Lens · prime
Canon FD 300mm f/2.8 L
Canon · from 1981
Rare35mm
Canon FD 300mm f/2.8 L: 9 elements in 7 groups, 9 aperture blades, 3m minimum focus, 48mm filter thread, 2310g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD300mm f/2.8 S.S.C. fluorite (October 1975); New FD300mm f/2.8L (April 1981).
- Focal length
- 300mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 9 / 7
Known for
- Sports
- Wildlife
- Professional events
- Action
Considerations
- Very heavy (2.3kg)
- Requires tripod or monopod
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)5, level 5 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance5, level 5 of 5
CA control5, level 5 of 5
Vignetting control4, level 4 of 5
Distortion control5, level 5 of 5
Bokeh: Exceptional professional rendering
Rendering: Outstanding sharpness and contrast
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Common issues
- Fluorite elements can develop issues
- Tripod collar wear
- Focus ring stiffness
Buying guide
Check the fluorite and UD elements for condition and test the focusing mechanism.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Min Focus | 3m |
| Filter Size | 48mm |
| Weight | 2310g |
Optical design
| Formula | Telephoto |
| Elements | 9 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
| Special | One fluorite and one UD element |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £800 - £1500
- Mint
- ~£2000
Indicative, no dated source.