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Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

BobMarkey
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

I used a new-to-me Canon 300 2.8L IS lens last night for the first time during a college football game on my 1DX. It was a disaster.

First, this Version I lens (bought from a member here) seems to micro-hunt while on servo. Is that normal?

Second and most important, it seemed to back focus, and even when the subject in the middle circle of the image was sharp, everyone immediately around him was ridiculously blurry (looks like motion blur). This happened while IS was off and on, at various ISOs, at f/stops from 2.8 to 5.6 and even at shutter speeds of 1/2000.

I used the focus limiter in all three settings (no change) and turned off the pre-focus feature.

The lens looks to have been well cared for. There is a clear glass filter of some sort in the lens barrel. It can be inserted in either direction and I'm not sure which is correct. Flopping it made no difference with the AF issue.

The glass seems clean, but this strange filter effect caused me to stop using the lens.

This issue didn't occur with other lenses on my 1DX.

Please advise me as to what might be wrong. Thanks.

Sep 10, 2023 at 08:13 AM

artsupreme
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

People are going to want to see examples to comment

Sep 10, 2023 at 09:45 AM

Uarctos
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Make sure it's a clear filter, not some polarizer and share some images.

Sep 10, 2023 at 09:57 AM

BobMarkey
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

It's a clear filter, but it's not labeled. The glass seems to be permanently attached to the holder, which slips into the lens. It installs in two directions. It that right?

Edited on Sep 10, 2023 at 12:39 PM · View previous versions

Sep 10, 2023 at 11:30 AM

Photonadave
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

I seem to recall that this lens originally came with the gel filter holder not the 52mm screw-in type or canon's drop-in polarizer. If a gel holder is installed then check to see if there is a gel filter installed in it and if so then remove it taking care to not touch its permanent optically coated clear glass that is part of the holder. Gel filters are thin flexible (plastic like) and very easily damaged.

If the gel is not needed then it should always be removed from the holder if in use in the lens.

If there is a 52mm screw-in filter holder installed then the unmarked filter that you noted could be a cheap aftermarket filter that could be the cause of the issue.

All of my Canon 52mm screw-in holders came with Canon branded ones marked with "Protect" that are clear filters. Try a different filter if you have one or removing it and reinserting the empty drop-in holder into the lens and take test shots. Even though Canon specifies that a glass filter should always be in the lens optical path I would think that no filter would be better than a bad or damaged filter.

While you are at it, with the lens removed, shine a light through one end while looking into the other end to see if there is any haze or anything else on the optics inside that shouldn't be in there.

I agree with other posters that sharing example photos with lens settings used could be helpful.

If the issue is not solved as this thread evolves then it sounds like a trip to the a repair shop is in order.

Sep 10, 2023 at 11:41 AM

BobMarkey
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Thanks. It is a drop-in filter. The clear glass portion seems to be permanently attached to the drop-in mechanism. I thought maybe the filter could come out, but didn't want to force it. The drop-in mechanism does say "gel" on it. Can the drop-in mechanism go into the lens two ways? Mine does. I'm going to take it to an area repair shop on Monday or Tuesday.

Sep 10, 2023 at 12:45 PM

Photonadave
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Filter holders go in either way except for the polarizing one that is labeled as to which way it goes. Its filter is not removable from the holder and can be rotated via a small wheel on the outside holder while it is inserted in a lens.

Sep 10, 2023 at 01:11 PM

rscheffler
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

BobMarkey wrote:
even when the subject in the middle circle of the image was sharp, everyone immediately around him was ridiculously blurry (looks like motion blur).

Without seeing example images, this sounds like a lens element is out of alignment (decentered, tilted, incorrect spacing).

The drop-in gel filter holder has a permanent piece of glass against which the gel filter would be held securely by the frame of the filter holder. AFAIK, it doesn't matter which way the filter is installed. But it is necessary to install it because it's part of the lens's optical formula.

Sep 10, 2023 at 10:55 PM

vbnut
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Photonadave wrote:
If a gel holder is installed then check to see if there is a gel filter installed in it and if so then remove it taking care to not touch its permanent optically coated clear glass that is part of the holder. Gel filters are thin flexible (plastic like) and very easily damaged.

This thread made me curious, so I pulled the filter holder out of my EF 300/2.8 II to take a look at it. I noticed that the clear glass has a couple smudges on it, and while I haven't noticed anything in my images and doubt it is affect them, I'd like to clean them off just on principal. I'll start with a blower and brush, but I expect that not going to help for the smudges. Is it okay to use a microfiber cloth to clean the filter glass? Any other hints or recommendations for cleaning it?

Thanks.

Sep 10, 2023 at 11:40 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

It's just like any filter. I use lens cleaning solution of ROR and microfibres.

