Canon EF 300 f2.8 IS II w/ 2x TC III

Zephyr

Zephyr

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Name
Graeme
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Hello everyone,

I was wondering how the new 300

a) compares to the old 300 which it replaces

and

b) how it performs with a 2x TC

Help is much appreciated, basically i'm looking for a nice 'longer' reach lens over my 400 f5.6, which I want it to replace - a lens which is still very much portable, although the native focal length is less, once i add a TC, it is a fair amount longer, at least with the 2x.

I thought about getting a 500, or 600 f4, but neither are particularly practical for carrying with me, although i'd like to state the purpose is for birding. In and around the UK and also for taking abroad - The thing which scares me about the larger lenses and taking abroad is the possibility of the airline not being happy to take it with me and having to check it in, risking damage, etc. Plus a 300 would be handholdable, and I can use a monopod if i require additional support.

Will I just have to accept that i'll need a 500 or 600, or will a 300 plus teleconverters suit me fine?

I have both a 7D and a 5D II.

Thanks.

Sorry for all the questions!!

G
 
I have the 300mm f2.8 IS I and 2 x convertor II which work well together, so can only imagine the 300mm f2.8 IS II and 2 x convertor III is better!
 
If you're spending that kind of money, and given size/weight is an issue, you really need to assess that for yourself hands-on.

Personally, I'd go for the 300L 2.8 II with extender, but that's because I'd also get a peerless 300 2.8. But if it's specifically for the 500-600 range, be sure to check out the new 500L 4 II and 600L 4 II. All these new MkII lenses are pretty spectacular and much smaller/lighter than predecessors.

Good reviews on http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Lens-Reviews.aspx
 
For all the mixed reviews that the 2x TC has had, I was very impressed with its performance when used at Silverstone for the World Superbikes and my trip to South Africa.

300mm f2.8 (MKI) + 2x TC (MKII)
IMG_5729copy1.jpg


300mm F2.8 (MKI) + 1.4x and 2x TC (MKII) stacked
IMG_6377_copy_1.jpg


I'm assuming the new 300 and 2x TC MKIII are a step up in performance over the older versions, unfortunately haven't the $$$ to try it out.
 
I just have to have that lens.
drool.gif


Anyone need a kidney?
 
Thanks everyone! I cannot believe the quality of that lens with BOTH extenders attached, let alone just the 2x! That is amazing!!
 
The hand held stuff is amazing...Especially when you check the exif data ....Very exciting prospects
 
If you have a look at my posts in the motorsport section most are taken with the original 300 f2.8 IS L and MKII tc's and its a stunning lens to be honest.
Have been tempted to upgrade to the new version as the MTF charts for the new lens when used with the new MKIII tc's is amazing but i still cant bring myself to part with an extra £2500 on top of what i will get for my MKI if i PX it.
Did notice the other day that now the MKI's are becoming harder to get that the price on the secondhand market is creeping up and have now seen mint MKI's being advertised for up to £4000 at one or two second hand dealers.
The biggest selling point to me on the newer models is the improved IS and also the IQ gain when used with the new MKIII tc's but again at £450 each its another £900 on the bill for both of the newer TC's to get the most from the new MKII.
If you have the money then the newer version is a no brainer to be honest but if you dont then for £4500 you could still get a new 300 f2.8 IS L MKI and both the MKII tc's and still be over the moon with the quality and a fair bit of money better off.
Not sure how long it will be before there are no more new MKI's about but if you look on camera price buster i think that there are still two places you can buy new from.Once these are gone if the price remains the same on the MKII's then can see the price going up on the MKI's even more as the difference to most people between the two especially on a crop body is minimal for the extra cost.
 
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