Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM is faster by 12.5 stops (f/4.0 vs f/300.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM is lighter by 1320g.
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM goes wider (300mm vs 500mm).
- Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM reaches further (500mm vs 300mm).
| Spec | EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM | EF 500mm f/4L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Prime | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 300mm (wider) | 500mm |
| Max aperture | f/300.0 | f/4.0 (faster) |
| Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Blades | 8 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 13 | 13 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 17 | 17 |
| Weight g | 2550.0 (lighter) | 3870.0 |
| Length mm | 252.0 | 387.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 128.0 | 146.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.5 (closer focusing) | 4.5 |
| Max magnification | 0.13 | 0.12 |
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
The 1999 first version of Canon's stabilized 300mm f/2.8 super-telephoto. It was succeeded by the II in 2010.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture with IS
- Sharp optics
- Fast ring USM
- Takes extenders
Cons
- About 2.5kg
- Older IS generation than the II
- Minimum focus of 2.5m
Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
The 1999 first stabilized 500mm f/4L, for pro wildlife and sports work. The II version replaced it in 2011.
Pros
- f/4 aperture
- Image stabilization
- Weather-sealed L build
- Takes Canon extenders
Cons
- About 3.9kg
- Heavier than the II
- Minimum focus of 4.5m