Konica Minolta AF 300mm f/2.8 APO G Maxxum

Bought this superb lens just because I could get a nice used one, and never regretted it! On many occasions you're simply THE photographer because of that big white thing , and this alone is a valid reason to have it. On several occasions I was voluntarily given a perfect place just because of using this great lens. Optically perfect (even if the Canons and the new Minolta 2.8/300SSM are said to be sligtly better), and not as heavy as the others ;-)

perfect even at f2.8; lighter than most other 2.8/300mm

white colour easily being scratched

Minolta 2.8/200mm APO, 2.8/80-200mm APO G

not needed

This has been my main lense for animal photography. It has done a great job. I did a direct comparison with the Canon 300 2.8. The Canon is a super lense. The Minolta was slightly sharper on the resolution tests and they were equal, as far as I could tell, in the field tests. With the 1.4X converter the resolution test were essentially equal. In the field center sharpness was equal and the Canon was slightly sharper at the edges. With the 2X converter the Canon was sharper on the resolution tests and in the field. The Minolta was good wide open with the 2X and very good if stopped down 1/2 a stop.

Very good lense. Excellent sharpness and color rendition. Quick autofocus

none

Canon EF 300 2.8L USM.

not needed

If you are thinking of 300 f2.8 you will probably use it with teleconverters. Otherewise get the much lighter f4. With the image quality clearly exeeding independent manufacturers and matching Canon and Nikon, Minolta 300mm f2.8 offers excellent value.

Resolution and color best in the class. Even with 2x TC the results can be very good (8"x12" worthy if the tripod supports 600mm.)

No

Tokina, Sigma, Tamron 300mm f2.8

good - no problems