This lens has become one of my favorite lenses,it's razor sharp and produces some breath taking images.Buy the 1.4x extender III as well and you can have a 420mm with IS!!
One of the better DRTV videos in a while. The f/4 is a great lens - beautiful optics. If you're a full-time sports shooter the f/2.8 might be worth it, but for a general news shooter it's a gem.
This is the 1st lens I got when I got into photography back in 2008. I got this lens and the 70-200 f4 for $500. Can you believe that? I jumped on the deal so fast. An older gentleman was trying to get rid of them. I sold the 70-200 for $600 a couple years ago (man what a sharp lens). I am keeping this 300 as it's so light, close focuses and takes very nice portraits at f4 and as this video shows, it's great for street work - keep your distance from your subject.
Bought mine used for about $1000. Love it. Works great with 1.4X and 2X extender. (2X will require and EOS I or 5DIII to autofocus) Works great with FF and Crop.
I've got this lens, a Canon 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM, and have a 600mm f/4 L IS II USM coming. I'm glad I kept my 300mm f/4 L, it's still useful and has its advantages in the field such as much closer focusing distance with higher magnification.
You can stabalize for still images and for panning shots, hence the two different modes. The focus distance switch is if you know you subjects are further away, the lens will focus quicker, cause it will not go through the near range.
FANTASTIC REVIEW GUYS!!!!! I'm so glad you have turned everything around and into a serious tone at DRTV. The new tone you've set in your videos, have made them more interesting and educational to watch. Thank you for listening to your viewers, and putting more effort into making reviews educational and not humorous.
The focusing range switch thingy is there to get faster AF, because the lens dont has to search in all distances for focus. The stabilizer settings set the axis of the stabilizer. Mode 1 (i think) stabilizes horizontally and vertically, mode 2 only stabilizes vertically (hope i spelled vertically right).
It means you're allowed to use elbows to aquire a position. Also, the all-metal contstruction is great for some midsize-severity love-taps on the heads of whoever gets in the way.
I now own one of these,and with a 1.4 MKIII Tele(Canon of course!) It is one hell of an unbeatable combination.This lens is sharp,sharp, sharp! I love it,and to have 420mm with functional IS is awesome! Dont get me wrong the 400mm 5.6L is a great lens! Its definitely more Niche though,as the minimum focus distance is about 13ft!! The 300mm F4 makes a fantastic flower & bug lens!
modes 1 is normal mode 2 is for panning shots. Focusing range is to help speed up the focusing elements. If you know that your subject will always be at 10' you can set it appropriately and then the lens will focus faster.
No IS on the 400mm is a pretty big drawback though... If they made a version with IS then I would have a pretty hard time deciding. I ordered the 300mm and a 1.4 converter which would give me longer than 400mm but still the f/5.6, plus IS. We shall see how it goes...
I really enjoy my 70-200 L lens. I also have my eye on this lens as well though, but only because it's another L lens in the lower price range. Once you get used to the impressive pics with L optics, you'll be spoiled. I take my 70-200 most everywhere just because it takes such good shots. The ability to crop with the zoom is nice too. The F4 is a tiny bit slow with my old Rebel, so my next upgrade might be the body to a 7D. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
THX so much for the review at last. Never thought you would do this after smashing the other one ;-) And besides I am looking for a tele lens at the moment
you do awesome reviews, and i have a canon 600d with and 18-55 mm lens could you tell me the settings to take a picture indoors, and i love your reviews Kai!!!
Dear DigitalRev, You seem to be running out of ideas for locations for your shooting. May I suggest Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery near the Diamond Hill MTR? We've seen Sha Tin plenty of times. I found it to be a very peaceful and photogenic. Thanks
I think I saw you there in Venice last friday, 17:30, at the san marco. I was really amazed to see you there. Could it have been you? I also saw your wife walking about 30m behind you
There is the 35mm - 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Nikkor Lens for under $200 ($196 at Adorama). The 50mm can be obtained for around $200 in either FX or DX format (both flavors are f/1.8) - just Google 50mm Nikon lens. Good luck on finding a low light performer that is a zoom for under $300. You can get an off brand but don't expect to get a max aperture lower than f/4.
Ive got one too,Itz almost perfect,very sharp wide open,almost no vingetting;less than the 2.8 version.cheap,light,small,built like a german tiger tank.
I'd like to see that DR review as well. While we're at it, add to the list a 24-70mm Shootout. Nikon vs. Canon vs. Sigma - they all have them, but I daresay that the Sigma is the better of the three.
Can you do a video comparison of this lens vs the 400mm L without IS .. IS is not that big of a deal to me but I'm worried about image quality since the latter is constructed of 7 elements only vs 15 in the former. Cheers!!
