Canon EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM User manual

EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Instructions
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Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
Canon’s EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm
f/2.8L IS II USM are high-performance super-
telephoto lenses, for use with EOS cameras.
“IS” stands for Image Stabilizer.
“USM” stands for Ultrasonic Motor.
Features
1. The Image Stabilizer gives the equivalent effect
of a shutter speed four stops* faster.
Also, a third Image Stabilizer mode effective for
shooting irregularly moving subjects.
2. Use of fluorite lens elements giving superior
definition.
3. SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating)
reduces flare and ghosting.
4. Using a fluorine coating on the foremost and
rearmost lens surfaces allows adhered dirt to be
removed more easily than before.
5. Ultrasonic motor (USM) for fast, quiet autofocus.
6. Manual focusing is available after the subject
comes into focus in autofocus mode (ONE
SHOT AF).
7. An AF stop button to pause autofocus whenever
desired.
8. A power focus mode enables smooth focus
change.
9. A focus preset function for advance storage
of focusing positions in memory to allow
instantaneous focusing.
10. Circular aperture for producing beautiful
softfocus images.
11. Can be used with EF1.4× III/EF2× III extenders.
12. Attachment slot provided for wire-type security
lock, located under the cover for the orientation
locking knob.
13. Tight seal structure ensures excellent dustproof
and drip-proof performance.
14. Designed for lighter weight with parts made of
magnesium alloy.
* Based on [1/focal length] second.
Generally, it requires a shutter speed [1/focal length]
second or faster to prevent camera shake.

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Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions
Do not look at the sun or a bright light source
through the lens or camera. Doing so could result in
loss of vision. Looking at the sun directly through the
lens is especially hazardous.
Whether it is attached to the camera or not, do not
leave the lens under the sun without the lens cap
attached. This is to prevent the lens from concentrating
the sun’s rays, which could cause a fire.
When the lens is mounted on a camera, be sure to also
hold the camera by the lens, including when mounting
on a tripod. Only holding by the camera could result in
scratches on the camera body or the lens itself. The lens
may also detach from its mount and fall, causing injury.
Do not use a strap attached to the camera. The mount
may break, resulting in the lens falling off and causing
injury or in scratches on the camera. Be sure to use the
camera with a dedicated strap attached correctly to the
strap mount on the lens.
Do not stand on top of the lens case. You may fall and
injure yourself.
Do not pile lens cases on top of one another as they
may fall and cause injury.
Conventions used in this instruction
Warning to prevent lens or camera malfunction
or damage.
Supplementary notes on using the lens and
taking pictures.
Handling Cautions
If the lens is taken from a cold environment into a
warm one, condensation may develop on the lens
surface and internal parts. To prevent condensation
in this case, first put the lens into an airtight plastic bag
before taking it from a cold to warm environment. Then
take out the lens after it has warmed gradually. Do the
same when taking the lens from a warm environment
into a cold one.
Do not leave the lens in excessive heat such as in a car
in direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause the
lens to malfunction.

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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment
unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changes
or modifications should be made, you could be required to
stop operation of the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
Safety Precautions
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-
003.

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Nomenclature
The illustrations used in the explanations in this manual show, with a few exceptions, the EF300mm
f/2.8L IS II USM, but the EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is used in the same way.
For detailed information, reference page numbers are provided in parentheses ( →**).
Distance scale (→ 14)
Orientation locking knob (→17)
Security slot (covered) (→17)
Strap mount (→5)
Focus mode switch (→6)
Contacts (→5)
Lens mount index (→5)
Drop-in filter (→18)
Image stabilizer mode selector switch (→11)
Focus preset switch (→8)
Focusing distance range
selector switch (→6)
Tripod mount (→17)
Focus preset button (→8)
Image stabilizer switch (→ 11)
Rubber ring (→5)
AF stop button
(→7)
Hood mount (→14)
Playback ring
(→9)
Focusing ring (→6)

