Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

Hey all. I'm new to posting but have actually been reading and learning from this site for months now. I've just come into some money (Navy takes it's sweet time on those bonuses) i'm looking into getting the above lens for mostly wildlife photography. I know 500mm - 600mm is good but luckily 300mm will get me 480mm on my 20D and I won't be spending near as much. That and f/2.8 should give me great dof for animals. I'm wondering what people's opinions are on this lens and maybe some example photos if anyone has them at hand. Thanks guys.

Oh yeah, and it would be my first L lens. Could be some trouble ahead for the wallet...

dont know why know ones replied to this. the ef 300f2.8 L is said to be one of the sharpest you can get also it is one of the fastest at focus speed and i belive on a 1dmk2 it is the fastest. a truly great lens depending on what wiled life it may be a bit short to be honest .
Rob.

You can try find some shots through the Pbase lens gallery.

http://www.pbase.com/c​ameras/canon/ef_300_28​is

I just got the 300f/2.8L IS a week ago. Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been good, so I haven't done much with it yet except some quick shots in the backyard, using a Canon 2x TC.
I still have to "learn" the lens, but so far I really like what I see with the 2xTC. I also have the 300f/4L IS, and that lens with a 1.4TC is terrific, so I expect the 2.8 with a 1.4TC will be even better.
The 300f/2.8L IS a great lens. Using it hand held isn't totally out of the question, but not something I'd want to do; it's heavy. Great on a monopod with IS. I just added a Wimberly Sidekick and a RRS BH-40 ballhead to my tripod. Using the 300 on this setup is terrific.
Jack

clicky wrote:

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Content warning: script

Canon EOS-1D Mark II
1/25"
300mm
F2.8 Aperture priority
ISO 3200

Handheld with IS on (no flash), manual whitebalance. Shot in very poor light conditions, with only little available streetlight.

Holy crap! 1/25!! Have you done this often , or was this a freak performance?

1/25" Incredible, or typo?

Nope, check the EXIF!

With the 1.4x TC ...

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

A sample of what it was made for..

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

clicky wrote:
Nope, check the EXIF!

Just wondering.. I could not see the Exif. (I normally just right click , properties using XP.)
I thought it might have been 1/125. (Not doubting you now you have confirmed it was 1/25, just want to learn!)

(All I know about Exif is that if I use cheaper software to edit , I lose Exif , but Photoshop retains the info. I only ever right click , properties , as it shows me all the info.)

Not with IE in XP. You have to download a third party software, or at least I did, and I have SP2 on my machines. See this threadI started earlier for a link.

BTW, it shows 1/25 on my computer but EXIF can be altered.

1/25 handheld is believable.

Here are a couple of mine, not as slow, but at either 1/30 or 1/40 handheld.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif'

/me drools

Oh no, not again! I had just pursuaded myself that the 70-200 was the way to go after months of persuading myself the spend was worth it. How long do you think it is going to take me to justify THIS lens!!