Canon EF 300mm F2.8 IS - 2 Years On! Any good in 2024?

[@Gleebi]

It proves they have been drip feeding us lens and camera technology. Everything now is software driven. I still use EF lenses exclusively. They are more than what's required for good photography today.

[@alanvann8254]

I took my copy out on the R7 yesterday it did ok not quite as good as on my 1DX. Focus acquisition was good enough for birds in flight but acquisition on my DSLR's is quicker. Also at times it hunted quite a bit in situations where I thought it would have locked on quite easily but I have found the R7 to be a bit hit and miss with focus anyway. This lens works on mirrorless but works better on my DSLR's. Since owning this lens it has been my go to, as I know the images I get when I have done my job right are clear sharp images.

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Its good to see its not just me who is seeing the issues, Glad you are enjoying the lens!

[@kpopfanphotos]

The reason why it focuses faster on your 1dx is because the 1dx uses the lpe19 battery which has more power than the lpe6n/h batteries that the mirrorless cameras use and even the 5d series. The bigger batteries allow more throughput to the lenses to focus them quicker same with the R3

[@12symmo]

Now I’m keen to get one to try on my 1V (film). It’s hard to justify when the 300mm f/4L IS is so great though.

[@RWAquariumPages]

these are lovely photos! great video, is this the mk1 or mk2 of the 300 2.8 is?

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Thankyou! This is the Mk1

[@garrywatters1140]

Just bought one of these lenses and use it on my 1dx and R5 with 1.4x and 2x converters and haven't had any issues so far. Pics are clear and sharp on both cameras. My RP on the other hand doesn't like this lens and hunts frequently.

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Good to know about the RP!

[@LawhavemerciFilms]

Am I able to get the normal ef converter to use on the rf ef adapter ? I have the one with the ring on it. I have a R6 ii

[@garrywatters1140]

@ any of the ef to rf adaptors should work without any problems.

[@joewhitnallphotography]

​@@garrywatters1140 Personally not had an issue

[@joewhitnallphotography]

​@@LawhavemerciFilmsYou can but the AF will slow down

[@AdrianWilsonBridders1234]

I use the mark 2 on both the EOS R5 and R3, and for what it’s worth I’ve no issues on either as for accuracy and focus speed

[@joewhitnallphotography]

That's good to know! Thankyou

[@aberrant0x7]

Thank you. That’s the whole reason I came here. I’m interested in the lens but was curious how it works on the R3. I do sports occasionally not enough to justify a dedicated RF lens. But I can probably talk myself into this. 😊

[@martyp2138]

I have the EF 300 f2.8L NON-IS and EF 300 f2.8L IS Mk2, both work absolutely perfectly on the R3 and R6 Mk2. Haven't noticed any loss in focus lock and speed compared to the 1DX Mk II and III I used to use. Absolutely brilliant lens.

[@andredo4880]

​@@martyp2138what the diference in image quality between is and non is version?

[@duaijkhalifa679]

@@martyp2138so is there any big difference between MK 2 and MK 1

[@ayuen08]

I too am a fan of using older gear as it presents itself as a great value in many cases. I personally still use the 7DM2 and it does the job still. Did you feel like your setup (mirrorless with the EF 300mm) could keep up in a bird in flight scenario? Also do you feel like the drop in fps makes it unusable for birds in flight? I see used copies of EF800mm in the $5-6K USD range, do you ever see yourself picking up one to play with?

[@joewhitnallphotography]

I do want a 800mm for the collection but I just can't warrant it at the moment, Maybe in a year of so I will bite the bullet!

[@tomdoolin2415]

Excellent video Joe

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Thankyou!

[@bladewarm1969]

@@joewhitnallphotographyhave you used this lens with R10 and extenders?

