A Dream of a Canon Telephoto Lens - The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

I first set out to get the Canon EF 300mm 2.8L back in 1992. I had actually ordered it and before it shipped I got cold feet and went for the f/4 version instead. Clearly I had wanted this lens for quite some time before I acquired it back in November 2007.

First of all, I debated between the 400mm and 300mm lenses as I primarily wanted to use the lens for soccer. The weight and not at least the price made the decision quite easy though. I’d have to say I am glad I went with the 300mm as it is very versatile. The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS is lighter than I had expected – especially if you take the tripod collar and lens hood off and shoot in on a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. I have used it like that for a few cross-country ski races where I find myself running all over the place. For soccer, I use the Canon EOS 1D Mark III mostly and put the combination on a monopod.

The EF 300mm f/ 2.8L IS is everything I knew it would be. It produces great color, great bokeh, focuses fast, it is sharp and a delight to use. I rarely leave for a shoot without it. I’ve shot a variety of sports, theatre, landscapes, wildlife and more.

Feel free to check out some of my shots in this EF 300mm 2.8L IS Gallery