This lens is relatively small, given its focal length - it's less than half the weight of its bigger sibling, the 300mm f/2.8 L IS II. The light weight and the excellent 3-stop Image Stabilization system mean that it can easily be hand-held. One interesting feature is its ability to focus as close as 1.5m away, closer than most telephoto lenses, which allows it to be used almost as a Macro lens.