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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
Excellent Lens
I mainly use the lens for birding (I have a Canon TC converter but rarely use it)...and have found this lens to fit my needs to a tee. The sharpness of the...Read complete review
I mainly use the lens for birding (I have a Canon TC converter but rarely use it)...and have found this lens to fit my needs to a tee. The sharpness of the lens is awesome. The first time I used it and compared it to my Tokina 80-400mm I was blown away. The L lens is something I am sold on.
I do a lot of hiking when I bird and rarely bird from a blind of sorts so I was looking for something I could hand hold (no tri or mono pod needed), something light weight so I could walk for hours and something that gave me the shots I was looking for. Sharp, clear...detailed.
The other day I walked for 16 KM in the jungles of Ecuador and while I came home tired, it wasn't really due to the lens weight...so a winner there.
The IS is also something I initially wondered about as I heard various reviews about the necessity of IS. But I feel it is needed for bird photography and this lens fills its end of the bargain. I can notice a fairly sharp difference when the IS is on and when it is off. The IS does drain the battery though and although I have never had it drain while in the field, it frequently loses it when I download my photos to computer. So, I would rec that you purchase another battery as well for backup when using the IS.
I hand hold this lens all the time although being a birder I know how to hold the lens in a crouching position or balance myself against what might be available. The weight itself is no problem though.
I like the built in lens hood, that way I don't have to pack around another piece of equipment. I find that F4 is plenty and rarely do I move from there. I have a 450 xsi and find that shooting at 200 ISO or possibly 400 ISO with an exposure plus of 1/3 fits this lens best. Just something I figured out through countless shots.
My other thought was to purchase the 400 F5.6 but I am so glad I did not. The 400 lacks IS and would need either a mono or tripod with birding. I don't want that extra weight nor the hassle of caring it around, setting it up. They were about the same price and it was tempting to get the higher range but with the TC on, I get 420mm and that is plenty to bird with if you know how to bird. If you are attempting to get shots of wildlife that are too far away, well...learn how to bird first, get the lens second :-)
Great product all in all...buy it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Flawed interface with 20D
This lens causes the my 20D to hang up during shooting. Auto-focus ceases to work and the camera stops functioning. The only way to correct the situation is to remove the battery and re-insert....Read complete review
This lens causes the my 20D to hang up during shooting. Auto-focus ceases to work and the camera stops functioning. The only way to correct the situation is to remove the battery and re-insert. This problem only occurs with the 300 L; all other canon lenses work fine with the 20D. Lens works fine on my 5D. 20D users beware.
Reviewed by 161 customers
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
light for its range, wide apperture, great lens
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I was debating on selling my EF 70-200 f/4L USM in order to "upgrade" to the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM but am so glad I got this instead. This is much faster than the other at 300mm and is much easier to manage than that beast.
Even with the 1.4x teleconverter this lens is still sharp and still a light-gathering monster at 420mm f/5.6!
If I had the decision to make again, I would. Pairing this with the EF 70-200 f/4L USM was an inspired choice.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I am a novice photographer but I can discern quality form junk. This EF 300mm/f.40L is a quality product. I toyed with buying the F2.8 but could not justify the additional cost. I am glad I purchased the F4.0. The pictures I have taken have been amazing and low light has not been an issue. The clarity, even on the outside margins has been wonderful. The lens is fairly light and seems very durable. Used in conjunction with 1.4 extender makes the lens even more versatile. I highly recommend this product.
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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 photographs with a 1.4x extender. It is lighter in weight than my previous lens.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I attach this lens to my 5D MarkII. The tripod mounting collar makes this lens fit quite comfortably on my tripod. I used my 1.4x EF Extender III (Teleconverter) with it and I got great shots of the moon at night. Handheld, the 2-setting IS makes this lens great at events when I am far away from the subjects. I would love to have gotten a longer lens or an f/2.8 stop, but I just could not justify the cost for my needs. Anyway, I have not found a need at this length for a faster lens. I am either on a tripod or shooting with this lens during the day. As for all of my "L" lenses, the images are beautiful right out of the camera. Color and sharpness are great on this with, and without the extender. I'm curious to try this lens out on my 50D but for now, it's attached to my 5D2 when I need that extra zoom length. I opt for prime lenses because of the weight and frankly, I just wasn't interested in that 70-200mm lens that most people seem to like.
This lens completes my entire focal range needs. I have a 14mm f/2.8L for my ultra wide angle landscapes, 24-70mm f/2.8L walk around or 24-105mm f/4.0L, 135mm f/2.0L and this baby. The only lens I think I would like to add, would be the 85mm f/1.2L for indoor natural candids and portraits. I did not get the 2.0 teleconverter because of the reviews, but I know some have and are very satisfied with the combination.
I am completely satisfied with this lens and I would suggest anyone to take advantage of the Canon rebates offered when purchasing this lens. You get what you pay for and this lens proves that.
it's on the heavy side, but it's not a walk-around lens, it's a specialty lens and I am ready to haul this bad boy around when circumstances call for it. The shots that I bring back make it well worth it.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I own a Canon 300mm f/2.8L is USM but feel that it's too bulky and heavy to carry and shoot in the field without any supports. 300mm f/4 is light and the autofocus is reasonably fast.The images are sharp even the aperture is fully open. The first generation of IS feels a bit older but still helps a lot though. It can also be used as a macro lens because of the 1.5m closest focusing distance.
