Canon 300mm mkii vs mki hand holdable?

turnpike

turnpike

Suspended / Banned
Messages
244
Name
Carl
Edit My Images
No
Hi,

I'm thinking of renting a Canon 300mm 2.8 lens for my trip to Kruger (to use on a 7D).

It costs quite a bit more for the mkii lens. The main difference I can see is 200g of weight and an extra stop of IS. Reviews seem to say the mki needs a monopod/tripod but the mkii reviews suggest hand holdable. Is there really that much difference between the two that I'd hand hold the mkii but need a support for the mki? Is the mkii worth the extra 80 quid for a week of use?

I'll be sitting in a vehicle so I am expecting I might be using a monopod. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!
Carl.
 
Last edited:
I'm not a Canon user btw, but given you should have strong light & will more than likely be shooting @ fairly fast speeds, IS will be less of an issue. Also, think of taking a small bean-bag to use if needed, as even with a monopod in a stationary vehicle, if the engine is running,, you're gonna get vibrations.
 
I'm not sure if this'll help your decision but this image was shot on the 300mm f/2.8L IS USM MKI...

It was taken hand-held at 1/160sec with a 2x teleconverter added (so 600mm at f/5.6 plus the crop). The general rule of thumb is to keep your shutter speed higher than the focal length of the lens (taking the crop factor into account if you're using an APSC camera). :)

The 100% view on my laptop shows some minor blurring but that's more than likely due to the fact that the Sea King vibrates like a washing machine anyway! :D

 
That's a very nice and sharp shot considering it has a x2 extender on.

I have the 1.4 and 2 extenders but mkii not the mkiii you used there.

OldCarlos yes I think i will take a bean bag, maybe get it filled once I'm there.
 
Stunning image Si. Love the processing too.

Carl, you could make one before you go (or buy one of course) but use those `poly` bits, it'll weigh next to nothing then.
 
I carry the 300 Mk1 around with me quite easily and I'm an old git!
I'm not certain that a monopod in an SA safari vehicle will work that well. There isn't a huge amount of space in front of you and moving the lens around on a monopod in a full vehicle may well result you clocking the person in front of you on the head!

Last time we were in SA I used a 100-400 and looking at the shots the vast majority were at full stretch so you might find the 1.4x an asset.

Do you have another body with a shorter lens for closer subjects should they arise? The last thing you want to do is change lenses in the vehicle.
 
The 300 MK I you can carry fairly easily, if it was me I'd hire the new MKII for the sake of £80 given that it might be a once in a lifetime trip.
 
I always shoot my 300/2.8 mk1 hand-held no problem. Have to say though, when I last went to Gigrin Farm for the Red Kites, it did get a bit heavy as the day wore on.
The only thing you have to be very careful with, is you must realise that whichever one you hire, you WILL want one! On that basis, I'd go for the Mk1 as it will be a smaller dent in the bank balance! :D

This was hand held earlier this year:

8534355619_bb9e44e918_b.jpg
 
Its probably worth doing a bit of research on the particular vehicles you'll be in, I know some don't welcome tripods, not sure about monopods, and most people seem to go with the beanbag option.

In that case, I'd be tempted to go for the mk1 option, but only if you're prepared to risk the lens changing. One of the most common themes regarding shooting on safari's is the dust issues when changing lenses. Unless you really need that particular lens and the f2.8, I'd be tempted to go with the 100-400mm

Mike
 
footman said:
I carry the 300 Mk1 around with me quite easily and I'm an old git!
I'm not certain that a monopod in an SA safari vehicle will work that well. There isn't a huge amount of space in front of you and moving the lens around on a monopod in a full vehicle may well result you clocking the person in front of you on the head!

Last time we were in SA I used a 100-400 and looking at the shots the vast majority were at full stretch so you might find the 1.4x an asset.

Do you have another body with a shorter lens for closer subjects should they arise? The last thing you want to do is change lenses in the vehicle.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Yes I have a 550d as backup which I'll have a complimentary lens on. Both my cams are crop sensors so I'm assuming my 17-55, 70-200 plus a rented 300mm and extenders will do me.
 
Last edited:
Laudrup said:
The 300 MK I you can carry fairly easily, if it was me I'd hire the new MKII for the sake of £80 given that it might be a once in a lifetime trip.
Click to expand...

I'm prepared to spend the extra 80 quid on the mkii but only if it's going to be a genuine obvious difference. I hear the mkii works great with the mkiii extenders but my extenders are mkii. I'm half tempted to sell both and just buy a mkiii 1.4 with the money. If it then makes the mkii 300mm more worth taking.
 
Gareth superb shot and very sensible advice :-) That's what happened when I rented a 70-200. Bought one very shortly after.
 
pooley said:
Its probably worth doing a bit of research on the particular vehicles you'll be in, I know some don't welcome tripods, not sure about monopods, and most people seem to go with the beanbag option.

