The Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens is controlled by a 16-bit microcomputer that minimizes blurred images due to camera shake. A special mode intelligently compensates just for up & down movement, providing sharp, stable images for panning. The optical design that compensates for all types of aberrations from infinity to the closest shooting distance of 4.9'. Two ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements ensure clear images and accurate color. Image Stabilization technology gives you the equivalent effect of up to 2 full shutter speeds slower handholdability than a conventional lens. And Canon's advanced ultrasonic focusing motor (USM) and rear focusing design provide silent, high speed autofocusing with fulltime manual focus override.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.50 m) |
| Magnification | 0.24x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.1 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 8.7" (8.89 x 22.10 cm) |
| Weight | 2.62 lb (1.19 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
A great lens at a great price!
The best way to judge this lens is to see
the photos it produces on photo sharing sites.
you can search under cannon 300mm f/4L is,
make sure their not usi...Read complete review
The best way to judge this lens is to see
the photos it produces on photo sharing sites.
you can search under cannon 300mm f/4L is,
make sure their not using teleconverters
as it will soften the image.
it's very sharp! A great all around lens and easy to hand hold.
Some have said it is noisy.It's only slightly,I tried it 12 feet away from some doves and cardinals they didn't hear it, so not to worry.
I also have the 70-200 f/4 is, so when I need more reach I now have the 300 F/4 is, the nice thing about the 300 f/4, is the settings i'm used to using on the 200 work just as well on the 300, so no need to learn all over again to get those great shots i'm used to getting!
To get some fantastic shots from this lens
try these settings, low light (is on) 100th of a second shutter speed,F4, iso 200. Great for birds in the shadow.
Good light, 4000th of a second shutter speed,F4
if it's a white bird iso 200, if a darker bird 400-800.
You may have to ajust to your personal lighting conditions and taste.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Pretty Good
Bought this to replace 400mm f/5.6. Wanted IS and f/4. Not really that impressed. IS seems just OK and I get sharper pics with 400mm f/5.6. Have to correct for ...Read complete review
Bought this to replace 400mm f/5.6. Wanted IS and f/4. Not really that impressed. IS seems just OK and I get sharper pics with 400mm f/5.6. Have to correct for abertations in Lightroom.
I think of this as the poormans's 300mm.
It is light and small enough for handholding and serves a useful niche in my bag. I had a 300mm f/2.8 and I just think you can't go backwards.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 202 customers
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my first L glass and I finally see what I've been missing. This captures some of the sharpest detail of the wildlife that I shoot. Every picture I've taken so far is tack sharp.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Photo military aircraft and images are crisp and the IS comes in handy
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens with a 7D for animal & bird photos. It takes sharp photos even with birds inflight. The weight is especially good for hand held shooting.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Headed back to Africa this fall and I wanted a 300mm that I could handhold for many hours. This lens fits the bill. You can hear the focus system working. Not as quiet as my other L lenses but not so loud that the animals will hear it. Works well with my 1.4x. Took a few trial shots before filling out the warranty card to be sure the lens was a good copy. Always a good idea since it makes returns to B&H easier if the card is not filled out. Much happier with this lens than I was with my 100-400mm. Always a pleasure doing business with B&H.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I purchased the 2.8 version 1 off[*]and it was a boat anchor. I used it at 2 weddings and another shoot. I decided that the f4 was going to be the lens. Purchased it new, from B&H and it's fantastic. The IS helps a LOT and its easy to make up up the stop difference with a bump to the ISO. The lens is CLEAR and provides EXTRA sharp pix with a great looking background with less than half the weight. I will not miss the 2.8 anytime soon.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This is my first long telephoto lens and my first L. I absolutely love it! Nice quick focus and excellent sharpness. It's nice being able to get nice and close the subjects that were far out of reach before. I live near the Smoky Mountains and this lens has opened up a whole new world for me.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use the lens for bird and wildlife photography. I love the sharpness. Weight is not a problem. Only wish it would automatically switch IS modes.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I used this lens for softball and baseball images. The build quality is excellent. For me the focus was very inconsistant. Some images were right on the money while other images were either front or back focused. At times the lens would not focus at all. I was very frustrated to say the least. I retured the lens and B&H made the process effortless.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I mainly use this lens for sports action photography. It gives me great clarity and very quick focus speed. This is a great distance lens for people who can't splurge on the 300 f/2.8. Works great with an extender and I'd highly recommend it to any sports photographer. It doesn't let in as much light as the D.O. Series lens, but again - this is a great bang for your buck.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I have a few "L" lenses, but this is the best-even better than my 70-200 2.8. Originally had purchased the 100-400mm f 4.5-5.6 IS, which was a total disaster. Make sure you don't fill out the warranty return card, or you will be in for a nightmare, trying to return it. After a long fight, B+H finally came through, and exchanged it. I purchased the 300mm f4.0 IS, and couldn't have been happier. The detail is amazing-I would say Tack Sharp!
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This les is very sharp and auto focus is very fast. I use this lens for bird photograph and get great results!
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I am a sports shooter. I bought this lens because I couldn't afford to buy the Canon 300mm f2.8. I currently shoot with the Canon 5DIII, and the images the 300 f/4 puts out is amazing. I even used it to shoot a football game at night, had to crank up the ISO on my camera, and the detail the lens can crank out is stunning. The lens is quick to focus which is another plus.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use with Canon 6D. I have the Canon f/4 l IS USM 24-105mm lens. It is very good lens, but I wanted something with more reach. I did quite a bit of reading before making the purchase. I considered the Canon 100-400mm zoom lens, but was concerned about the push pull zoom that can possibly draw in dust as it pushes air in and out. I have got some good shots of the moon using Canon teleconverter 1.4x III. I have also enjoyed getting pictures of birds.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
What little I've used it so far it is amazingly sharp.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This is a wonderful lens. Images are very sharp hand held. I having problems "hitting" birds in flight and i think that part of thee problem mat be that the lens focuses a little slow. I have only tried setting the camera on Canon "one shot" which may part of thr problem. Overall this is a great lens. It is not too heavy, is priced right and gets super sharp images with the Canon 5DMK3.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I shoot bird photography as a hobby. This lens gives a much sharper image than my 100-400mm Canon telelphoto zoom. Even with a 1.4x teleconverter attached. The IS has worked since I am hand held all the time. I couldn't be happier and the price and service from B&H were great.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Bought this to replace 400mm f/5.6. Wanted IS and f/4. Not really that impressed. IS seems just OK and I get sharper pics with 400mm f/5.6. Have to correct for abertations in Lightroom.
I think of this as the poormans's 300mm.
It is light and small enough for handholding and serves a useful niche in my bag. I had a 300mm f/2.8 and I just think you can't go backwards.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Can no longer justify the cost of a 300 f/2.8L lens and needed the reach. This lens fits the bill perfectly. It does not compare to the 300 f/2.8L IS lens, but not much does. The focus seems quick and accurate with smooth controls that are easy to use. If you need a 300 but don't need the speed of the 2.8, this will be a great choice. The sample was shot at f/5.6 on a monopod using the Canon 1.4 series II teleconverter and a B&W Pro UV Filter. Photo cropped to about 1/3 of the frame.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
i used this lens for a youth hockey game and it performed flawlessly. Fast focus and very hand holdable. Just what i needed for the extra reach. Compliments my 70-200 2.8. Its not a 2.8 lens but for the $$$$$ its well worth it. I love it. Only wish I had a 1.4x instead of the 2x convertor.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Quality lens with sharp images and quick focusing.
IM is a big plus.