CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This post continues the discussion of Canon L-series lenses used with Canon Series III extenders, showing examples from the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM and the EF 1.4x III Extender creating a 420mm focal length combination.

Yak-110 by Paul Sager, on Flickr


The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM entered the Canon catalog in 2011. The 300L features a third Image Stabilization mode (Mode 3) that activates IS only when the shutter button is fully pressed, giving the equivalent effect of a shutter speed four stops faster.

Blue Dasher


The Canon L-series lenses are the pinnacle of the company’s lens technology. Designed for professional use, they incorporate the latest available lens technologies. Superior optical performance is only half the story. A lens destined for professional use must also withstand the rigors of a working professional photographer. A rugged build quality is needed to endure the hard-knocks of everyday use, and weather sealing is needed to protect against adverse conditions. The L-series lenses feature a liberal use of rubber sealing at interface areas, such as the lens-to-camera junction, external switches, and around zoom and focus rings to prevent moisture from getting in and destroying the lens’ electronics.

F8F Bearcat


Designed for use with lens extenders, the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens maintains exceptional image quality when paired with either of the Canon’s Series III EF 1.4x and EF 2x Extenders. To get the best out of compatible EF lenses and the Series III extenders, you should attach the extender to the lens first, before attaching the whole unit to the camera. This ensures the combined lens information is transmitted correctly to the EOS body for optimum image quality and focus performance.

Boat-billed heron


Canon extenders are constructed with metal bayonets, and engineered plastic ends. They have no moving parts, other than the lens latch lock. The Series III extenders have improved auto focus performance and improved image quality over the Series II models, and their front and rear elements are coated with a fluorine anti-smear coating to be easier to clean.

AeroShell


When using Canon extenders, Canon recommends the Series III extender be attached first to the lens, before attaching the whole unit to the camera. This ensures the combined lens information is transmitted correctly to the EOS camera to provide the optimum image quality and focus performance.

Eastern pondhawk


These images are sized to fill your wide-screen display. Try using <F11> to maximize your browser window for the full effect. If the images overshoot your display, such as a laptop, just click on the image or the URL link and they'll resize to your screen from the host Flickr site. You can click a bit further into the image details on the Flickr page, if desired. EXIF data is available from the host Flickr pages as well. On the Flickr site, use your <L>key for Large and the <F11> for the full-screen.

If the images are not filling your widescreen display due to recent UHH changes, follow this link and update your UHH profile: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-572300-1.html

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If this topic seems a bit familiar, here's a few older images with the same subject. I wanted to include some newer images to re-emphasize the capabilties of the EF 300L II and EF 1.4x.

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-561130-1.html

venkatesh_eng

Fantastic set! Paul. Your skills and details in capturing these images sharp and detailed amaze. And the knowledge you possess on these especially Canon equipments you excel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you venkatesh_eng! I just practice what I preach.

Mr.Ft Loc: Central New Jersey

Wow!! Great shots!!

sheldon minsky Loc: iron mountain michigan

Great Canon commercial and the photos are outstanding.. Former Chicago Nikon fan from Portage Park.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

I have that lens with both Canon extenders, even with the 2X the image quality remains very good. I previously shot with a 500mm f/4 but moved to the 300 with extenders, primary reasoning behind the change was that the 300 2.8 II is an exceptional lens and when put into combination with the 2X extender the image quality remains quite good and the combination is much easier to handle than a 500 or 600mm prime lens.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Amazingly sharp images.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Great examples Paul. My 135 f2L + the 1.4EX is sharper at 200mm than my 70-200 f2.8L - I’ve tested it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Thank you Mr.Ft, Sheldon, Geffory, Elliott, Chris! I was out with some birds on the Atlantic coastline yesterday working on next year's version of this post.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

duplicate

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Excellent as usual Paul, the captures are breath taking. Great demonstration of the quality of the EF 1.4 III extender.

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

Great set Paul and good information. I always attach everything to the lens before mounting on the camera body. I remember that from something that was said to me long ago but now I know the reason why. A title for this set could be - "Things With Wings"
>i< Doc

franbires

Thanks Paul. Great post. I learned something new - put the extender in the lens first. I was not doing this.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Great set of photos, Paul--enjoyed!