In that case, I'd be tempted to go for the mk1 option, but only if you're prepared to risk the lens changing. One of the most common themes regarding shooting on safari's is the dust issues when changing lenses. Unless you really need that particular lens and the f2.8, I'd be tempted to go with the 100-400mm

Mike
Click to expand...

Thanks Mike. The vehicle will be open top with side bars and they advise a monopod in the info pack they sent me for what that's worth. I think the 100-400 would be a frugal choice and one I could even maybe buy.

However, I have a strong tendency to shoot nearly wide open a lot of the time and I'm really into the shallow dof wide apertures give. I also want to be able to extend the range further with extenders.

I have the 70-200 so any zoom lens beyond that range would need to be very good at the long end otherwise I'd rather have a fixed. Both my 70-200 and the longer length I rent will be ready to go as I have a 7d and a 550d. I'm pretty much sold on renting a 300mm and using a 1.4 extender if need be. On paper the 400mm 2.8 would be fantastic but its a big and expensive thing. It's just deciding mki or mkii. Appreciate the suggestions.
 
Last edited:
I use the mk1 hand held for bif photos and find it alright and like footman I'm getting on to being an old git as well. :lol:
 
Icee said:
I use the mk1 hand held for bif photos and find it alright and like footman I'm getting on to being an old git as well. :lol:
Click to expand...

Sounds good. I'm leaning towards saving myself some dosh and getting the mki. Also what qualifies as old git these days??? I'm nearly 40 myself and starting to creak a bit.
 
turnpike said:
Hi,

I'm thinking of renting a Canon 300mm 2.8 lens for my trip to Kruger (to use on a 7D).

It costs quite a bit more for the mkii lens. The main difference I can see is 200g of weight and an extra stop of IS. Reviews seem to say the mki needs a monopod/tripod but the mkii reviews suggest hand holdable. Is there really that much difference between the two that I'd hand hold the mkii but need a support for the mki? Is the mkii worth the extra 80 quid for a week of use?

I'll be sitting in a vehicle so I am expecting I might be using a monopod. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!
Carl.
Click to expand...

Carl, when i was in SA in the Kreuger in an open vehicle I used a monopod quite a bit with a 300 mk1. If the vehicles are ones where you stand up and shoot through the roof (ie the roof raises!!) then a bean bag is what you'll want.
Really, for all the weight of a monopod, I'd take it along with a bean bag which you can fill with rice when you are there.

I haven't as yet used a 300 mk2, but as you aren't going to be running around in the open chasing the beasts (I hope!!) I wouldn't bother with the mk 2 as it's greatest advantage is as far as I'm aware a slight increase in sharpness (but the mk 1 is extremely sharp!!) and the improved IS.

I think the 7D with the 300 and 1.4 extender and the 70-200 on the 550 would be my choice, chances are you'll be quite near some of the animals and so extreme reach won't be so important.

The 400DO is also a great safari lens especially with a crop body and a 1.4.....don't listen to the people who say it lacks contrast, a bit of a tweak in photoshop sorts that out and it is sharp!!

I use a FF body on a 70-200 and a 1.4 extender, and a 300 mk1 or a 400DO on a crop so giving me a great range of effective focal lengths.

Remember and enjoy the experience and don't look through the lens all the time!!

Hope you have a great trip!!

George.

(An even older git)

ps....try and get some low down shots at the animal's eye level if you can, looks better IMHO>
 
Last edited:
George, thanks!

I think renting the 300mm 2.8 mki is going to be my choice for this trip.

I will make a point of removing the camera from my face from time to time to just enjoy being there :-)

Carl

George said:
Carl, when i was in SA in the Kreuger in an open vehicle I used a monopod quite a bit with a 300 mk1. If the vehicles are ones where you stand up and shoot through the roof (ie the roof raises!!) then a bean bag is what you'll want.
Really, for all the weight of a monopod, I'd take it along with a bean bag which you can fill with rice when you are there.

I haven't as yet used a 300 mk2, but as you aren't going to be running around in the open chasing the beasts (I hope!!) I wouldn't bother with the mk 2 as it's greatest advantage is as far as I'm aware a slight increase in sharpness (but the mk 1 is extremely sharp!!) and the improved IS.

I think the 7D with the 300 and 1.4 extender and the 70-200 on the 550 would be my choice, chances are you'll be quite near some of the animals and so extreme reach won't be so important.

The 400DO is also a great safari lens especially with a crop body and a 1.4.....don't listen to the people who say it lacks contrast, a bit of a tweak in photoshop sorts that out and it is sharp!!

I use a FF body on a 70-200 and a 1.4 extender, and a 300 mk1 or a 400DO on a crop so giving me a great range of effective focal lengths.

Remember and enjoy the experience and don't look through the lens all the time!!

Hope you have a great trip!!

George.

