Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L : Specifications and Opinions

Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L

The Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L is a tele lens for FF and APS-C, manufactured from 1991 to 1997 (discontinued). The focus is done by Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM), it does not have image stabilization. The average price was 550 €;

16 users have given it an average vote of 9.4 out of 10.

MOUNT

This lens is available with the following mounts:

Canon EF: this lens is compatible with reflex fullframe and APS-C Canon EF.

Specifications
Focal lenght	300 mm
Angle of view	8.3°
Format	FF, APS-C
Max. aperture	f/4
Aperture blades	8
Lenses/Groups	8 elements in 7 groups
Min. focus distance	2.50 meters
Reproduction ratio	0.12x
Features
Stabilization	No
Focus	Ultrasonic AF Motor (Ring-USM)
Internal Focus	Yes
Built and notes
Tripod ring	Yes
Extenders	Yes
Filters	77 mm
Lens hood	Built-in
Weather sealing	No
Weight	1165 g
Dimensions	90 x 213 mm
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Reviews

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The following opinions have been automatically translated with Google Translate.

Alessandro_Gennari

sent on 05 Febbraio 2025

Pros: Sharpness, robustness, built-in lens hood, second-hand price

Cons: Those closely related to the fact that it is a fixed lens with such an extended focal length; Out of production for a long time, probable difficulty for any spare parts

Opinion: I mainly do sports photos and I don't always have the opportunity to be close to the action, so a 300 is welcome. Since the f/2.8 version is not within my reach at the moment, I opted for this f/4 version. But I don't consider it a fallback at all, on the contrary! For the "portrait round" during the warm-up in volleyball matches it is great, as well as for taking photos when they are on the "short side" of the court. In addition, compared to its big brother it is much lighter and fits in my backpack thus completing the setup together with the f/2.8 zoom "triad". Speaking of portability, the built-in lens hood is also excellent in this sense. I use it both with 1DX (indoors) and with 5D Mark III and 7D Mark II, on which it becomes a 480mm and with all three cameras it gives me great satisfaction. Very sharp optics even at full aperture (not having had the IS version I do not pronounce on what is said, that is that in sharpness the non-IS version is better) and very robust in the face of an all in all relative weight that is more or less on the wavelength of the "short-toed" 70-200. As for the cons, there are those closely related to the fact that it is a fixed lens and its focal length so extended that in certain situations it may not be the most comfortable. Then there is the fact that it is a fairly old lens and long out of production, with obvious unknown about the availability of spare parts in case of need. But apart from these two aspects, I am definitely happy to have it at home, also given the price on the second-hand market.

user236140

sent on 18 Maggio 2023

Pros: AF speed, high resolution, built-in hood, extreme robustness, pre-owned price

Cons: Nothing that is not obvious (weight and lack of IS)

Opinion: I had in the past the brother IS, sold to switch to ML; now that I decided to have two systems, ML for almost everything, and EOS 7D Mark I for distant fauna, I took this OB to save money (the brother IS costs twice as much) and I think I did well; I used it with satisfaction even freehand and duplicated 1.4x, obviously using fast times; At the beginning I did tests with very bad light, since it was always raining, but already so it proved to be a super lens; with good light it is amazing; it is considered much superior to non-L lenses, surely it is much more resolving than my former zumino Oly 75-300 II or Pana 100-300 II; according to many reviews it is superior to the IS version and many L lenses of equal mm but more modern

Ariete66

sent on 12 Aprile 2022

Pros: Handiness. AF speed. TA sharpness. Price used.

Cons: nothing if you really want (it is not stabilized)

Opinion: Found used at just over 300 € my fear was stabilization, but if you have a steady hand and a good tripod churns out of those files to scare ..... the sharpness is impressive even when shooting freehand.ottimo the hood already 'incorporated, lens fairly heavy but well built is not tropicalized but with due attention I think there are no problems.I coupled it together with my inseparable Canon 60D.

Federico Effe Elle

sent on 10 Maggio 2021

Pros: handiness. Af. Speed Sharpness to TA. The price used.

Cons: None except spare parts are now (reportedly) unavailable.

Opinion: A vintage lens that cmq does not disappoint in terms of AF speed and sharpening image. At least for my modest experience and with my specimen. Often used with 1D MK II : a really winning "vintage" pairing :-) Of course: it is not the stabilized version, but the lower complexity of the optical design (in terms of number of lenses and groups) could also be an advantage for sharpness and probably for focus speed. And in this I feel to "marry" the reviews that are read on the various world forums that give the stabilized version as sharper and faster than the stabilized. But will it be true? I don't know. Its weight is not excessive and is really manageable even with a "remarkable" body like the 1d mk II, which despite its "modest" 8 Mpix is able to leave you speechless with the RAW churning out and the "magical" and unrepeatable blurry of the APSh 1.3x Demi-cropped sensor. I found no hesitation in focusing in this lens : quick and precise in perfect harmony with the machine body. I do not go into the merits of any "color fringing" or "aberrations" or loss of dictates at the edges that in any case does not really seem to have noticed (but my eye is perhaps not trained). In any case a large lens that you take home with 300 euros. For those who do not need a stabilizer and aspire to a super tele L series lens I highly recommend it (possibly a well-maintained specimen, with the benefit of spare parts inventory and any repair that would be decidedly uneconomic). Grade 9 : I do not give 10 because - as mentioned - they are now slow "disposable" pass me the term, without the possibility of repair or assistance. They must be kept with care. But still it's worth it. Greetings and thanks for reading. FL @amfmsport

Mediamenta

sent on 11 Marzo 2013

Pros: Lightness, openness f4

Cons: Sharpness at room temperature

Opinion: I bought this lens used but rebuilt three or four years ago, 600 euro. I used it mainly for birds, also multiplied. Goes a bit 'closed and therefore you can not use the f4 would give quite a few advantages under certain conditions. However, I refer to a pairing with aps-c (7d) and 100% display: Printing is still very good but I now very little mold ... rnChe say? To begin with, for a trip to places where it is feared the theft, for all those situations where we do not want to risk our equipment better but still expect shots importanti.rnL 'attachment object to focus not crazy. It 'sa bit slow, but we also speak of a lens to the mid-90s ... rnrnSu the internet rece say is sharper version stabilized.

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Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L : Specifications and Opinions

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Photos taken with Canon EF 300mm f/4 USM L