Canon EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

One of Canon's best quality lenses, making extensive use of flourite and UD elements. Just look at any major sports event to see how popular this, and its mk2 version are.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	300mm 1:2.8
Lens Construction	17 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	8° 15'
Focus Adjustment	Ring type USM, inner focusing system, full-time manual focus
Closest Focusing Distance	2.5m /8.2 ft
Filter Size	52mm rear drop in
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	128 x 252mm, 2,550g

300mm versions

Version	f/2.8L USM	f/2.8L IS USM	f/2.8L IS II USM	f/4L USM	f/4L IS USM
Image stabilizer	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Ring USM	Yes
L-series	Yes
Diffractive Optics	No
Ultra-low dispersion glass element	Yes
Macro	No
Maximum aperture	f/2.8			f/4
Minimum aperture	f/32
Weight	2.855 kg	2.550 kg	2.400 kg	1.165 kg	1.190 kg
Max. Diameter x Length	12.8 cm x 25.2 cm		12.8 cm x 24.8 cm	9.0 cm x 22.1 cm
Filter diameter	48 mm drop-in	52 mm drop-in		77 mm
Horizontal viewing angle	6° 50'
Vertical viewing angle	4° 35'
Diagonal viewing angle;	8° 15'
Groups/elements	8/10	13/17	12/16	7/8	11/15
Diaphragm blades	8		9	8
Closest focusing distance	3 m	2.5 m	2 m	2.5 m	1.5 m
Release date	November 1987	July 1999	September 2010	December 1991	March 1997

Note that there is a Canon 300/1.8 lens used for horse racing photofinishes - there is however very little info about this rare lens and it is not listed on any Canon sites.

EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available at present.

Product launch

No information available on the 1999 launch of this lens.