The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM II is a professional-grade telephoto prime lens built for Canon EF mount, featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture, optical image stabilisation, ring-type USM autofocus, a 9-blade aperture, 52mm drop-in filter system, and a minimum focus distance of 2 metres — all in a 2,400g weather-sealed body aimed squarely at sports and wildlife photographers.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 300mm (prime)
- Maximum aperture: f/2.8 — constant across the focal length
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- Aperture blades: 9 (rounded for smooth bokeh)
- Lens mount: Canon EF — compatible with all Canon EF cameras
- AF motor: Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) with full-time manual override
- Image stabilisation: Yes
- Drop-in filter diameter: 52mm
- Minimum focus distance: 2 metres
- Weight: 2,400g
Who is the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM II for?
This lens is built for photographers who can't afford to miss the shot. If you shoot sports, press, or wildlife from a distance — think trackside motorsport, bird photography, or football on a full-size pitch — the f/2.8 aperture gives you the shutter speed headroom to freeze motion even in difficult light. The ring-type USM motor tracks moving subjects quickly and quietly, which matters when you're photographing skittish animals or don't want to distract athletes. The built-in image stabilisation takes the edge off camera shake during longer handheld sessions, and the 9-blade aperture keeps background blur looking natural rather than mechanical. If you're shooting on DSLR bodies and need a telephoto workhorse that holds its value, this is one of the most capable primes in the EF system. It also pairs well with Canon teleconverters, extending your reach to 420mm or 600mm while retaining autofocus. The Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM is a lighter, more affordable alternative if budget or weight is a concern, but you give up a full stop of light and noticeably slower AF performance.
Buying a used Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS USM II
Buying this lens second-hand makes a lot of sense. It's a professional tool that was built to last, and lenses at this level are typically owned by working photographers who maintain their gear carefully. Every pre-owned lens on Camera-tweedehands.nl is individually inspected and photographed so you know exactly what you're getting before it arrives. All items come with a minimum 12 months warranty — the exact period is shown on the variant listing. Canon L-series glass holds its value well, so buying used keeps your outlay lower without compromising on optical or mechanical quality.