(An even older git)

ps....try and get some low down shots at the animal's eye level if you can, looks better IMHO>
Click to expand...
 
Oh, sorry forgot to say do a MF adjust before you go...
 
wippers said:
The only thing you have to be very careful with, is you must realise that whichever one you hire, you WILL want one! On that basis, I'd go for the Mk1 as it will be a smaller dent in the bank balance! :D

This was hand held earlier this year:

8534355619_bb9e44e918_b.jpg
Click to expand...

I remember that day (I also remember dancing around the hill 'cos I'd finally nailed 'Shiny Two'). ;)

Carl, you WILL want a 300mm f/2.8 once you've tried one... It's an awesome bit of kit!
 
I hand hold the 300mk1 all day at airshows, you know about it the following day but its not too bad and getting easier as time goes on.
 
Don't forget to check out the cabin carry on, weight & size limits, with your airline too.
 
OldCarlos said:
Don't forget to check out the cabin carry on, weight & size limits, with your airline too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reminder, I have still to do that!

p.s. Will a 7D and 300mm 2.8 sit happily on a monopod or should i look at getting a gimbal or sidekick? I might end up hand held but just want some options. Cheers, Carl.
 
Last edited:
Cheers Mike, that's what I like to hear! Simple and no more expense :-)
 
pooley said:
A decent monopod will support them fine. Keep it as simple as possible, I wouldn't bother with a head, just straight on the monopod. Less messing, more secure and better maneuverability.

Mike
Click to expand...

Yup, agreed, that's what I use.

A head is generally in my opinion a bit of a faff, extra weight and length and seldom an advantage.
I would have put "never an advantage" but I'm sure someone will pull me up!!

I use a Gitzo carbon fibre, light and easy to extend.
 
I've got a (fairly heavy) Manfrotto 680B. Tempted to look for a good deal on a carbon but provided I don't end up having to cut weight for flight limits I'll just use the Manfrotto.
 
Last edited:
George said:
I would have put "never an advantage" but I'm sure someone will pull me up!!
Click to expand...
Wouldn't dream of pulling you up George ;), but when I had the 500mm I used the RRS heavy duty monopod head on a Manfrotto Neotec and I found the combo suited me.

Now that I've cut back to the 300 2.8 I've kept them both, somewhat overkill but I'd lose too much if I sold it.
I would agree that a basic monopod used without a head would be ideal for the 7D/300 2.8 the OP intends to use.
 
Cheers all. Great advice.

It's my first trip to SA and I've already spent enough money on bits and pieces like more memory cards, backup storage, backup camera etc so I'm happy to have less gear to buy. Provided I'm not missing something seen by all as an "essential".
 
turnpike said:
Sounds good. I'm leaning towards saving myself some dosh and getting the mki. Also what qualifies as old git these days??? I'm nearly 40 myself and starting to creak a bit.
Click to expand...

Don't worry you got a few years to go yet. :lol:
 
footman said:
Wouldn't dream of pulling you up George ;), but when I had the 500mm I used the RRS heavy duty monopod head on a Manfrotto Neotec and I found the combo suited me.

Now that I've cut back to the 300 2.8 I've kept them both, somewhat overkill but I'd lose too much if I sold it.
I would agree that a basic monopod used without a head would be ideal for the 7D/300 2.8 the OP intends to use.
Click to expand...

Laurence, I seriously would be interested in what advantage the head gives you?
I must admit to never having tried one, perhaps I am missing something?

I used the same monopod without a head in the Arctic shooting polar bears, with a 500mm, and didn't find it a problem.
Perhaps I should start another thread on this one?
Be interesting to hear people's views!

George.
 
Had a look at my monopod and turns out it has a simple head on (not a ball one). I think I'll leave it on just for the convenience of a quick release.

Ah actually second thoughts, it's a Manfrotto 234rc with a 2.5 kg weight limit. I think that's pushing it for a camera plus 300mm 2.8.
 
Last edited:
turnpike said:
Had a look at my monopod and turns out it has a simple head on (not a ball one). I think I'll leave it on just for the convenience of a quick release.

Ah actually second thoughts, it's a Manfrotto 234rc with a 2.5 kg weight limit. I think that's pushing it for a camera plus 300mm 2.8.
Click to expand...
If it's a hired lens, I think you definitely don't want to use a Manfrotto 234 RC2! The whole RC2 quick release system doesn't feel to me like it's designed for big lenses. RC4 on the other hand...

I've used a Manfrotto 498 RC4 ball head on my monopod with a Canon 500mm, and it was absolutely fine, rock solid, once I'd locked the ball down tight. But if I didn't want the convenience of quick release, I'd mount the lens directly on the monopod. Your 680B is rated to 10kg, same as my 679B, so it will be fine.
 
Thanks Stewart :-) Yeah that head looks light weight. So I'll either go straight on the monopod or use stronger head. I have a 498 RC4, just was planning on using that for my backup camera. No problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top