Canon 300mm f2.8 IS practical questions

Paul_Lantz · #1 12-05-2007, 02:21 AM

Hi, thanks to the price drops, I decided to get this lens and it showed up today. From a little bit of playing around it is obvious that it is a really nice piece of equipment if a little hard on the shoulder. I got the 1.4x extender as well.
Wondering...
1-is there any alternative to the lens cover that comes with it. It seems a bit clumsy.
2-the case is really nice but wondering if people really use it other than shipping.
3-the lens seems a little noisy when used in a quiet place, just the sounds for focus and IS, similar but louder than what I hear with the 70-200 IS.

Any tips are appreciated. I imagine I am going to use it generally with a monopod or tripod and work on the assumption that the 1.4 extender basically just turns it into a 420mm f4.
thanks
Paul

Tom Savage · #2 12-05-2007, 02:59 AM

Lens Coat (- LensCoat) makes a foam lens cover that is easier to deal with than the leather one.

Tom

Paul_Lantz · #3 12-05-2007, 03:19 AM

thanks Tom, a lot of tempting stuff on their site, plus sensible shipping options so giving that lens cover a try.
Paul

michaelnotar · #4 12-05-2007, 03:48 AM

i love my 300/2.8. if using the lens frequently, i kept the hood attached in a ready to shoot position. slide the cap on the front. the cap doesnt stay on that well but just good enough. if you dont use the velcro tabs on it, it will come off when you pick up fast without any effort.

i have a few cases and i have never used them, just sits in the closet. i dont even ship in it, its too heavy and frankly a beautiful case i dont want to beat up. and they boldly label what they have inside on the outside. i have large lowepro backpacks for my lenses and a pelican case to put it in if im traveling far.

michaelnotar · #5 12-05-2007, 03:52 AM

the front element is actually a protective piece of glass, probably expensive but not as bad as the ones directly behind it.

David Barry · #6 12-05-2007, 10:57 AM

I have a ThinkTankPhoto Lens Changer 300

Professional photography equipment - camera bags, camera cases - from Think Tank Photo

that I have found makes it much easier to take the lens with you when you want to have more than one lens available. Pretty neat to be able to put the case on your belt and have somewhere quick and safe to put the lens. You don't need the lens cap when you put it in here.

TimRucci · #7 12-07-2007, 12:21 PM

Hi Dave,

There are some interesting products at the link you posted. The airline carry on bags are pretty nice, but a bit pricey.

Which one of their belts are you using that lens case for your 300? I've not seen a belt mounted case for a lens that big before. I'm curious if you get worn out if you walk around very long with that big lens attached to your belt.

How are you liking your 300 f2.8? I remember when you decided to purchase it after I suggested it as an alternative to the 100-400 you were looking at. I sent you a message or two a few months back, but never heard from you so I wondered what happened.

I've actually been away, and haven't checked in here for a month or so myself.

Tim