Lens · prime
Canon FD 300mm f/4 L
Canon · from 1978
Canon FD 300mm f/4 L: 7 elements in 7 groups, 9 aperture blades, 3m minimum focus, 34mm filter thread, 1060g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD300mm f/4L (December 1978); New FD300mm f/4L (May 1980).
- Focal length
- 300mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 7
Known for
- Wildlife
- Sports
- Nature
- Travel telephoto
Considerations
- f/4 limits low light
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Excellent professional rendering
Rendering: Outstanding sharpness
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD 300mm f/4L (breech-lock)
1978-1980
Chrome breech-lock ring
7 elements in 7 groups, 1,235 g
New FD 300mm f/4L
1980-1989
All-black, red L ring
7 elements in 7 groups, two UD elements, rear focusing, 1,060 g
Two UD glass elements, rear focusing and a vari-pitch focusing system (Canon Camera Museum). The breech-lock version (December 1978) weighs 1,235g; the New FD (May 1980) 1,060g.
Common issues
- Front element scratches
- Tripod collar wear
- Focus mechanism
Buying guide
Check the front element condition and test focus throughout the range.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 300mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 |
| Min Focus | 3m |
| Filter Size | 34mm |
| Weight | 1060g |
Optical design
| Formula | Telephoto |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 7 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
| Special | Two UD glass elements |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £350 - £600
- Mint
- ~£800
Indicative, no dated source.