Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM EF-Mount Lens {Gel}

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a professional grade large aperture telephoto lens designed to offer the best possible image quality while shooting in demanding situations.

Optical design and construction are first rate as is to be expected from a Canon L-Series lens especially one near the higher end of the line. Image quality is excellent thanks in part to some well placed UD and Flourite elements. The f/2.8 maximum aperture allows easier use of faster shutter speeds for action photography as well as enabling brighter viewing and autofocus acquisition in low lighting. Maximum aperture yields considerable background blur and seperation for portraits with a serious sense of depth and the bokeh is beautiful too.

Canon's previous EF 300mm f/2.8 has been a very popular lens and was considered by many to be the gold standard for a 300mm. Never complacent, Canon has made this sequel a real technological marvel of a follow-up by adding Image Stabilization while further improving autofocus speed, construction, and environmental sealing.

Canon's optical Image Stabilization system consists of sensors that detect shake which is compensated for by the offset of special elements in real time. The IS system helps reduce loss of sharpness due to camera/lens shake even when using the lens on a monopod (or all but the sturdiest tripods). The image Image Stabilization system has two modes: Mode One designed for stationary subject matter and Mode Two designed for panning along with a moving subject. An On/Off button is also provided to save power and for when the lens is mounted on a solid support. A rotating tripod collar comes with the lens as a standard lens component.

The new USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) autofocus motor focuses faster than the previous generation. A focus distance limit switch allows selection of three focus distance ranges: 2.5 meters to infinity, 2.5m to .4m, and full focus range of .4m to infinity. The narrower ranges significantly reduce autofocus times; closer focussing distances require a greater amount of focus travel than farther focus distances.

Any 300mm f/2.8 has a certain amount of weight due to the large amount of glass present but Canon has done everything possible to reduce unnecessary weight by using lightweight magnesium components throughout the lens. The tripod collar is removable when needed for additional weight reduction.

Environmental sealing includes a dust seal at the mount. Strap mounts are provided for carrying convenience.

The Canon 300mm F/2.8 L IS USM excels at shooting sports, portraiture, action, performances, wildlife and anything else you put in front of it.

Available accessories include E-145 Front Lens Cap, ET-120 Lens Hood, Lens Carrying Trunk 300.