Excellent quality lens, although newer versions show modest improvements in image quality.
Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama
Lens specifications
| Focal Length & Maximum Aperture |
300mm 1:4.0 |
| Lens Construction |
8 elements in 7 groups |
| Minimum Aperture |
32 |
| Maximum magnification (x) |
0.13 |
| Closest Focusing Distance |
2.5m |
| Filter Size |
77mm |
| Max. Diameter x Length, Weight |
90 x 213.5mm, 1165g |
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.
EF 300mm f/4L USM reviews and articles
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Sample images