Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM Review

General information

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.

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.

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This lens has been replaced by a newer version.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.

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 capabilities. 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)

Best deals on Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.

Reviews

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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.

Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM (1991) Canon EF 300mm f/4 L USM
Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM (1997) Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM

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.

Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM Canon EF 300mm f/4 L IS USM
Canon EF 200mm f/2,8 L II USM Canon EF 200mm f/2,8 L II USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 IS USM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 IS USM
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 L IS USM Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5,6 L IS USM

Popular searches for this lens

If you want do dig deeper and look for more information about this lens you can be prepared that other photographers name and search for this lens in a lot of different ways. Here are a few of the most popular search strings:

  • Canon 300 mm f 4
  • 300 mm Canon
  • 300 mm Canon
  • Canon 300 mm f 4
  • Canon 4 300 mm
  • Canon 4 300
  • Canon 300 mm
  • Canon f 4 300
Because of this we also created a special page for this.