Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM

This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the model was launched 1991.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto prime lenses, a telephoto lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.
It's been a long time since the lens and this model first was launched. Before you buy an older (and perhaps used and pre owned) lens a recommendation is to check with the manufacturer and their service centers whether there still are spare parts available. Hopefully spare parts wont be an issue but imagine accidently damaging the lens and finding out afterwards that no spare parts exists. We therefore recommend that you, to be sure, check this prior to purchasing.
This lens can also be difficult to find in stores, as 'new'. If you are interested in buying a pre owned and used lens without warranty this may be even more important to look up because you might otherwise be left without both warranty and spare parts.
- See all lenses released by Canon
- See all lenses that was released 1991
- Read more about tele photo lenses
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.
The lens is to considered fairly bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
Extendable.
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Different versions of the lens
This lens has been replaced by a newer version. Prior to purchasing the lens, please compare the various editions.
- Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM (1991)
- Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM (1997)
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilites. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included (pull version/extendable)
- A tripod mount is included
- No built-in image stabilizer
- The lens model is more than 15 years old
- This lens has been replaced by a newer version
- The lens can be difficult to find in stores
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (1165 gr)
Specification
Product Name: | Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM (See dictionary) |
Release date: | 1991 |
Manufacturer: | Canon |
Type of lens: | Telephoto Lens |
Construction: | Prime lens (no possibility to zoom) |
Works with cameras from: |
Canon (see compatible cameras) |
1:1 at Macro: | No Macro lens |
Compatibility: | Works on all sensors (see compatible cameras) |
Autofocus (AF): | Yes |
Built-in autofocus (AF) motor: | Yes (more info) |
Maximum aperture: | f/4 |
Focal Length |
300 mm
Depending on which camera this lens is used the focal length can seem different. This is because different camera sensors can have a slight crop factor and the focal length will be equivalent to:
Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length |
Lens Construction: | 8 elements / 7 groups |
Image Stabilizer: | No |
Closest Focusing Distance: | 250 cm |
Filter: | Filter Thread, 77 mm |
Lens Hood: | Yes, Extendable |
Tripod mount: | Yes, a tripod mount is included (Read more) |
Weather sealing: | No |
Dimensions (diameter x length): | 90 x 214 mm |
Weight: | 1165 g (see the total weight, camera+lens) |
Product Page (Canon):
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Link to Canon (product page) |
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Best deals on Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM
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Reviews
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Does this lens work with my camera?
Below you will find all registered cameras here on Lensora. Wether the actual camera works with this lens or not is displayed with a green or a red symbol, and if you want to know more about why the lens and the camera work or do not work together you click for further information..
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
Different versions of this lens
Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM has released different versions of this lens. Please make sure that you study the differences before buying.
Alternatives to Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM for Canon photographers
Below you will find four interesting alternatives to Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM. Make sure to compare these (and other) options before deciding which lens you will buy.
Make your own comparison
Click here and you can choose yourself which lenses you want to make a comparison with.