For all of you watching and commenting: This is the 300mm f/4L IS USM. It HAS IS! I'm sure they made a typo writing, the non-IS version is discontinued in certin countries already and you can only buy the IS version, the non-IS is a great lens though. You can see in the video the IS switch and even him in the beginning says it is IS. So stop complaining about canon not providing a IS version... I mean, if you google canon 300 f4 the one that appears is the IS one, how can someone complain if you don't even do your research?? It means you are just people trying to pretend you know about photography...
Ok, but how about comparing it side by side to other options like a cheap 70-300 zoom, a mid-range 100-400 zoom and the 300 2.8? SHOW us the size, cost and IQ differences.
Have you looked at the Tamron 70-300 VC? It's a really great lens with an amazing VC. 1 out of 3 times I got a tack sharp photo 300mm at 1/8 sec (I'm an archer....) On Photozone the sharpness test is higher than this canon prime. It's cheap too. I enjoy your videos!
actually telephoto is a lens design and has nothing to do with focal length, it just happens to be that long focal length lenses are typically telephoto designs
Yeah but the Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 is only about 449 $ and the Sigma EX 70-200 (or Tamron 70-200) are both f/2.8 and about 1200-1500 $ Id rather choose the 70-200 f/2.8 for 1200 $ than the 300mm f/4 for 1500 $ If you absolutely have to need 300mm (the difference from 200-300 is really not that much) you cann still use an 1,5x Teleconverter (but i'd stay with 200mm) Its not a bad lense (dont get me wrong), i just really dont see the use-case for a fixed 300mm f/4 for that price
Mine had the blades stick and at f4 was fantastic even with 2.0 converter, but I did send it for repair and now the autofocus need some help ,not good for BIF then
Marketing. It's a trademark now. You can look through the photographer's pit at any sporting event, and you can easily tell the Canon ones from the others. Similarly, Nikon puts a gold ring around the front edge of their higher end lenses. Sigma does a red band.
I'm sorry you feel that way but I can't see the point of hiding my honest opinion. I like Photozone.de's reviews generally but you can't beat hands on experience. I've used a couple of these lenses for years and they are exceptionally good.
Is this the best value Canon tele lens? Watch the video review and leave your opinions here! Canon 300mm f/4L USM Review - Best Tele For Your Money?
70-200/4L imho.
do the new 200-400 f/4 from canon next please!
***** Dunno if to get this or 70-200 f2.8 sigma. This meaning the 70-200 L F4
if your budget allows it get the f/2.8
if not, the f/4 is still REALLY good, small and light
Could you please review the Canoon 400mm f 5.6 or compare it to the 100-400mm Zoom? Thanks!
This lens has become one of my favorite lenses,it's razor sharp and produces some breath taking images.Buy the 1.4x extender III as well and you can have a 420mm with IS!!
One of the better DRTV videos in a while. The f/4 is a great lens - beautiful optics. If you're a full-time sports shooter the f/2.8 might be worth it, but for a general news shooter it's a gem.
This is the 1st lens I got when I got into photography back in 2008. I got this lens and the 70-200 f4 for $500. Can you believe that? I jumped on the deal so fast. An older gentleman was trying to get rid of them. I sold the 70-200 for $600 a couple years ago (man what a sharp lens). I am keeping this 300 as it's so light, close focuses and takes very nice portraits at f4 and as this video shows, it's great for street work - keep your distance from your subject.
+1
Methodical2
I'm trying to choose between this and the 70-200 myself.
@@kenllacer what did you go with?
@@willherondale6367 Went with the 70-200 f4.
Canon strap on a Canon camera? What is this devilry?
Very good lens, works beautifully with the 1.4x extender to make a 420mm f/5.6 IS. I've used one for a long time.
Bought mine used for about $1000. Love it. Works great with 1.4X and 2X extender. (2X will require and EOS I or 5DIII to autofocus) Works great with FF and Crop.
I've got this lens, a Canon 400mm f/2.8 L IS II USM, and have a 600mm f/4 L IS II USM coming. I'm glad I kept my 300mm f/4 L, it's still useful and has its advantages in the field such as much closer focusing distance with higher magnification.
This guy is amazing if trying to decide a DSLR that films to buy any suggestions (not to expensive)
buy a 1Dx Mk III
You can stabalize for still images and for panning shots, hence the two different modes. The focus distance switch is if you know you subjects are further away, the lens will focus quicker, cause it will not go through the near range.
FANTASTIC REVIEW GUYS!!!!!
I'm so glad you have turned everything around and into a serious tone at DRTV. The new tone you've set in your videos, have made them more interesting and educational to watch. Thank you for listening to your viewers, and putting more effort into making reviews educational and not humorous.
The focusing range switch thingy is there to get faster AF, because the lens dont has to search in all distances for focus. The stabilizer settings set the axis of the stabilizer. Mode 1 (i think) stabilizes horizontally and vertically, mode 2 only stabilizes vertically (hope i spelled vertically right).
