A worthy successor to the popular Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS, the all-new Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM super telephoto lens is lightweight, weighing approximately 13% less than its predecessor, yet offers faster operation, improved image stabilization and superior optics. Incorporating Fluorite elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration plus a number of advanced coatings to minimize ghosting, flaring, and with a newly developed Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum, the EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM is ready to deliver spectacular images in an instant. With a third Image Stabilization mode (Mode 3) that activates IS only when the shutter button is fully pressed, and giving the equivalent effect of a shutter speed four stops faster, the EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM allows for easy panning and is ideally positioned for professional action photography. The EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM also features a new security slot for wire-type security locks.
1Improved Image Stabilization and superior optics
Advanced coatings to minimize ghosting and flaring
Newly developed Fluorine coating keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum
Third Image Stabilization mode (Mode 3)
Pros: image quality, with tele performance, autofocus and is
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.
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