[@stevegreenock7520]

Hi Joe. Great video. I have had a Canon 80d paired with a Sigma 150-600 Sports for around a month now, and after a trip to the Mach Loop I have decided that the Sigma is not for me, and so it has been returned. (All my pics of the aircraft were at 150 using the Sigma). I feel as though I would like a 2.8 L lens, and cannot decide between a 70-200 or the 300 that you have explained in your video. I guess I really don't want to spend more than say £1800. What would you recommend please?

[@joewhitnallphotography]

It would be worth seeing what most your photos are taken at mm wise, I think if you are mainly doing Mach Loop stuff then the 70-200 might be the better option, The issue you might have with the 300mm is as its a fixed focal length you might find issues with framing and being too close depending where you stand and what photos you are trying to get

[@stevegreenock7520]

@@joewhitnallphotography Thanks mate. Yes my point exactly. Every photo I took at the Mach Loop was at 150mm. I did this subconsciously, without really thinking, but just trying to frame the shot. So thats why I am thinking getting 70-200 next. Perhaps one day I will get the 300/2.8 for a bit further reach where appropriate ????

[@PaulChoate-s4v]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@djfletcherer]

Great video Joe, thanks! I have been considering this lens for a while with my 1DX Mark 1 to replace my 400mm f/5.6! Any thoughts?!

[@joewhitnallphotography]

If you can get one I would 100% go for it! Then if you feel you need the extra reach get a 1.4x convertor

[@djfletcherer]

@@joewhitnallphotography thanks!! I'll see what I can find. Keep up the informative videos and the great photography. Your wildlife shots are stunning!

[@litratistangadventurista308]

Is it good for sports photog, running to be specific?

[@litratistangadventurista308]

I use Canon 70D, I wonder if that lens would work well on that camera. I take photos of runners during fun runs and marathons.

[@joewhitnallphotography]

I've not sure it for running but it worked very well for Cycling instagram.com/p/CafY-u8MLpq/?img_index=1

[@litratistangadventurista308]

@@joewhitnallphotography interesting. It turns out to be good in cycling. I think it's going to work in running as well. Thank you.

[@nobodynoone5795]

RF lenses certainly will be quicker on the R6, though EF lenses especially 2nd generation and up can keep up (i.e. EF 70-200 2.8 iii). with the 300 2.8 IS, I have good results with more stationary or slow moving subjects; Bird in Flights work ok with focus limiter and good light.This is due to the older generation of lens motors which the newer R cameras cannot use efficiently. And yes, the R6 mark 2 has better AF than the R6 mark 1; it is more closely to the R3, sometimes better than the R5! Keep on with the review and experience sharing of older EF lenses and newer R cameras; it is enjoyable to see and hear about alternatives to expensive lenses 🙂

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Thankyou for your feedback with this! I do have access to a R6 mkii but haven't had a chance to use it yet, Looking forward to seeing how it preforms

[@janplexy]

I wonder how this lens performs with R5 Mark II, anyone??

[@joewhitnallphotography]

Works well on the R3 so can't see why it wouldn't

[@frendy6327]

Cak rencana kan aku arep tuku lensa ngono kui tapi aku ragu kuatir salah pilih Umpomo aku nyileh lensamu disek piye Utowo tak sewone wes sedino satos

[@joewhitnallphotography]

I don't lend any of my kit out I'm afraid

[@_SYDNA_]

The 1DX mkII has a coprocessor design. The R6 does not. Even though the R6 has a better chip, there's no way it can compete with a camera designed for pros with a coprocessor to help manage the focusing algorithm. The R6 is slower because it can't decide on the focal length as fast as a camera designed for pros where you off-load focusing to a coprocessor. This would be like trying to compare the R3 and the R1 just because they have similar body shapes and sensors. As speculated by others, the pro-grade battery may be able to flow more amps to the focusing motor (essentially a design deficit built into the cell structure of smaller battery) but I've never read anything to confirm a lessor MAh release speed. I'm always glad to have the longer battery for duration but haven't seen proof of an increased flow of amps.