Miss this old shit. Best camera reviews ever.
does white lens mean instant pro photographer 😂
It means you're allowed to use elbows to aquire a position.
Also, the all-metal contstruction is great for some midsize-severity love-taps on the heads of whoever gets in the way.
No, it means the fluorite elements inside are being well protected
"It´s lighter than something heavier
How it´s that even possible? :o
I now own one of these,and with a 1.4 MKIII Tele(Canon of course!) It is one hell of an unbeatable combination.This lens is sharp,sharp, sharp! I love it,and to have 420mm with functional IS is awesome! Dont get me wrong the 400mm 5.6L is a great lens! Its definitely more Niche though,as the minimum focus distance is about 13ft!! The 300mm F4 makes a fantastic flower & bug lens!
I recomment to you the kenko 1,4 x MC4.
Is Kai shooting RAW ? Or what picture style is he using ? The colors are quite nice, is it the lens or is it the new 5DIII sensor ?
Back to the old days mood in this video. Loved it.
Best DigitalRev episode in a long time!
modes 1 is normal mode 2 is for panning shots. Focusing range is to help speed up the focusing elements. If you know that your subject will always be at 10' you can set it appropriately and then the lens will focus faster.
kai turning into a paparazzi and wow the video with the 300m looked really cool !
No IS on the 400mm is a pretty big drawback though... If they made a version with IS then I would have a pretty hard time deciding. I ordered the 300mm and a 1.4 converter which would give me longer than 400mm but still the f/5.6, plus IS. We shall see how it goes...
$1350 at B&H Photo. It's been around for a while so they can be found used. I paid about $1050 for mine.
Finally!! I've been waiting for this review for a loooong time
The full size sensor really kills any long focal length lens. I'm still thinking about the 100-400
I really enjoy my 70-200 L lens. I also have my eye on this lens as well though, but only because it's another L lens in the lower price range. Once you get used to the impressive pics with L optics, you'll be spoiled. I take my 70-200 most everywhere just because it takes such good shots. The ability to crop with the zoom is nice too. The F4 is a tiny bit slow with my old Rebel, so my next upgrade might be the body to a 7D. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
what camera and lens
are you shooting this video with??
THX so much for the review at last. Never thought you would do this after smashing the other one ;-)
And besides I am looking for a tele lens at the moment
Kai, how about sharing some sample pictures on Flickr when you review a lens? It would be useful to us...
That video footage with the 300mm looked damn good! Now I wish good tele lenses didn't cost so much...damn you DigitalRev for feeding my lens lust!
great idea - do DR have a Flickr account?
Love my 300mm f4 The clunking is the IS kicking in. Since you did not explain your comment. I'd like you to try extenders with it and review.
sweet! this is one of the reviews I was waiting for. wildlife lens need more love!
you do awesome reviews, and i have a canon 600d with and 18-55 mm lens could you tell me the settings to take a picture indoors, and i love your reviews Kai!!!
Dear DigitalRev,
You seem to be running out of ideas for locations for your shooting. May I suggest Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery near the Diamond Hill MTR? We've seen Sha Tin plenty of times. I found it to be a very peaceful and photogenic.
Thanks
This was a great video! Like always well done!
Awesome episode. Now do more than one per week for us!
To reflect light so they don't get too hot.
Great review. DO have a review for the canon 400f5.6?
Its about time you guys review Canon EF-S 10-22mm.
They did already...
They did, lol.
You forgot to mention that the best feature is that it is also a macro lens with an auto focus macro range seek limiter for telephoto use.
I think I saw you there in Venice last friday, 17:30, at the san marco. I was really amazed to see you there. Could it have been you? I also saw your wife walking about 30m behind you
This guy is awesome.... Keep up the "bloody" good work Kai.
Nice! You didn't break it this time! Been waiting for this review since that time you broke one. :D
There is the 35mm - 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Nikkor Lens for under $200 ($196 at Adorama).
The 50mm can be obtained for around $200 in either FX or DX format (both flavors are f/1.8) - just Google 50mm Nikon lens.
Good luck on finding a low light performer that is a zoom for under $300. You can get an off brand but don't expect to get a max aperture lower than f/4.
Finally an awesome review!
Ive got one too,Itz almost perfect,very sharp wide open,almost no vingetting;less than the 2.8 version.cheap,light,small,built like a german tiger tank.
if I were to shoot hd with this camera,I should get the exact same quality as the camera you use for your videos?
What about the other 300 f2.8 II L super tele lens ? make a review out of it !!
I'd like to see that DR review as well. While we're at it, add to the list a 24-70mm Shootout. Nikon vs. Canon vs. Sigma - they all have them, but I daresay that the Sigma is the better of the three.