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1. Mounting and Detaching the Lens
See your camera’s instructions for details on
mounting and detaching the lens. The lens mount has a rubber ring for enhanced
dust- and water-resistance. The rubber ring may
cause slight abrasions around the camera’s lens
mount, but this will not cause any problems. If the
rubber ring becomes worn, it is replaceable by a
Canon Service Center at cost.
Attaching the strap
Thread the end of the strap through the strap
mount on the lens and then back through the
clasp on the strap. Pull the strap tight and check
that there is no slack in the clasp.
After detaching the lens, place the lens with
the rear end up to prevent the lens surface and
contacts from getting scratched.
If the contacts get soiled, scratched, or have
fingerprints on them, corrosion or faulty
connections can result. The camera and lens
may not operate properly.
If the contacts get soiled or have fingerprints on
them, clean them with a soft cloth.
If you remove the lens, cover it with the dust cap.
To attach it properly, align the lens mount index
and the index of the dust cap as shown in
the diagram, and turn clockwise. To remove it,
reverse the order.

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2. Setting the Focus Mode
3. Switching the Focusing
Distance Range
After autofocusing in ONE SHOT AF mode, focus
manually by pressing the shutter button halfway
and turning the focusing ring. (Full-time manual
focus)
Lens Ranges
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
FULL
2 m/6.6 ft. – 6 m/19.7 ft.
6 m/19.7 ft. – ∞
EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
FULL
2.7 m/8.9 ft. – 7 m/23 ft.
7 m/23 ft. – ∞
To shoot in autofocus (AF) mode, set the focus
mode switch to AF.
To shoot in manual focus (MF) mode, set the
focus mode switch to MF, and focus by turning
the focusing ring. The focusing ring always
works, regardless of the focus mode.
To shoot in power focus (PF) mode, set the
focus mode switch to PF when the focus preset
switch (p. 8) is at OFF.
Operating the playback ring enables focus
change at a set speed. This is a useful feature
for changing focus when shooting movies.
You can set the focusing distance range with a
switch. By setting a suitable focusing distance
range, the actual autofocusing time will be
shorter.

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4. AF Stop Button
The AF stop function also works in AI Servo AF
mode.
Angle positioning of the AF stop button is
adjustable by a Canon Service Center at cost.
With the EOS 630/600, RT, A2/A2E/5, or 10S/10
set to the AI Servo AF mode and continuous
shooting, AF will not resume even after you
let go of the AF stop button. Press the shutter
release button halfway to resume AF.
With the EOS A2/A2E/5 and 10S/10 set to the
Sports mode, AF will not resume even after you
let go of the AF stop button. Press the shutter
release button halfway to resume AF.
You can change the functions of the AF stop
button using the camera’s Custom Function. For
details, please refer to the camera’s instructions.
During autofocus operation, you can press the
AF stop button to temporarily pause autofocus.
If the shutter button is still pressed halfway when
the AF stop button is released, autofocusing will
continue as before.

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5. Focus Preset
By presetting any focusing distance, you can instantly focus at that point even while you are
shooting a different subject. This function operates in any of the AF, PF, and MF modes.
< How to Set >
Press the focus preset
button.
The focused distance will be
preset.
If the focus preset switch was
set to , the beeper will
sound once.
Press the shutter button
halfway to focus the
distance you want to preset.
Set the focus preset switch
to ON or .

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Focus Preset
When turning the playback ring, keep your finger
away from the shutter button. In One-Shot AF
mode, the exposure will be locked when you
press the shutter button halfway and focus is
achieved. So if you press the shutter button
halfway while turning the playback ring, the
exposure may not be correct.
When not using the focus preset, set the switch
to OFF.
The focus preset function will not work while a
Live View image is displayed on the camera.
By turning the playback ring to the left or right,
the focus shifts as far as the preset distance.
Focus will shift freely released of AF focusing
while the playback ring is still turned.
If the focus preset switch was set to , the beeper
will sound twice.
In the following cases, the focusing distance scale
(p. 14) will move slightly. It will not affect the image.
• When you press the focus preset button.
• When you turn the playback ring.
< How to Focus at the Preset Distance >

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6. Power Focus (PF) Mode
Using the playback ring enables smooth focus change.
This is a useful feature for changing focus when shooting movies.
When the playback ring is rotated in a certain direction, focus changes in the same direction as when
the focusing ring is rotated.
You can make a 2-step change in focus shift speed depending on the angle that the playback ring is
rotated to.
With the focus preset switch set to OFF, set the focus mode
switch to PF.
Rotate the playback ring to
change the focus.

