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Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM

Canon EF Autofocus OIS

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM

Focal length
300 mm
Aperture
f/4
Weight
1190 g
Filter diameter
77 mm
Min. focus distance
150 cm
Length
221 mm

At a Glance

The Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM is a long telephoto prime for Canon EF full-frame cameras. It combines an f/4 maximum aperture with an optical stabilizer that includes a mode for panning. The lens weighs 1.19 kg and focuses as close as 1.5 m. Its reach suits wildlife, birds and sports.

Good for

  • Wildlife
  • Birds
  • Sports

Derived from the manufacturer data, not from our own tests. How we check

Technical Specifications

Min. focal length
300 mm
Max. focal length
300 mm
Max. aperture (min. zoom)
f/4
Max. aperture (max. zoom)
f/4
Min. aperture
f/32
Elements
15
Groups
11
Weight
1,190 g (2.62 lb)
Filter diameter
77 mm
Min. focus distance
150 cm (59.06 in)
Max. magnification
1:4.2 (0.24×)
Length
221 mm (8.7 in)
Diameter
90 mm (3.54 in)
Released
March 1997

Manufacturer data: global.canon, canon-europe.com

Last checked: October 13, 2026 (against the manufacturer data) · How we check

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Compare with other lenses

Which cameras does the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM fit?

The Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM is a full-frame lens for Canon EF cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Canon EF cameras its field of view equals 480 mm in full-frame terms.

Canon EF cameras

With the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R the lens can also be used on Canon RF cameras.

With the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS M the lens can also be used on Canon EF-M cameras.

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM compared

Key specs side by side with the most similar Canon EF lenses.

LensCanon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USMCanon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USMCanon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USMSigma 300mm F2.8 APO EX DG HSM
Focal length300 mm300 mm300 mm300 mm
Max. aperturef/4f/2.8f/2.8f/2.8
Weight1,190 g2,350 g2,550 g2,400 g
Filter diameter77 mm52 mm52 mm46 mm
Min. focus distance150 cm200 cm250 cm250 cm
Length221 mm248 mm252 mm214.5 mm
Autofocusyesyesyesyes
Image stabilizationyesyesyesno
Open these lenses in the comparison and add more

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM: FAQ

Does the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM have autofocus?

Yes, the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM has autofocus.

Does the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM have image stabilization?

Yes, the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM has optical image stabilization.

How much does the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM weigh?

The Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM weighs 1,190 g. It is 221 mm long with a diameter of 90 mm.

What filter size does the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM use?

The Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM takes 77 mm screw-in filters.

How close can the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM focus?

The minimum focus distance of the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM is 150 cm, measured from the sensor plane.

Is the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM a full-frame lens?

Yes, the Canon EF 300mm f/4.0L IS USM covers full frame. On APS-C cameras its field of view equals 480 mm in full-frame terms.

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