EBH

Sep 11, 2023 at 12:17 AM

BobMarkey
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

I had the lens inspected and tested at Southern Technical Photo Service in North Miami today. The news was frustrating. The tech said he could find nothing causing the symptoms I experienced - a strange blur immediately surrounding the center image circle (especially in servo mode). I showed them images of players running toward me with sharp jersey numbers but very blurred faces. They said their tests determined nothing was wrong with the AF or IS. They tested it on my 1DX and one of their bodies and said it didn't require any focus calibration. They suggested I reset all the settings in my 1DX (which I will do).

Now, I am really confused as to why this issue didn't happen when using my 70-200 2.8L.

They also showed me the proper way to install the filter mechanism (written side facing the camera). I figured out to pop open the mechanism, which allows for the installation of a filter. The glass filter is in it permanently.

I forgot to ask a out the noise I heard when focusing on servo. I hope it's just the IS.

I had the lens and 1DX (sensor) cleaned. They did find that my second CF slot is missing two pins and has one bent pin. Cost of replacement: $425! Yikes.

I also asked them to install or at least find me the screws which attach a little locking mechanism to the lens shade which allows it to lock into the lens edge. They said the screws had to he ordered and would cost a total of $45. Wow. I later found one screw in the box. Off to Ace Harware I will go.

Sep 11, 2023 at 07:55 PM

Mike Jacks0n
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Jump on Amazon and order some screws. I haven't had a screw size I can't find on there.

Something like this, https://www.amazon.com/Machine-Phillips-Recessed-Countersunk-Assortment/dp/B093YTQ5ZH/ref=sr_1_5?crid=12DYJCAILDTIX&keywords=m1+countersunk+screws&qid=1694491941&sprefix=m1+screw+counter%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-5

Sep 11, 2023 at 11:15 PM

Photonadave
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

BobMarkey wrote:
"They also showed me the proper way to install the filter mechanism (written side facing the camera)."

Hmm, It's interesting what the tech said prompting me to double check my memory as to which way these filter holders are meant to face.

I looked at my 3 downloaded pdf file manuals from Canon service site for:
- 300mm f2.8L IS USM & 400mm f2.8L IS USM
- 500mm f4L IS USM and 600mm f2.8L IS USM
- 300mm f2.8L IS USM, 400mm f2.8L IS USM, 500mm f4L IS USM and 600mm f2.8L IS USM

All 3 manuals refer to and show a sketch of the Gel filter holder and specifically instructing that "The filter holder can be installed facing either forwards or backwards." however nothing for the 52mm screw-in or Polarizer PL-C52 other than pointing out that "The Drop-In Screw-type Filter Holder 52 and Drop-In Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C52 are also available (sold separately)."

Next I looked at the generic paper printed instruction sheet included with the Polarizing Filter PL-C52 that is meant for all 3 filter holder types.
The instructions do not specify the direction for insertion of the Gel and 52mm screw-in holders however it does say to install the polarizer with an arrow making facing forward towards the front of the lens.
The instructions also show images for the 3 types of holders with the text side that the tech is referring to all shown facing forward towards the front of the lens not the camera end of the lens in addition to the polarizer being shown labeled on its visible installed exterior painted surface with an arrow next to the word FRONT, eg: " ^ FRONT" also pointing forward towards the front of the lens.

To summarize, only the Polarizing Filter PL-C52 is required to face a certain way.

Now if we can just figure out what is going on with your lens.

Sep 12, 2023 at 01:48 AM

BobMarkey
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

I chose some pics to upload, but apparently, I have to be a paid member of the site to post them.

Sep 12, 2023 at 07:35 PM

rscheffler
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

You can host them somewhere else, either through a place like https://postimages.org/ or put them on a storage site like Dropbox, Google Drive, etc., and share a link with us. I'd really like to see the sample photos, if you can get it sorted out.

I see you have your own website. You can host the images yourself and link to them here. Usually it's enough just to put the direct link to the image files in a post and they'll load within the body of your post. Though if they're full resolution, you might want to instead link to the files rather than posting them here.

Sep 12, 2023 at 09:43 PM

Al Goldis
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

As I said on a different venue, I'm with Ron on this: an element is misaligned. The lens probably had an impact that might not have affected it immediately. Sometimes after a drop, everything is fine until a subsequent impact (or multiple impacts)--which doesn't seem significant enough to do anything--is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

It's impossible to say, but the lens might have been fine... until it was knocked loose during shipping.

Sep 14, 2023 at 08:16 PM

rscheffler
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Canon 300 2.8: Strange Blur Outside Center of Frame

Yeah, could be. I had a super-tele sustain an impact during an event - one that was strong enough to bend the protective lip around the front element. The lens still worked normally and I kept using it. A few months later though, especially when used with a TC, it was softer than normal outside the center of the frame. Kind of the same as the Bob's observations. Canon serviced it and replaced a bunch of internal parts - cams/cam tube IIRC. The problem for Bob though is the 300 IS v1 is no longer serviced by Canon and apparently places like Midwest also may no longer have parts, if parts are needed.

Sep 14, 2023 at 09:15 PM


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