Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM vs Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM

This is a full comparison between the lenses Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM and Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM .

Compare Specifications

Product
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Name Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Manufacturer Canon Canon
SKU
Release Date and Price
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Release Year 1987 1990
Release Date
MSRP N/A 470 USD
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Lens Type
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Lens Type Telephoto Telephoto
Zoom or Prime Prime lens (no zoom) Zoom lens
Mount and Compatibility
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Designed for APS-C sensor No (Suitable for all sensors) No (Suitable for all sensors)
Focus
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Autofocus (AF) Yes Yes
Built-in Autofocus (AF) Motor Yes Yes
Motor Type No information Ultrasonic
Focus Method No information No information
Closest Focusing Distance 300 cm 150 cm
Maximum Magnification 5
Aperture
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Maximum Aperture F2,8 F4,5-5,6
This lens has a variable aperture at different focal lengths.
F4,5 at 100 mm
F5,6 at 300 mm
Variable Aperture
Diaphragm Blades No information 8
Optics
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Construction 10 elements  /  8 groups 13 elements  /  10 groups
Special Elements/Coatings No information No information
Focal Length
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Focal Length 300 mm 100-300 mm
Zoom Range None (Prime lens)
No Zoom available.
200 mm
Built-in Teleconverter No No
Teleconverter Multiplier N/A N/A
Image Stabilization No No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating N/A N/A
Physical
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Weather Sealing No No
Diameter 125 mm 73 mm
Length 253 mm 121 mm
Weight 2855 gr 540 gr
Other
Canon EF 300mm F2.8 L USM
Canon EF 100-300mm F4.5-5.6 USM
Filter Type Drop-in Filter Filter Thread
Filter Diameter 48 mm 58 mm
Lens Hood Included Not Included
Lens Hood SKU N/A ET-65 III
Tripod Collar Included N/A
Tripod Collar SKU N/A N/A
Other Optional accessories Soft Case ES-C17/LP1019