Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens

I was wondering anyone who has used this lens. what would you give it on a scale of 1-10 in image quality. 1 being the worst canon lens you have ever used and 10 being the best.

 

 --matt

I've never owned the lens, but from what I've read the image quality is superb from that lens.  In fact, they say there's only one lens that's marginally sharper--the 300mm f/4 L non-IS.  ;-)

See what Bryan has to say:

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L USM Lens Review

Canon EF 300mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens Review

 

I just bought this particular lens two weeks ago.  I used it to shoot some images of the Agassi vs Sampras exhibition match in Macau.  I am quite pleased with the lens' performance and the AF is very fast.  I've also tried it outdoors with a 1.4 extender and I can find no loss in image quality.  For the price, it's one of Canon's top lenses in their line up.  I'm sure you will be delighted with it should you decide to buy one.

I use this lens on both a 30D and a 5D. You can use the 300 f/4 IS for sports or macro or most anything. I would rate it an 9.5. Good for about 5' closeups. The spider was on a 5D, ISO 800, f/4.5, 1/2000, Av. The two bikes were shot with a 5D, ISO 200, f/11, 1/250, Tv. The three bikes was a 30D, ISO 100, f/11, 1/250, Tv.

 

JeffersonPoster

Simply, awesome lens!

Canon's good at making telephoto lenses. The only concern I have is that the IS system is a bit old, only 2 stops correction.

Ben,

 300 f/4L IS, 300 f/2.8L IS, 400 f/2.8L IS, 500 f/4L IS and 600 f/4L IS all have 2-stop Image Stabilizer. The newer 200 f/2L IS and 800 f/5.6L IS have 4-stop

Nate,

300 f/2.8L IS, 400 f/2.8L IS, 600 f/4L IS, 200 f/2L IS and 800 f/5.6L IS, EXPENSIVE! Your 500 f/4, Expensive (but very good, cograts, you deserve it!). The 300 f/4 IS, most bang for the buck IMO. My 70-200 f/4 IS has I belive 4 stops. I like my 200 f/2.8 II and use it more. Better IQ. You get fantastic shots from your 400 f/5.6 non IS. I think IS is useful (low light) but degrades the "skill factor" somewhat. Just my opinion for what it's worth. ( I think this may be a whole new topic, sorry!)

JeffersonPoster 

I had this lens for a while, but i sold it. I own the 100-400 IS USM, and i wanted a lens which will give me more detail. i have a 50D body, and i photograph birds and wildlife. The truth is i didn't see difference between the 300 and the 100-400, quality speaking (at least obvious), and because the 300 is not enough for me (it's lenght), i decided to sell it.

But, it's handling and the feeling is much better for me than the 100-400, and also i liked the attached hood it had...My opinion is a good lense, about as sharp as the 100-400, but not like the 400 f/5,6. it has the advantage of close focusing, light, fast focusing, very nice feeling in the hand etc, but it had the disadvantage of being too short for my needs. if this is not a problem for you, i think is a good choise.

You can also consider the 100-400 (it's benefit is the zoom range and i found it in same quality as the 300)

the 5,6 which has the same feeling with the 300 and is sharper (but no IS).

as far as i know, these lenses are about the same price range, and the same category in quality. For me for example, which i use now the 400/5,6 and also the 100-400, my next lense is going to be the Canon's 500 f/4. you get in an other level with those expensive lenses..

I've had the 300 f4 L IS for over a year now and find it excellent.  Even with the 1.4 TC the IQ is amazing (although AF is slower).  For the price, it is great value. You asked it to be rated 1 to 10, I'd give it a 9.5.  Any gripes?  Well its not weather sealed and only has the older 2 stop IS but I can live with that.

I've heard nothing but great things about the 300 f/4 L IS. It's a wonderful lens, and surely lives up to "L" designation in terms of image quality. Although I have no real-world experience with the 300, I have worked with the 400 f/5.6 L and can confidently say that they share their excellent build quality. I have also used the 100-400 L and the handling, in my opinion, of the 300 f/4 IS is superior. Enjoy great image quality at a great price!

- Alex

If have time

http://dastar.shutterchance.com/photoblog/Rossi_World_Champion_2008_/

Very nice!

Shows off the panning IS (and/or your own ability to track the thing...)

 

waht i do normally pan it for the first few laps without taking the shot compensate speed and apature (manual mode) then the next lap snap it & spot on...

Somebody please, please, please stop me from pulling the trigger on this lens.  I admit I have a bad case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome and I really want this one.  Actually, I want the 300/2.8L IS but at $4000+ and nearly 6 pounds of weight, I can't really do that.  Ironically, it also happens to be one of the reasons why I haven't bought the 300/4L IS, since in my mind I'm saying "well, if you buy the f/4, that's just about 1/4th the cost of the f/2.8 and that's really the one you want...."

Yeah.  I am a sick, sick man.  Don't get too close, or else you too may be infected.

Why do I want the 300/4?

1. I often find myself without enough reach on my 70-200/2.8L IS.
2. I can shoot 420/5.6 at a reasonably affordable price.
3. I think lens prices are going to continue to rise.
4. I don't think this lens will see an update for at least another 4-5 years.
5. I love to shoot wildlife and street.
6. It has much smaller MFD, enabling almost 1:4 magnification, which @ 300mm is freaking amazing.  Unparalleled.

Why do I want to hold off?

1. Because I could buy the 300/2.8L IS instead.  Sick, I know.
2. I need to save money and I've already spent obscene amounts on gear.
3. I'm not earning any income from photography.  If this changed somehow, I would be ALL OVER IT BABY.
4. Did I mention the 300/2.8L IS already?  Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my mouth.

Please help me.  I'm begging you.

wickerprints:

I admit I have a bad case of Gear Acquisition Syndrome and I really want this one.

You are in good company!  I have an advanced case of G.A.S.

wickerprints:

Actually, I want the 300/2.8L IS but at $4000+ and nearly 6 pounds of weight, I can't really do that.

Me too...and me too :-(

wickerprints:

Please help me.  I'm begging you.

You make some great points, especially for the purchase of the 300 f/4.  It's an outstanding lens.  If you REALLY think that you'll eventually buy the 300 f/2.8 then maybe it would be better to just continue to save.  Remember though, L glass has unheard of value retention.  You could buy the f/4 and sell it if you decided that you absolutely needed the f/2.8.  You would probably only take a 10% or 15% hit after resale.  Other than what I have already said, my only other advice would be not to EVER rent the 300 f/2.8 because I'm sure it would be impossible to not want to buy it then!!!