Most of my wildlife photography buds have this lens and the shots that producer are amazing..very fast focus too
Can you do a video comparison of this lens vs the 400mm L without IS .. IS is not that big of a deal to me but I'm worried about image quality since the latter is constructed of 7 elements only vs 15 in the former.
Cheers!!
wow this was a really good episode!
I would like to see a test comparison between this lens and the 400 f/5.6.
I want to see SL1 with this lens. Should be fun review
the shots looked nice. Like the compresed looked
how about Canon 400mm F5.6 L which is even cheaper and has longer focal lenght?
For all of you watching and commenting:
This is the 300mm f/4L IS USM. It HAS IS!
I'm sure they made a typo writing, the non-IS version is discontinued in certin countries already and you can only buy the IS version, the non-IS is a great lens though. You can see in the video the IS switch and even him in the beginning says it is IS.
So stop complaining about canon not providing a IS version... I mean, if you google canon 300 f4 the one that appears is the IS one, how can someone complain if you don't even do your research?? It means you are just people trying to pretend you know about photography...
Ok, but how about comparing it side by side to other options like a cheap 70-300 zoom, a mid-range 100-400 zoom and the 300 2.8? SHOW us the size, cost and IQ differences.
I kept wishing Kai would drop the whole kit in the water when he was discussing it's weather sealing.
Could you do a 100mm ef f2 TELEPHOTO (not macro) review? I'd like to compare it to the 85mm ef and the 70-200 f4 tele.
It's for the lens not to get hot in the sun because white reflects light and black absorbs ( makes sense )... and of course marketing as well
Have you looked at the Tamron 70-300 VC? It's a really great lens with an amazing VC. 1 out of 3 times I got a tack sharp photo 300mm at 1/8 sec (I'm an archer....) On Photozone the sharpness test is higher than this canon prime. It's cheap too.
I enjoy your videos!
Are you saying he is a Nikon fanboy?
What kind microphone do you use for the DSLR Mark III
The most thing I Liked in this video is your back bag
can i know the name for this please?
subscribers won't go down Kai, we're dirtier than you think
Really, I like the "reviews" but common, I think the rubbing your lens thing could stop at one point... ;-)
Canon 70D?
actually telephoto is a lens design and has nothing to do with focal length, it just happens to be that long focal length lenses are typically telephoto designs
You know Kai's serious when he's in the studio doing the narration...
Review the Nikon 70-200 f/4. It's a really great piece of consumer glass!
You should do some more review videos of old equipment!
haha this episode was brilliant! Loving the sniper action!
This one is my first time to see you using lace on the camera.
70-200mm f/4 IS or 300mm f/4L?
Would really like to see DR review a Sigma 300/2.8 prime!
Hei Kay, are going to Test the Canon 400mm f/5.6 too? it seems to bee a very good and cheap Wildlife Lens..
I've been waiting for this since the lens cup
You should do a review of the new go pro
Was this filmed in the Sha Tin district?
Yeah but the Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 is only about 449 $ and the Sigma EX 70-200 (or Tamron 70-200) are both f/2.8 and about 1200-1500 $
Id rather choose the 70-200 f/2.8 for 1200 $ than the 300mm f/4 for 1500 $
If you absolutely have to need 300mm (the difference from 200-300 is really not that much) you cann still use an 1,5x Teleconverter (but i'd stay with 200mm)
Its not a bad lense (dont get me wrong), i just really dont see the use-case for a fixed 300mm f/4 for that price
The hood screw at the end, twist and is secure!
Mine had the blades stick and at f4 was fantastic even with 2.0 converter, but I did send it for repair and now the autofocus need some help ,not good for BIF then
Friends what is the difference between 70-300mm and just 300 mm lens. . Which one is better suitable for all occasion ?
It's for the lens not to get hot in the sun because white reflects light and black absorbs... and of course marketing as well
Im thinking Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM or Canon 300mm f/4L USM which one better??
Did canon buy DigitalRev TV?
0:06 no paddling? as in Kayaking/canoeing or does it mean something else in British english?
Excellent excellent vid guys.
Could you maybe fix the title and also add IS into it? There is also a non-IS version of this lens.
Marketing. It's a trademark now. You can look through the photographer's pit at any sporting event, and you can easily tell the Canon ones from the others.
Similarly, Nikon puts a gold ring around the front edge of their higher end lenses. Sigma does a red band.
Can you do portraits with this?
Good video review!
I'm sorry you feel that way but I can't see the point of hiding my honest opinion. I like Photozone.de's reviews generally but you can't beat hands on experience. I've used a couple of these lenses for years and they are exceptionally good.
can you make a vid, about the 400 f5,6 also.
PLEASE review the sigma 18-35 f1.8 !!
Good review
The sniper scene was the best part, but you probably liked the boring camera talk,lol.
Does it come with a F-Mount?