Key Features
- EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32
- Two Ultra-Low Dispersion Elements
- Super Spectra Coating
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Top customer reviews
- Still decidingI've shot with a 30D for about 7 years and recently switched to a 7D. All my digital SLR experience has been with these APS-C cameras. I purchased the 300mm IS f4L as a way to get a little more magnification than the 70-200mm IS f4L that I already had. With the APS-C format this lens performs similar to a 500mm (480mm), so it works well for bird and nature photography. I was hoping that the 'Prime' lens would out perform, or at least match, the great performance I experienced with my 70-200mm IS f4L. Although its performance can sometimes be great, especially close-up, at longer distances it produces slightly soft images more often than I would prefer. More often than not, I find myself gravitating back to the 70-200mm for its Rock Solid performance, rather than risking unsure results from the 300mm. My best results with this lens have been insects and small widlife shot at it's extreme close range end (5 feet+). I've recently purchased a 7D to replace my 30D and I'm interested to see if the 7D's 'Microadustment' feature can save this lens from it's spotty performance.
- Best Close Range Telephoto for the BuckI purchased the 300mm f4 L over a year ago as it was between the 400mm f5.6 L and this lens to fit my budget. It has performed very well- and I love the fact that I can shoot a dragonfly at my feet or a bird off in the distance with the same lens. On the 40d this lens works out to 480mm lens- so a fair amount of reach and if that's not enough you can add the 1.4 extender (672mm f5.6) and still have autofocus. After this lens (except for the f400mm 5.6 L) you'd better have deep pockets as they're four or more times as much- and with this lens you have one you can carry all day. The 500mm and up are really tripod lenses (best used with a Wimberly gimbal head and high end tripod, add $1000 to your budget!)- and take some time to get used to. And they're best for the pro bodies due to their weight. Full frame and almost full frame bodies will reduce the reach of the lens but that would make it easier to find a 'bird in flight'. They are great lenses, don't get me wrong, with the price to match. Another advantage to this lens is that it can focus to less than five feet! I've shot pictures of dragonflies at my feet (being over six foot). Just be sure to switch to the closer focus position on the lens. Yes, I wish it had a little more reach for some birds but for the price, it's hard to beat. I'm feeding my piggy bank to hopefully add the 500mm f4 L to my list of lenses but I'm glad I started with this one.
- EOS EF 300mm f/4 ISThis 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.
- Lots of fun!!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.
- Great Telephoto Macro LensI bought this lens because of its close focusing cabability compared to the other 300's available. I have not been disappointed. It has replaced the 180 L Macro for hand holding situations because of its light weight, IS capability, and greater working distance to subjects. Don't get me wrong, my 180 L Macro is still my go to lens for really close up work, but for general field use, this lens is super. And it is a 300 telephoto too. Wish they made a 400 or 500 with the close focusing capability this lens has. Added bonus - MSRP. A real sweet lens, with L quality, at a real sweet price.
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