Photo: John Torcasio (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Quick answer
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
Verdict
A classic sports telephoto. The II is lighter and has newer stabilization.
About this lens
A 300mm f/2.8 telephoto prime lens, the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional super-telephoto L-series lens, a fixture on sidelines and at wildlife hides.
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 300mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/300.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1999
- Optical construction
- 17 elements in 13 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 2.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.13x
- Weight
- 2550 g
- Length
- 252 mm
- Diameter
- 128 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- Pro sports
- Wildlife in low light
- Motorsport
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 300mm | 6.9° | 8.2° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 480mm | 4.3° | 5.2° |
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM?
About 2.55kg. It is normally used on a monopod or tripod.
Can the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM use extenders?
Yes, Canon's EF 1.4x and 2x extenders fit. Autofocus continues on bodies that support the resulting aperture (f/4 or f/5.6).
Does the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM work on mirrorless Canon?
Yes, through the EF-EOS R adapter. Stabilization and autofocus carry over.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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