Canon 300mm f2.8 IS vs f2.8 IS II

Zephyr

Zephyr

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Graeme
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Hi,
Canon 300mm f2.8 IS vs f2.8 IS II

Just wondering how much better the IS II version is over the older IS version, are there significant improvements?

I also hear the front glass is the front element on the newer version and NOT a protective piece of glass like the original IS version. If this is the case, has anyone recommendations on how to protect the front element of these new superteles from Canon?

Also has anyone got any experience in using this lens for wildlife photography, BIF in particular and can post some examples?

Cheers,

Graeme (y)
 
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Surely someone here must own one of these lenses? :)

Best wishes.
 
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I own the MKII and I am very happy with it.

At f/2.8the lens Is sharp as a razorblade and other than some vignetting clearing in the corners, stopping down to f/4 makes little difference in image quality. In regards to bokeh this lens can create a significant amount of smooth background blur. I like it!. The lens is practically distortion-free and practically Chromatic Aberration free.

Now, I don't know if the front element is protective glass or an optical element. Either way, here is what canon has to say in that regard (not much help there though)

"The optical elements also feature Canon’s latest Super Spectra Coatings, optimized for both the position and type of each lens element. A SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC), which uses microscopic cone-shaped structures smaller than a wavelength of visible light, reduces ghosting caused by light bouncing back from the imaging sensor. Fluorine coating is also used on the front and rear elements of the lenses, repelling dust and dirt for clearer shots. The coating is also water repellent, keeping the front element free of water marks and smearing by ensuring water runs off the lens quickly." [Canon UK]

I've never had the MKI so I can't comment on that particular lens.

The great owl and Brahminy Kite pictures here were taken with the 300mm f/2.8 MKII
 
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Canon 300mm f2.8 IS MKI + MKII TCs
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300mm F2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x and 2x TC (MKII) stacked
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Canon 300mm f2.8 + 2x TC (MKII)

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Great shots Pete. Superb lens ..... in the right hands of course!
 
Superb shots Pete, really showing the potential of the 300!

Thanks for the links and such everyone :)
 
The question is, am i better off waiting for the 200-400 f4 w/ 1.4x, or going for this for the low light capability, and using an extender when required, in addition to being my BIF lens, and also handy for travelling abroad, hmm? I just wonder...

Sorry about double post >.<
 
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I pondered the same question before I bought my 300. The need for taking images soon took care of waiting for a lens that has not been properly announced and is just been shown as a prototype they are working on. For all we know, it might not even see the light of day.
Go buy the 300, MKI or II depends on your budget but, both are great lenses.
 
Mk1 IS is razor sharp, love mine! - got a mint one for a steal @ £2400 last year, half price of mk2 no question really!

probably the sharpest lens I've ever owned, love seeing the LCD display and images are ridiculousness sharp even at 2.8!

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drew
 
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I bought the 300/2.8 mk1 a few months back and have to say that this is one super sharp lens. You certainly will not be disappointed!!
These are a couple from last week from Gigrin Farm:

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Zephyr said:
The question is, am i better off waiting for the 200-400 f4 w/ 1.4x, or going for this for the low light capability, and using an extender when required, in addition to being my BIF lens, and also handy for travelling abroad, hmm? I just wonder...

Sorry about double post >.<
Click to expand...

Have you seen the price :puke::puke::puke: more expensive than the new 500mm f4 IS MKII, you're definitely better off getting a 300mm f2.8 IS
 
Beautiful shots Drew!!!
The black kite is amazing! fantastic pose and great PP work (y)
Did you print that one?
 
I have one coming in a week or two. Can't wait.
 
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