Pros:
1. Lightweight.
2. Good price when comparing the competitors.
3. IS does help.
4. Fast focusing.
5. Sharp images.
6. 4.9 ft. closest Focusing Distance.
7. Built-in lens hood.
Cons:
1. A rubber ring is needed for dust and water resistance.
Pros
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Real Sharp
Fast Auto Focus
Looks Great
Great For Birding
Pros
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for additional reach on the baseball field and wow did it deliver. Sharp images, fast focusing with much better image quality than my 70-200 f2.8. I also shoot at horse shows and this lens again delivers light enough to track with. Its not as good as my zoom 2.8 for night games but it rocks for daylight performance. Could not afford the 2.8 and didnt want to settle for an extender. Its light, easy to handhold and the selfcontained hood works well also come with a nice case. For the money it didnt really have a downside other than you still need a 2.8 to shoot at night or low light.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
A few days after receiving the lens I went to a local wildlife refuge. The birds of prey were out and about and I got some spectacular photos. No distortion, very clear photos. My husband who is not a photographer but has seen my nature photos through out the years was even impressed. The lens works beautifully. I did read the instructions and a couple of blogs regarding the 300mm and I'm glad I did. Learned things I other wise wouldn't have known. Great lens for bird photos and Texas critters.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I have been taking photos of birds with the lens so far. It is great. I have been able to take the photo and then crop some of them down to get in really close. I am thrilled with it.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is easy to pack around on day hikes and has enough reach for those non-skittish animals. When paired with a 1.4 extender it still produces sharph photos.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use it for some wildlife pics with a 1.4 x Extender. Performs well and still easy to carry / travel. I would recommend it above the 100-400 or the 400 5.6 L. First I thought about the 300 2.8 as well but I do not like to do workout by carring it all day long.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this on a 50d. I'm not a photographer, but a bird watcher that likes to photograph them. I was running into limitations with the 70-300IS (non-L)...so went for this. It takes very sharp pictures, great color and contrast. It is a great balance of quality, price, and weight. Weight was important to me, as I prefer to hike and bird watch without a tripod. I have paired this with the 1.4x tc, and love that combo. My keeper rate for bird pics is noticeably higher than before.
I chose this lens over the 400mm f/5.6 due to the IS, and closer minimum focus distance, as I like to photograph insects also. But you probably can't go wrong with either.
I do notice the "clunky" sounds of the IS, as others have reported, but it is not a big deal.
There really aren't any cons - of course other lenses may have more reach, faster aperatures, or better IQ, but not at this price and weight.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I photograph mainly birds, and this Canon "L" lens is not only sharp as a tack with image stabilization, but has the flexibility to use the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. At f/4, auto focus in all lighting conditions is fast and accurate, and the f/4 defocuses the background to highlight the subject. The only drawback would be that the autofocus does not work with the 2x teleconverter due to the reduced f stop to 6.3. Otherwise a beautiful, versatile lens. Also the Canon lens cap is inconvenient to use on this lens - purchase and use the Nikon lens cap instead.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
Except usm ,it is perfect.
I can take good birds photo.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I use the lens to photograph birds. It is light weight and perfectly suitable for my everyday needs. It's easily maneuverable and captures great shots. I'm still new at it but I am learning very quickly and and enjoy the new gear very much.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is perfect for surfing, wildlife photos and hopefully it will do equally well for candid/environmental portraits when we travel overseas soon.
It's weight is actually quite easy to manage hand held when shooting intermittently and it's image stabiliser is a great help. As people have mentioned it makes a tiny amount of noise, but honestly, it's so minor that you don't really notice it in most environments. Images are also reasonably sharp, not quite as sharp as my ef 135mm f2L, but certainly better than a zoom which is good enough for me.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I replaced my 100-400 mm lens with this lens. It is so much easier to walk around with. Don't need a tripod like I did with the telephoto. Much lighter in weight. pic are much sharper.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
I have used on my 5D, 20D and Rebel XT with nice results. Never felt the the need to use a monopod. The Tripod Collar notch is perfect to balance between camera body and lense when hand holding. Used this lens with my rebel XT from the Upper Deck At UT/Neyland stadium & could crop down to see eye expressions during coin toss /8 by 10 photos. Have used shooting at amphitheatre at night. 1/20 second f4 sharp photos possible with image stablizer and firm brace. The focusing/electronics could be better (This lens was realeased in in 1997 I think) Still i give it five stars. Am looking forward to a new version with refined electronics/focusing technology.
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Comments about Canon Telephoto EF 300mm f/4.0L IS Image Stabilizer USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens lives up to every good thing that has been said about it. Pictures are sharp. Focus is very fast. The IS works very well. I have gotten handheld shots down to 1/60. It takes both a 1.4 and 2X teleconverter very well and I can get quite acceptable pictures with both (under the right conditions). Love this lens!
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