Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM Q&As

I am stating to get into birding, and I have watched numerous videos. Most use extenders, like better beamer etc.  My question is that if you have a flash like the Canon 600 EX, which has a GN of 197ft and zooms out to 200, do you need the extender at approx. shooting distance of 20-40 feet? I would be using for fill when backlit mainly. Using a Canon EF300 2.8 L non-IS  --A purist at heart to protect the art.

I was looking at some sports photo videos and heard some references to the schools requiring rubber lens hoods when shooting behind goals. They said it was for safety reasons, and it makes sense. Question:  Where do you find one for a 300mm 2.8 ,or am I to assume that I don't need it and just get a 77mm collapsible for my Tam 70-200 ? --A purist at heart to protect the art

I like the lens. It will fit my job. The condition of a couple of lenses i've seen is pretty much as good as can be.  Money is not a problem.  The ONLY thing that bothers me is that no matter how excellent or mint the condition of the lens is, it is a 15y.o. lens that as far as i know its no longer supported by CANON in servicing it, replacement parts etc.  And i my experience tells me that after 15-20 years things no matter how well treated... well start breaking apart.  Any thoughts of you...

Just bought a used ef 300mm 2.8 non-is lens on eBay auction and found the user manual missing. Does anyone has a User manual for Canon EF 300mm F/2.8L USM (non-IS) lens ? Any language is ok. Thank you.

Appreciate your feedback regarding A7RII. I own a Canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM II (AF is fast with Fotodiox), and a Canon 300L 2.8 IS USM (AF is poor because it's version I).   Wondering if an image from the 70-200 2.8 (cropped in post-production) would produce roughly the same results as the 300 ?  Before I sell the 300, am I missing anything? Thanks.....

I have been a photographer since 1984 and a pro since 2000. I mainly shoot sports and had a lens question for the pros out in digital land. Im looking to get my first 300 2.8 and need to got one used to save some money. I see plenty out there in the 2000-3000 range about 10 years old. That is the way that I'm looking. My question is, what is the main difference in a 7-10 year old lens and a brand new IS lens. Is there a huge difference to justify the 3 to 4 thousand extra in cost. I have shot...

Recently, i want to buy a camera lens. we have looking for it in many online store.It has many different price. some price is under $ 30. some price is above $1000.Because i am a novice and don't have much money. i want to buy this lens to study.http://www.koolerbuy.com/koolertron-new-52mm-045x-marco-wide-angle-lens-for-canon-nikon-olympus-sony-p-5492.htmlBut, i don't know how to identify it is good or bad, I hope somebody can help me .Be grateful .

How much is a Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM actually worth? I have this lens in 10 condition with 5 months Canon USA service warranty remaining. The carrying case is a little scuffed on the outside but the lens, hood, and caps are like the day it left Canon. How much should I ask for it when selling? Thanks all,  --Will T."Galleries don't hang DxO charts" David Hull

Hello All, My current setup is Canon 60D, Canon EFS 15-85 Lens, EF 40mm, Benro Tripod. For last 1 year, I have been doing bird photography by renting lenses. Following has been my usage: http://500px.com/srinathpreddy 1. Canon 100-400mm : 60% 2. Canon 300 F2.8 + 2x TC : 15% 3. Canon 300 F4 + 1.4x TC : 15% 4. Sigma 150-500 : 10% I have used these lenses with combination of 60D & 7D and 95% handheld shots. For bird photography, we are always short of reach:-) Henceforth planning for Canon 500mm...

Hello All, My current setup is Canon 60D, Canon EFS 15-85 Lens, EF 40mm, Benro Tripod. For last 1 year, I have been doing bird photography by renting lenses. Following has been my usage: http://500px.com/srinathpreddy 1. Canon 100-400mm : 60% 2. Canon 300 F2.8 + 2x TC : 15% 3. Canon 300 F4 + 1.4x TC : 15% 4. Sigma 150-500 : 10% I have used these lenses with combination of 60D & 7D and 95% handheld shots. For bird photography, we are always short of reach:-) Henceforth planning for Canon 500mm...