Canon 300mm f2.8 IS II

[eml58]

Of the Canon Whites, the 300f/2.8 L II is about as good as it gets, when I recently purchased the 200-400f/4 the lens I sold was the 400f2.8 II, I kept the 200f2, 300f2.8 II & 600f/4 II, the 300 is just a perfect Lens, I use it mostly on the 1DX but also when I want to crib on weight I put it on the 5DMK III, brilliantly fast on focus lock, sharp as a razor, gorgeously crystal clear in the viewfinder on either the 1Dx or the 5DMK III, works a treat with the 1.4x extender, Ok with 2x converter, lighter by far than the Mk 1 version.

Jump on it Dylan777, I can't imagine how you will ever be disappointed, at least until the version III becomes available, which gives you about 5 + years of complete enjoyment with a brilliant piece of gear.

 

[Dylan777]

Of the Canon Whites, the 300f/2.8 L II is about as good as it gets, when I recently purchased the 200-400f/4 the lens I sold was the 400f2.8 II, I kept the 200f2, 300f2.8 II & 600f/4 II, the 300 is just a perfect Lens, I use it mostly on the 1DX but also when I want to crib on weight I put it on the 5DMK III, brilliantly fast on focus lock, sharp as a razor, gorgeously crystal clear in the viewfinder on either the 1Dx or the 5DMK III, works a treat with the 1.4x extender, Ok with 2x converter, lighter by far than the Mk 1 version.

Jump on it Dylan777, I can't imagine how you will ever be disappointed, at least until the version III becomes available, which gives you about 5 + years of complete enjoyment with a brilliant piece of gear.

Thanks eml58 for feedbacks.

I'm waiting for Sony A7 + Zeiss 55mm to arrive. I'm at the state of rebuilding mirrorless + DSLR system. I went through some photos I took last couple years, most are at 35mm - 70mm, candid style.

At this moment, I'm thinking: 85L until Zeiss releases 85mm, 135L, and 300mm. I really want to keep 70-200 because this lens is simply AWESOME, but I love bokeh of 135L.

 

[mackguyver]

I can't help you, either. I've had my 300mm 2.8 IS II for about a month now and I'm in love. It takes the extenders like they aren't even there and the IS is so damned good I have yet to use a tripod with it -- and I even found a monopod annoying! I haven't nailed any great shots with it (yet) as my favorite haunt has been closed no thanks to the Feds, and I've had to work two of the weekends but it's only a matter of time.

I sold the lenses collecting the most dust (I don't shoot events much any more): Sigma 12-24, Canon 35 1.4, 50 1.2, 135 2 for this bad boy and have no regrets.

The only negatives are that the polarizer (if needed) is very expensive, you probably need a new camera bag, and RRS may get another chunk of your money if you go with their foot. Also, AMEX may chase you to upgrade from Gold to Platinum. Oh, and don't lose the lens hood (~$400) or cap (~$125).

The only help I can provide is a sample of one of my shots taken at ISO 12,800 f/8 1/400s on my 5DIII at 600mm, which may help deter you. Obviously the lens is only good for boring cat photos :

 

[Dylan777]

I can't help you, either. I've had my 300mm 2.8 IS II for about a month now and I'm in love. It takes the extenders like they aren't even there and the IS is so damned good I have yet to use a tripod with it -- and I even found a monopod annoying! I haven't nailed any great shots with it (yet) as my favorite haunt has been closed no thanks to the Feds, and I've had to work two of the weekends but it's only a matter of time.

I sold the lenses collecting the most dust (I don't shoot events much any more): Sigma 12-24, Canon 35 1.4, 50 1.2, 135 2 for this bad boy and have no regrets.

The only negatives are that the polarizer (if needed) is very expensive, you probably need a new camera bag, and RRS may get another chunk of your money if you go with their foot. Also, AMEX may chase you to upgrade from Gold to Platinum. Oh, and don't lose the lens hood (~$400) or cap (~$125).

The only help I can provide is a sample of one of my shots taken at ISO 12,800 f/8 1/400s on my 5DIII at 600mm, which may help deter you. Obviously the lens is only good for boring cat photos :

Christmas is around the corner ;D

 

[jasonsim]

Nice shot mackguyver! I really do like the 300 II.

 

[mackguyver]

Nice shot mackguyver! I really do like the 300 II.

Thanks and it sure is a beautiful lens. I can't wait to shoot with it again, hopefully this weekend if I things line up for me.

 

[discojuggernaut]

I don't use the dumb leather hat/cover. Just grab an appropriate-sized tupperware cover from the wife when she's sleeping.

 

[AlanF]

I don't use the dumb leather hat/cover. Just grab an appropriate-sized tupperware cover from the wife when she's sleeping.

The II has fabric cover with Velcro. It's an improvement over the leather. Lost it once, but it's so big it was handed in to the nature centre.

 

[mackguyver]

I don't use the dumb leather hat/cover. Just grab an appropriate-sized tupperware cover from the wife when she's sleeping.

The II has fabric cover with Velcro. It's an improvement over the leather. Lost it once, but it's so big it was handed in to the nature centre.

Yes, the new cover is a huge improvement over the old design and it's pretty hard to lose. It's $120 to replace, though! I bought the LensCoat Hoodie XX Large (kept it and returned the Lenscoat) and it's a little easier to use, with the hood on, fits in your pocket, and is only $16 if lost.

Also, I found the Ape Case Large Lens Ape Case (ACPROLC18) for $40 and it holds the 300 with room for extenders and just fits the lens with the hood extended.
http://apecase.com/products/lens-cases/pro-lens-cases/acprolc18-professional-large-lens-case/
It's pretty cool when the hard case is too big.