300 2.8L IS info

I'm looking for a 300 2.8 L IS version 1. If I'm not mistaken, this lens was made from 1999-2009. I was wondering if there are any differences between the early and later manufactured models? I didn't know if there were any hardware changes or updates to be concerned about or if there are any lenses from certain model years that have been known to have any problems.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.

I own one. As far as I know, there were no changes made to the IS mk1. Mine is certainly flawless, and it's from 2000.

Mine is 2005 - works just as well as any of the others I have tried!
Simply a stunning lens if the focal length suits your needs. Note if you are going to use extenders - both the Canon 1.4 Mk2 and Mk3 work very well, but if you are going to use a 2x than the Canon 2 x Mk3 is significantly better than the Mk2.

Mine is from 2009 and it is a fantastic lens i use the 1.4x ll or lll with it and the 2 x lll with excellent results.

I have this lens mk1 too, amazing and strong until now, i bought it in 2007 if i can remember but not sure which year made, but doesn't matter because i am happy with it, mostly on my 1DX and before on 1D3.

Thanks. I just bought one with a "UP" date code and will be receiving it mid week. I called Canon and talked to someone in their service dept. and was told there was no difference in hardware etc. for the duration of the Ver.1 lenses. I'll be using it on a 7D as of now and I do have a 1.4 III extender as well.

I have one in brand new condition that I am most likely going to sell. I bought it from a Dr. in LA last year who claimed it was brand new. He said he bought it for a safari that didn't happen and it sat on a shelf since. As far as I can tell he wasn't lying. It's perfect in every way. I have used it less than a doz times. I recently went through a divorce and my interests have shifted for the time being. I'd be asking in the $4000 (its that nice) range and would include a lens coat with the sale. I've sold equipment here in the past including a 1Dmk4.

Feel free to msg me if you'd be interested. I'll likely put it on the for sale board in the next few weeks. You won't be disappointed.


Mike Anderson