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7. Image Stabilizer
You can use the image stabilizer in AF, PF, or MF mode.
Set the STABILIZER switch
to ON.
If you are not going to use the
image stabilizer function, set
the switch to OFF.
Select the stabilizer mode.
MODE 1: Corrects vibrations in
all directions. It is mainly effective
for shooting still subjects.
MODE 2: Corrects vertical
camera shake during
following shots in a horizontal
direction, and corrects
horizontal camera shake
during following shots in a
vertical direction.
MODE 3: Corrects vibration only
during exposure. During panning
shots, corrects vibration during
exposure only in one direction
the same as MODE 2.
First press the shutter
button down halfway, then
press down all the way to
take the picture.
MODE 1, 2: Press the
shutter button down halfway
to stabilize the image in
the viewfinder and enable
stabilization.
MODE 3: Press the shutter
down halfway to initiate
computation of stabilization,
then press down all the way
to enable stabilization.

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8. Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer
In semi-darkened areas such as indoors or
outdoors at night.
In locations where flash photography is
prohibited, such as art museums and theater
stages.
In situations where your footing is uncertain.
In situations where fast shutter settings
cannot be used.
When panning subjects in motion.
MODE 3
Since camera shake is stabilized only during
exposure, following a subject is easier such as
when shooting a fast and irregularly moving
player during sports photography.
MODE 1 MODE 2
OFF
ON
OFF
ON
The image stabilizer for this lens is effective for hand-held shots in the following conditions.

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Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer
The Image Stabilizer cannot compensate for a
blurred shot caused by a subject that moved.
Set the STABILIZER switch to OFF when you
are taking pictures using the Bulb setting (long
exposures). If the STABILIZER switch is set to
ON, the image stabilizer function may introduce
errors.
The Image Stabilizer might not be fully effective
in the following cases:
• You shoot from a violently moving vehicle.
• You move the camera dramatically for a
panning shot in Mode 1.
The Image Stabilizer consumes more power than
normal shooting, so fewer shots can be taken if
you use the function.
The image stabilizer operates for about two
seconds even when your finger is off the
shutter button. Do not remove the lens while
the stabilizer is in operation. This will cause a
malfunction.
With the EOS-1V/HS, 3, ELAN 7E/ELAN 
7/30/33, ELAN 7NE/ELAN 7N/30V/33V, ELAN II/
ELAN II E/50/50E, REBEL 2000/300, IX, IX Lite/
IX7, and D30, the Image Stabilizer will not work
during self-timer operation.
Using a tripod also stabilizes the image.
However, depending on the kind of tripod and
shooting conditions, sometimes it may be better
to turn off the Image Stabilizer function.
The stabilizer is equally effective for hand-
held photography and photography with a
monopod. The Image Stabilizer effect may be
reduced, however, depending on the shooting
environment.
The Image Stabilizer also operates when the
lens is used with extension tube EF12 II or EF25
II or the extender EF1.4× III or EF2× III.
Depending on the camera there may be image
shake, such as after releasing the shutter.
However, this does not affect shooting.
If you set the camera’s Custom Function to
change the assigned button to operate the AF,
the Image Stabilizer will operate when you press
the newly assigned AF button.

