EF 300mm f2.8 IS USM I

Hi everyone anyone have this lens (version 1) paired with mirrorless camera either R5,R6 and R7? I am interested of buying one and would like to hear from users their take or input. Pros and cons please.

Thank you so much.
Peter

I have version II of this lens.

Works fine with R5 . Version I should also work fine.

You will need EF-EOS R adaptor.

Best


Jai.

I have an IS I and I'm not happy with it on the R7, but I think the problem is this particular lens because it's also not sharp on the 7D2. I am sending the lens off for cleaning and adjusting and will resume my evaluation after that.

It seemed better on the 7D2 than on the R7, but I don't see any justification for that being accurate. It could simply be that the increased resolution of the R7 made it easier to see the blur.

AntonLargiader wrote in post #19535203
I have an IS I and I'm not happy with it on the R7, but I think the problem is this particular lens because it's also not sharp on the 7D2. I am sending the lens off for cleaning and adjusting and will resume my evaluation after that.

It seemed better on the 7D2 than on the R7, but I don't see any justification for that being accurate. It could simply be that the increased resolution of the R7 made it easier to see the blur.

Yours is the first I've ever seen any negative remarks about image quality from this lens. Seriously, I suspect there is something wrong with your copy and am glad you're getting it looked over. Most people are blown away by the sharpness, color rendition, and overall image quality from the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM. It also is considered one of the fastest focusing Canon telephotos. The only complaints I've ever heard about it are: cost, size and weight.

A typical review of the lens, in this case from Bryan Carnathan at The-Digital-Picture.com...

"The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens produces absolutely awesome image quality. This may be the highest image quality Canon EF lens made."

He did later add...

"Review update: The newer Canon EF 200mm f/2.0L IS USM Lens is at least as good."

And then...

"the new "II" super telephoto versions have raised the bar again."

In particular, the "II" version lenses seem to work better with Canon's teleconverters ("III" series). They also have lost some weight and have an improved image stabilization system.

I have the lens, but not the R7 to use it on (yet)...

AntonLargiader wrote in post #19535203
I have an IS I and I'm not happy with it on the R7, but I think the problem is this particular lens because it's also not sharp on the 7D2. I am sending the lens off for cleaning and adjusting and will resume my evaluation after that.

It seemed better on the 7D2 than on the R7, but I don't see any justification for that being accurate. It could simply be that the increased resolution of the R7 made it easier to see the blur.

Thank you so much for your input. I appreciate it.

amfoto1 wrote in post #19535266
Yours is the first I've ever seen any negative remarks about image quality from this lens. Seriously, I suspect there is something wrong with your copy and am glad you're getting it looked over. Most people are blown away by the sharpness, color rendition, and overall image quality from the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM. It also is considered one of the fastest focusing Canon telephotos. The only complaints I've ever heard about it are: cost, size and weight.

A typical review of the lens, in this case from Bryan Carnathan at The-Digital-Picture.com...

"The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens produces absolutely awesome image quality. This may be the highest image quality Canon EF lens made."

He did later add...

"Review update: The newer Canon EF 200mm f/2.0L IS USM Lens is at least as good."

And then...

"the new "II" super telephoto versions have raised the bar again."

In particular, the "II" version lenses seem to work better with Canon's teleconverters ("III" series). They also have lost some weight and have an improved image stabilization system.

I have the lens, but not the R7 to use it on (yet)...

But, frankly, I have used the EF 300mm f/4L IS USM a lot more often. Much more portable and half the weight for handheld shooting! Almost as good image quality, AF and IS.... and 1/4 the price.

And, more recently, the EF 100-400mm IS USM "II" for it's versatility...





One possible drawback with the original EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM is that it was introduced in 1999 and superseded by the "II" version in 2011. Two or three years ago Canon USA discontinued support for that original version. They no longer repair it if it breaks. This is likely because they no longer have replacement parts. So any work that's needed on the earlier lens would need to be done by an independent repair shop, hoping that parts are available or aren't needed. So look over any used lens under consideration carefully and shoot some tests with it immediately. It's very well built, "L" quality, but even they sometimes have issues.

Thank you so much for your input, me too have the 300mm f4l is version but not happy with R7 it maybe the R7 but in both my 7DII and 1DX it is definitely sharp and AF is fast, I am mainly want to upgrade for 300mm f2.8 for sports (my son is playing basketball with AAU) I am leaning towards MPB.Com for used lens they have several copies. Thanks again

PS
Last week I noticed my 100-400mm II is still on old firmware then when I updated the firmware to 1.7.0 I noticed improvements on sharpness and AF faster on both of my R6 and R7 is that just my imagination? .

Peter2516 wrote in post #19535085
Hi everyone anyone have this lens (version 1) paired with mirrorless camera either R5,R6 and R7? I am interested of buying one and would like to hear from users their take or input. Pros and cons please.

Thank you so much.
Peter

No problem with R6 more than that I can't get full burst rate in mechanical shutter mode and that focus preset doesn't work (doesn't work with mirrorless cameras from Canon).

What burst rate are you getting with the R6? I think the R7 is pretty fast with the 300.

AntonLargiader wrote in post #19536479
What burst rate are you getting with the R6? I think the R7 is pretty fast with the 300.

Perhaps half with the old 300/2.8 L IS USM. Version II supports 12 image/sec.

I just checked an older post I made, and using mechanical shutter I get 15 FPS with the R7 and the 300/2.8 IS1. It is a bit slower with electronic shutter.

AntonLargiader wrote in post #19536611
I just checked an older post I made, and using mechanical shutter I get 15 FPS with the R7 and the 300/2.8 IS1. It is a bit slower with electronic shutter.

15 FPS is max burst with R7 in mechanical mode. Not slowing down at all with old EF lenses?

In most cases it does. My 70-200/2.8 IS1 dropped the speed dramatically; I got an IS2 and it is much faster. My 28/1.8 and 85/1.8 are also slow. But for some reason the 300 IS1 seems to go full speed even though it isn't on the supported list. I have no idea why but I'm not complaining!

I have the 1999 non IS. I cannot find the collar foot replacement for this lens. I'm wondering if the version II will fit my lens. TIA