Friday, December 17, 2010

Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM

While setting up the pop-up blind close to the bird feeders this afternoon Willard added a new twist to the day's shoot by offering me the use of his new Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM with 1.4x extender.  I was quick to accept his offer.  With his lens locked onto my camera I settled in and soon the feeders were swarming with birds filling up for the long cold night ahead. 

I have been shooting this location quite a bit lately with my Canon 30D and the Canon 100-400mm.  The images captured today would allow a good comparison between the two lenses.

The images displayed on this post were all shot at ISO 200 F5.0.  Shutter speed from 1/60th to 1/200th according to lighting conditions.

My first impression of this lens drawn from this afternoon shoot and the review of the images captured is WOW!  The incredible detail & sharpness will probably keep me up at nights trying to figure out how in the world I can squeeze one into the family budget and still have a family :)

7 comments:

Ruth Hiebert said...

These images are stunning.

bobshank said...

Great images, Coy! Do you set up your pop-up blind every time you shoot? I tried making a portable blind out of pvc but out mountain is so windy it didn't hold up. So I am looking for alternatives. Do the birds get used to your pop-up blind quickly?

I, too, feel your pain in the dilemma of using a better lens and then trying to figure out how to upgrade. I am in the same boat with my Nikon equipment. The next lens is expensive and I am saving but it's taking soooo long!!!

Please tell Willard I said, "Hi!"

Montanagirl said...

Gorgeous images. I think that's a great lens, and you did a marvelous job with it.

imac said...

Brill shots Coy, saving up for a new lens now then?lol.

Unknown said...

Nice images. Very sharp. That lens is a good one and of course-it takes skill to use it!

Jim

Kelly said...

Wonderful photos!! My husband gave me a pop-up blind but I haven't used it yet. I'm going to have to try it. The titmouse shot is perfect...and I always LOVE shots of Red!

photowannabe said...

Wow, what mor can I say?
Happy squeezing of that budget....