as well as post processing. This is the first lens I should have gotten but then you live and learn.

KEITH R.

2013-03-10T20:00:00

Ridiculous was an adjective used by someone I know, when other superlatives were too weak in their description. There are a couple of lenses in my arsenal that are considered by many to be reference standards. But this one even leaves those behind and has no peer - in many different aspects. The image quality will blow you away, words are useless here, the pictures you get will astound you. Razor sharp across the entire(!) frame and bokeh that is crazy delicious. No distortion or aberrations to speak of. The three modes of Image Stabilization work great with 4-stops of assistance. I have a 1.4x extender and have used it with this lens with great results with regard to picture quality. The extender degrades the quality of any lens it's attached to, but this lens is so astonishing that when brought down a notch, it still provides a better image quality than other lenses in this focal range without the extender - the only exception I imagine would be the big brother of this lens, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM II. I did experience more hunting while focusing in darker rooms on objects that didn't have much contrast with the extender on than versus off - the focus was fine with the extender, but it was lightning fast without it. I can't speak much about the weather-proofing of this lens. It was a rainy day when it was delivered and I was too much of a wuss to bring it, or any other lens for that matter, outside. The build quality is simply superlative, something you notice immediately as you pull it out of its case. It's built like a tank. I debated on purchasing this one versus its 400mm sibling - the ability to use the lens without a mono/tripod. Size and weight were a factor in that consideration. This one is definitely the more portable of the two and the shoulder strap is really helpful. I can use this thing hand-held easily for 4-5 hours (and people complain about their 24-70mm being heavy, seriously?!?). Actually, I think my legs and calves get a great workout hauling this thing around! Unless you have experienced using another monster super-telephoto, be prepared to get noticed. This can be good and bad. Good in that you can pass out your business cards and look like a real professional. The bad is obvious, you'll receive comments (note that I purposely didn't use the word complements) and questions. Most people are curious and well-intended, but there's always a few oddballs that aren't. The only really big negative here, but you expect it given the quality of this lens, is the price. If you can cough up the funds, this lens will not let you down. Also, it might be a good thing to get insurance for this and your other camera gear which also add to the cost. Things breakdown, wear out and worse, stolen; these are painfully expensive repair and replacement bills. You might think after reading this that I'm trying to justify my purchase, don't believe me, go rent it! Guaranteed, you'll become a believer. I'll be looking into the 400 next year despite my scribbles above and the purchase of the 300. I think anyone would be more than satisfied with either one of these lenses - they are truly remarkable. Good luck and happy shooting!

fret s.

Originally posted at

2012-09-22T20:00:00

I am an inexpert bird photographer, and have graduated from a 70-200 L IS with a 1,4xTC, then a 400m L f/5.6 and a 100-400mm L. They are all fine lenses, and I love my 100-400mm for travel as it is light enough and is small when the barrel is compacted. But, I wanted the longer reach of a 600mm which could be hand held as I want to wander around holding camera and lens without a tripod, and also an upgrade in image quality. So, I chose the 300mm plus a 2xTC to complement the 1,4xTC, and am delighted. It is light enough to carry around slung over a shoulder or in my hand for shorter periods. I use it at 300, 420 and 600mm, hand held, for with the 4 stop IS is essential. The image quality is simply outstanding at all lengths. The focus speed is acceptable at 600mm and lightning fast at 300mm.

AlanF

Originally posted at

2012-04-12T20:00:00

I purchased the new 300mm 2.8 after much debate and waiting on the release of the new generation of supertelephotos from Canon. I was considering everything from this lens up to the 600mm f 4, but because of the delay for the longer lens and the great with teleconverter reviews of the 300, I took the plunge. I have to say that the performance with and without the converters is stunning. I previously owned an FD 300 2.8, which I loved but never used quite enough to master focusing on moving objects - and in the days of film it was just too painful to shoot so many OOF images. Even with my 5DMKII (not the best focusing body), I have been very pleased with wildlife and sports shots. Focus is almost instantaneous and the focus limit switches are a great help when working in brush - where the lens can get confused. One of the most pleasing aspects of this lens is the perfomance with the 2X converter for avian photography. If you use a blind and can get very close to your subjects, having the close focussing ability of the 300 with a 600mm reach gives great images. I usually stop down to f8 w the 2X, use a tele-flash for fill (typically the birds are somewhat overhead and backlit) and can literally see every feature in the in focus feathers (the flash usually adds a nice catch-light in the eyes as well). I'm sure the converter adds some softness in corners relative to the lens alone, but for most applications, the DOF and composition make this irrelevant. Without the converters the lens is an amazing peformer (and obviously, you should really want a 300 focal length if you buy this lens - if you mostly need a 600, wait for that) - I even have some great closeups during indoor volleyball and outdoor sports are a pleasure to shoot. As I frequently backpack or hike with lots of gear, the weight, size and flexibility with converters means I can put this in the bag without too many regrets. The IS is superb and I love the options for three modes - working off a monpod for sports and wildlife really benefits from IS when you don't have to stop action with the shutter and can go for less noisy ISO's. The hardcase travels well on planes and the overall construction is as expected for the price - outstanding. I'm still debating adding either the 500 or 600 when they finally appear, but I'll have to see great reviews and with tele performance with these to consider buying b/c the 300 is so good and covers many of my needs - and I can't quite see those as backpacking lens.

volleyball D.

Originally posted at

2012-01-27T19:00:00

Worth every penny... I don't think it can get any better. I bought this for use for wildlife photography and coupled with the 1.4 extender it is a cost effective alternative to the 400mm. The sharpness is unbelievable.

GARY R.

2011-11-28T19:00:00

What's wonderful about this latest incarnation of the Canon 300mm f 2.8 is the lighter weight but at the same time, noticeably sharper edges, and I like the third AF mode. Compared head to head with the 300mm f2.8 IS, it is about the same down the middle, but on my full frame, the edges are fabulous. This is a big deal when shooting wildlife near full frame.

ALBERT M.

2011-09-17T21:00:00

The very best prime 300 mm f2.8 on the market! This Canon lS ll is the best lens I have ever owned!

LOU O.