Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM

At last I can join this thread, with 1D4

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/oqxa​ct

^ good shots everyone and welcome to new members

Here's one from the World Superbike race at Laguna Seca last weekend.
Taken with 1.4x III extender attached.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/opqC​4J

hmtest wrote in post #17043204
1dx + 300 2.8 II

Great capture

Thanks - here is another from same posistion:

I've posted before that my keeper rate with the 300 f2.8 IS II and 2XIII is lower than I'd like - only a few sharp shots along with many soft images. This is for aircraft in flight when I use my 1D4.

I'm thinking of renting a 1DX in hopes that it's AF performance will increase my keeper rate at 600mm. Any opinions?

Perfectly Frank wrote in post #17064998
I've posted before that my keeper rate with the 300 f2.8 IS II and 2XIII is lower than I'd like - only a few sharp shots along with many soft images. This is for aircraft in flight when I use my 1D4.

I'm thinking of renting a 1DX in hopes that it's AF performance will increase my keeper rate at 600mm. Any opinions?

Do you have some samples you can post? I own the version 1 and have shot with th e 2x III extensively with my 1D4. Although the AF is slower than with the 1.4x it still works very well. I always used this combo on a sidekick and my keeper rate was very high. The version II should be slightly better.

Suggestions for capturing Blue Angels pics? Weather tomorrow will be sunny and maybe a few clouds, but more haze than clouds. Along with the 1DX I have 300mm f/2.8 II and 70-200mm f/2.8 II plus 1.4X III

Never shot planes or things in sky yet. Thinking I may be able to get away with zone AF or perhaps 61 AF and which case I'm not sure. Manual mode f/8, 1/2000 and Auto ISO no IS on lens, set to furthest focus on lens?

I will usually shoot manual unless you are really close, otherwise you might expose for the sky and the planes are dark blue. I usually am happy with my 300/4 on my crop so you might think about the 300/1.4x combo but mostly depends on how far you are from the "box". I do the show in San Francisco where the planes are at least 1/4 mile away. When they fly directly over me, they barely fit in the frame. I have to turn the camera to get the loops in full frame.
So, crop if using no 1.4x and with it be very careful about framing. Since this is your first shoot, I'd suggest 300 bare and leave the 1.4x on the 70-200.
Don't just watch the show, toward the middle you get the sneak pass and you won't hear it until it is too late. With the 300/2.8 you should get some nice vapor/shock cone or even Schlieren since it is humid up there. I always watch the show and look show left/right for the sneak passes. F8/1/2000 would be good but high shutter speed trumps the f8.
Enjoy, someday I hope to have the 300/2.8

Thank you Kevin for the great suggestions...agree about the leaving the 1.4 out of the equation.

Annette & Gerd,

Very nice image!

Best regards,

Mark A.

GerdW, superb captures - I have almost saved up enough to buy another one, really regret selling my first one [Shakes head]

.DAVID.

David Stallard wrote in post #17101599
GerdW, superb captures - I have almost saved up enough to buy another one, really regret selling my first one [Shakes head]

.DAVID.

Hi David,

sometimes we make crazy things
I also have my second copy of this lens. It seems that it makes people addicted.

Greetings,
Gerd