Compact L-series telephoto lens with an Image Stabilizer which compensates for camera shake with the equivalent effect of a shutter speed two stops faster. Two Image Stabilizer modes are provided: Stabilizer Mode 1 (the same mode featured on the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM) and the new Stabilizer Mode 2 which steadies the image during horizontal or vertical panning. Mode 2 detects the panning direction automatically. The closest focusing distance is 4.9 feet (1.5 m).
11Compact L-series telephoto lens
Canon Optical Image Stabilizer compensates for camera shake with the equivalent effect of a shutter speed two stops faster
Two Image Stabilizer modes
Closest focusing distance: 4.9 feet (1.5 m)
I recently sold my 2011 300mm f4 IS lens after about six months of ownership. It was the perfect size and weight for a 300mm prime, and the short minimum focus distance was ideal for a variety of subjects. It had an excellent sliding lens hood and a nice soft case was supplied at no additional cost. I really wanted to like the 300mm f4, but at the end of the day image quality is all that really matters, and in this regard the lens was a disappointment for me. I use a 40D, and if I was careful to shoot stopped down to at least f5.6 this lens could produce pretty good images, but not significantly better than the 70-300 consumer (non-L) zoom stopped down to f8 that I used to own. I bought the 300mm f4 planning to use it with a 1.4x teleconverter, but this degraded the image noticeably, even stopped down to f8. In addition, the IS on the 300mm f4 was only good for one or two stops max with no tripod-sensing feature, and the AF was not consistently accurate and was too slow to follow birds in flight when using a 1.4x teleconverter. Downloading images at the end of a day shooting with the 300mm f4 was often frustrating – too many missed shots that were either slightly out of focus or simply too soft for my expectations.
I traded my 300mm f4 for a used 2009 300mm f2.8 IS. The difference between these two 300mm lenses is like night and day. The image quality from the f2.8 lens is amazingly sharp and brilliant. The outrageously fast and accurate AF and tripod-sensing IS combined with the very bright viewfinder image make the lens a joy to use. It can be shot wide open with confidence and accepts a 1.4x teleconverter with virtually no image quality loss. With the converter the 300mm f2.8 still focuses faster and more accurately than the bare 300mm f4 lens. Yes, the 300mm f2.8 is bigger and heavier, but it is still quite portable and I routinely hand-hold it with no problems. Many people are happy with the 300mm f4, but if, like me, you expect a little more from an L-series prime lens, rent the f2.8 version and try it for yourself. Is a used 300mm f2.8 worth three times the price of a new 300mm f4? For me, the answer is absolutely yes.
I have used this lens for a year now and am generally happy with its performance. I moved to this lens from a EF 100 - 400mm IS because I had heard that prime lenses give better image quality. I think the autofocus is a bit slower and there is a very annoying "clunk" that is well documented with the IS of this lens. I shoot whitetailed deer and usually can get a couple of frames shot before they hear the lens and dart off. The image quality is very good and image stabilization really helps shoot while on foot. Overall I think this is a great lens if your subjects aren't too spooked by noise.
I have been using this lens for a year, and really appreciate the quality images I am able to capture with it. The lens is solid and reliable, and is everything I expected from Canon. The 300mm f/4l is usm lens produces tack sharp images under all types of lighting. Don't let the f/4 aperture deter you from buying this lens; some of my most spectacular shots have been on cloudy or overcast days.
I must admit, I have only been shooting with an SLR camera system for just over a year (I use an EOS 7D body), and have found the learning curve to be a very pleasant experience. I shoot animals/wildlife almost 100%, and the Canon gear has not let me down. Bird-in-flight shots are a breeze, and any image shot of a stationary subject using a tripod are sharp enough to cut you! Hand held shots are great as well, even at shutter speeds below 1/100 sec. I would buy this lens again, but I expect I won't need to; the quality and contruction are are top-notch, and I look forward to many years of happy shooting with my Canon 300mm f/4l is usm lens. Join the club of Canon L-prime lenses, you will not be disappointed!
Pros: lightweight, f/4, ease of use, macro, short focusing
Cons: none
This lens is a delight to use. It's wide enough to get a good grip on the barrel but not too wide. The hood recesses into the body so there is no messing about with putting on and taking off plastic hoods, it's light weight and very well balanced. f/4 is really useful and the lens is good wide open. What I like this lens for is candid portraits, but it will also serve for sports, airshows, landscapes and as a zoo lens. Oh, I nearly forgot - this is a great macro lens for larger objects like dragonflies, so you are really getting two lenses in one. Pictures are sharp and the colors and contrast is right on the button. Recommended. Some people compare this lens with the 100-400L. Stopped down the quality/sharpness is the same. One gives you 400mm, one gives you f/4, so is better in less than ideal light.
Feedback
Cameras
Product Advisories
Where To Buy
Find a Retail Store