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10. Hood
The special hoods that come with all these
lenses cut out unwanted light and protect the
front of the lens from rain, snow, and dust.
To attach the hood, loosen the hood lock knob
by turning it counterclockwise. Fit the hood onto
the lens’s hood mount, and tighten the lock knob
to fix it in place. Use the same procedure, in
reverse, to remove the hood.
9. Infinity Compensation
Mark
For accurate focusing in MF on subjects at infinity
distance, look through the viewfinder while rotating
the focusing ring.
To compensate for shifting of the infinity focus
point that results from changes in temperature.
The infinity position at normal temperature is the
point at which the vertical line of the distance
scale L mark is aligned with the distance index.
Infinity compensation mark
Distance index

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11. Fitting the Lens Cap
With the lock knob at the
opening in the cap, close
the fastener to fix the cap in
place as shown.
Can also be attached to the
front of the hood when using
the lens.
Lift the hook and loop
fastener, and fit the cap so
that the lock knob rides up
the slot in the cap.
Reverse the lens hood, slip
it over the lens, and tighten
the lock knob to fix it in
place.

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12. Case
Put the lens away as follows.
Reverse the lens hood, slip it over the lens,
and attach the lens cap.
Position the tripod mount towards you as
shown and place it in the case.
Place so that the hood’s lock knob rests in
the slot near you.
Keyhole
Strap
Slot
Lid
Hinge
Lever
Fold the strap and fit it into the space near
the case hinges.
Fasten the lens securely with the strap.
Close the lid, and then push the lever while
holding the lid from above to lock.
Do not sit on top of the lens case.
Place the lens in the position intended for it.
The illustration shows the EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM.

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13. Using the Tripod
Mount
A tripod or monopod attaches to the tripod
mount on the lens.
Adjusting the Tripod Mount
By loosening the orientation locking knob on the
tripod mount you can rotate the camera to set
the image for any vertical or horizontal position.
Replacing the Tripod Mount (EF400mm
f/2.8L IS II USM only)
Replacement with the included monopod mount
can be done at a Canon Service Center at cost.
Since the mount requires special fastening, as
a safety precaution, do not replace the mount
yourself.
14. Security Slot
An attachment slot is provided for a wire-type
security lock. The slot is located under the cover
for the orientation locking knob.
A wire-type security lock can be purchased
separately.

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15. Drop-In Filters
A 52(WII)-series drop-in gelatin filter holder with
a glass filter is included with the lens. The drop-
in filter holder can be used fitted with a gelatin
filter (sold separately).
14mm
14mm
47mm
47mm
<Installing and Removing>
To remove the drop-in filter, press in the left
and right lock buttons and pull the filter holder
straight up out of the slot.
To install the drop-in filter, push the filter holder
straight down into the slot until it clicks into place.
The filter holder can be installed facing either
forwards or backwards.
The Drop-In Screw-Type Filter Holder 52(WII) and
Drop-In Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C52(WII) are
also available (sold separately).
Because the lens optics are designed to include a
glass filter, you must always install the filter holder,
even if no gelatin filter is fitted.
Lift up the holder’s retaining plate.
Cut the gelatin filter as shown and mount it in
the holder.
Return the retaining plate to its closed
position.
<Using a Gelatin Filter>

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16. Extenders (Sold Separately)
Lens specifications when using extender EF1.4× II/III or EF2× II/III are as follows.
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF1.4× II/III EF2× II/III EF1.4× II/III EF2× II/III
Focal length (mm) 420 600 560 800
Aperture f/4 – 45 f/5.6 – 64 f/4 – 45 f/5.6 – 64
Angle of view
Diagonal 5° 55’ 4° 10’ 4° 25’ 3° 5’
Vertical 3° 15’ 2° 20’ 2° 25’ 1° 40’
Horizontal 4° 55’ 3° 30’ 3° 40’ 2° 35’
Maximum magnification (×) 0.25 0.36 0.25 0.35
Attach the extender to the lens, and then attach the lens to the camera. To remove it, reverse the order.
Errors may occur if you attach the extender to the camera first.
When shooting with EOS A2/A2E/5 fitted with either the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF400mm f/2.8L IS
II USM, use –0.5 step exposure compensation when using extender EF1.4× II, and use –1 step exposure
when using extender EF2× II.
Extenders cannot be used more than one at a time.
AF is possible with extender EF1.4× II/III or EF2× II/III.
When an extender is attached, the AF speed will become slower to retain proper control.