Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Telephoto Prime lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with
EF Mount cameras.Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM was replaced with Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM. Follow the link to read our comparison of these lenses:
Compare Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM vs Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM
What type of photography is the Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM lens good for?
The choice of photography type for which you intend to use the Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is a crucial decision factor. Below, we have assessed its suitability for various photography scenarios:
Lenses in Canon EF Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is a member of Canon's EF L series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.
EF L Series Lenses in Canon EF Mount
Reasons to Buy the Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM Lens
Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM lens in a list form to assist you in determining whether it offers the features you need.
Optical Image Stabilization |
Weather-sealed |
Autofocus |
Distance Scale |
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale |
Compatible with Canon Teleconverters |
Tripod Collar |
Full-time Manual Focusing |
Covers Full-Frame Sensor |
8 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh |
Report a correction
Buy Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO
Lens Mount
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is compatible with cameras that have a Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
The size and weight are crucial factors to consider when searching for your next lens. Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM has a maximum diameter of 128mm and total length of 252mm. It weighs 2550g / 89.9 oz.
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM has a Drop-in type filter holder with a filter thread of 52mm.
Focal Range
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM has a fixed focal length of 300mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 480mm.
Teleconverter Compatibility
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM changes below:
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Weather Sealings
The Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Optical Image Stabilization
The Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.
Tripod Collar
With a total length of 252mm and a weight of 2550g, the Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.13x and has a minimum focusing distance of 2.5m. 0.13x means that the max magnification ratio is very low and not suitable even for modest close-up shots.
Below are the 3 Telephoto Prime type Canon12 mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:
Aperture
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM has a max aperture of F2.8 and a minimum aperture of F32.0.
Optical Formula
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM's optical formula consists of 17 elements in 13 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:
- 1 fluorite lens
- 2 UD lenses
Body Colour
Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM is available in White color.
Popular Comparisons of Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM
Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM amongst Camera Decision readers.
Top Alternatives of Canon 300mm f2.8L IS USM Lens
Model |
|
Coverage |
Weight |
Focusing |
Street Price |
|
Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,400 g / 5.28 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,400 g / 5.28 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
3,190 g / 7.02 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 300mm f4.0L IS USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,190 g / 2.62 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,840 g / 6.25 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sony 300mm F2.8 G
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,310 g / 5.08 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,950 g / 6.49 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 400mm F4 DO IS II USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,100 g / 4.62 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Sony 300mm F2.8 G SSM II
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
2,300 g / 5.06 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 400mm f5.6L USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,250 g / 2.75 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
1,440 g / 3.17 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
|
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
|
35mm FF
|
3,050 g / 6.71 lb | AF
|
Amazon B&H Photo
|
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.