Ordered 300mm 2.8 II; tips/suggestions

[mackguyver]

I use my 300 2.8 isii for birding in the UK. I agree with all the suggestions made, but you find one more of interest. Having switched to a replacement Arca Swiss foot, I find the Kirk SGH-1 Super Grip Handle, with Arca-Type Quick Release Mount very useful. as the replacement foot can be very slippery if you use it as a carrying handle. This handle allows you to carry the lens easily and securely. Much under-rated accessory in my humble opinion.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/555304-REG/Kirk_SGH_1_SGH_1_Super_Grip_Handle.html

Michael.

That's pretty cool and looks much more comfortable than holding the foot alone, but $125 -- ouch! If you can't afford the hub caps, you can't afford the car, I guess...

Having purchased this lens myself a few weeks ago many people were suggesting new bags, tripods, tripod heads, etc... Once I got the lens, I needed nothing! I hand-hold it primarily, so no need to upgrade the foot or anything like that. My Manfrotto ball head supports the lens just fine as-is if my tripod is used.

My Lowepro 400AW bag loads my 300 II perfectly when attached to the body (plus 1.4x III extender) as long as the hood is reversed. Along with 2-3 other lenses on top of it. Very happy about that!

So once I got the lens, that is all I needed. I guess if you want a good support system or something you would, if you don't have already, but the lens is really not bad to lug around. I used it as my walk-around on my recent trip to Florida at the amusement parks and at times hand-held it for 6+ hours straight without any issues.

If anything, I would just recommend a good strap... I like the op-tech ones, they are comfy when supporting larger body/lens combos. FWIW, I am using a 5D3+grip.

I hand hold it most of the time, too, but if I'm at a sporting event and stationary, a monopod is much easier.

Also, you really carried this around with a gripped 5DIII at the Orlando parks??? That's awesome! I bet you had a million and one people asking you about!

 

[Invertalon]

I did! I go to those parks so often and have used every other lens by now, so I wanted a new perspective... I have done ultrawide, standard, fisheye, telephoto... So I needed super-telephoto!

I did get quite of a lot of attention, but none of it bad at all. In fact, I may get future work at one park because I had the 300 mounted and the advertising/marketing guy stopped by and talked with me. So that was cool considering it is what I focus my work on anyway!

But we went for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, and the performers loved it. I always got a priority of their attention over others, even when I was far away for framing. Was quite cool!

 

[acoll123]

My Tip? Use it as much as you can! I had to sell mine to get a 200-400 but really wish I had both. Try some field sports if you don't already for practice.

Andy

 

[Maiaibing]

I walk and cycle a lot with this lens and always use a Black Rapid shoulder strap for carrying. It works flawlessly and balances the body and lens very well.

Also bought a Don Zecklens Cap which I am very happy with.

Contrary to another writer above I always - always - use it with the hood on. All that glass up front and no protection? Hmmm... YMMV.

Finally, remember to microadjust. Mine needed just a twist on each of my bodies. However, almost only shooting wide open I could see it at once.

Happy Shooting!

 

[Northstar]

I walk and cycle a lot with this lens and always use a Black Rapid shoulder strap for carrying. It works flawlessly and balances the body and lens very well.

Also bought a Don Zecklens Cap which I am very happy with.

Contrary to another writer above I always - always - use it with the hood on. All that glass up front and no protection? Hmmm... YMMV.

Finally, remember to microadjust. Mine needed just a twist on each of my bodies. However, almost only shooting wide open I could see it at once.

Happy Shooting!

couldn't agree more about the black rapid strap. canon should wake up and start including something similar with the 1dx and 5d3 instead of the current neck strap that goes unused by many.

 

[applecider]

Two points:

Add a vote for the black rapid strap.

My hood stays on all the time, for handheld wildlife photography and casual dog walking (dog leash on one side of black rapid 1dx and lens on other). I find that it protects the front element of the lens better than anything. I very rarely use the canon lens cover. Without the hood people are always wanting to feel the front glass.

Oh yeah I also put black gaffer tape on the lip of the hood so I can rest camera and lens on surfaces without worrying about abrasion. Lint tape help to clean the hood if it picks up white nasties.