Canon EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM User manual

EF300mm F2.8L IS USM
EF400mm F2.8L IS USM
EF500mm F4L IS USM
EF600mm F4L IS USM
Instructions

ENG-1
Thank you for purchasing this Canon IS USM lens.
Features
1. Use of fluorite and UD lens elements giving
highly superior definition.
2. Dual mode image stabilizer with up to two-stop
shutter speed conversion.
3. USM for fast, quiet focusing.
4. Manual focusing available in autofocusing mode.
5. Can be used with EF1.4×II or EF2×II extenders.
6. An AF stop button to pause AF functions
whenever desired.
7. A focus preset function for advance storage of
focusing positions in memory to allow
instantaneous focusing.
8. Tight seal structure ensures excellent dust-proof
and drip-proof performance.
9. Lightweight design using magnesium alloy for the
main casing components.
Canon’s EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF400mm f/2.8L
IS USM, EF500mm f/4L IS USM and EF600mm
f/4L IS USM are high-performance super-telephoto
lenses, for use with EOS cameras. They are
equipped with an image stabilizer effective for
hand-held shooting at slow shutter speeds.
●“IS” stands for Image Stabilizer.
●“USM” stands for Ultrasonic Motor.
aHandling Cautions
If the lens is taken from a cold environment into a
warm one, condensation may develop on the lens
surface and internal parts. To prevent condensation in
this case, first put the lens into an airtight plastic bag
before taking it from a cold to warm environment. Then
take out the lens after it has warmed gradually. Do the
same when taking the lens from a warm environment into
a cold one.
Conventions used in this instruction
Warning to prevent lens or camera malfunction
or damage.
Supplementary notes on using the lens and
taking pictures.

ENG-2
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the
interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital
Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Industry Canada.
aSafety Precautions
aSafety Precautions
1. Do not look at the sun or a bright light source
through the lens or camera. Doing so could result in
loss of vision. Looking at the sun directly through the
lens is especially hazardous.
2. Whether it is attached to the camera or not, do not
leave the lens under the sun without the lens cap
attached. This is to prevent the lens from concentrating
the sun’s rays, which could cause a fire.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Do not make any changes or modifications to the equipment
unless otherwise specified in the instructions. If such changes or
modifications should be made, you could be required to stop
operation of the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
Attaching the strap
Thread the end of the strap through the strap holder on
the lens and then back through the buckle on the strap.
Pull the strap tight and check that there is no slack in
the buckle.
C

ENG-3
Nomenclature
2.5m
AF MF
2.5m 6.4m
6.4m
STABILIZER
STABILIZER
SET
MODE
FOCUS PRESET
1 2
CANON
LENS
CANON
LENS
EF
32
20
10
70
30
32
300mm
1:2.8L
IS U
MADE IN
JAPAN
Distance scale (→13)
Orientation lock knob (→14)
Strap holder (→2)
Focus mode switch (→5)
Contacts (→4)
Lens mount index (→14)
Drop-in filter (→16)
Image stabilizer mode selector switch (→10)
Focus preset switch (→8)
Focusing range selection switch (→5)
Tripod mount (→14)
Focus preset button (→8)
Image stabilizer switch (→10)
Rubber ring (→4)
AF stop button
(→6)
Hood mount (→15)
Focus recall ring
(→9)
Focusing ring (→5)
●The illustrations used in the explanations in this manual show the EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM, but
the EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM, the EF500mm f/4L IS USM, and the EF600mm f/4L IS USM are all
used in the same way.
●For detailed information, reference page numbers are provided in parentheses (→ **).

ENG-4
See your camera’s instructions for details on
mounting and detaching the lens.
1. Mounting and Detaching the Lens
●After detaching the lens, place the lens with the
rear end up to prevent the lens surface and
contacts from getting scratched.
●If the contacts get soiled, scratched, or have
fingerprints on them, corrosion or faulty
connections can result. The camera and lens
may not operate properly.
●If the contacts get soiled or have fingerprints on
them, clean them with a soft cloth.
●If you remove the lens, cover it with the dust
cap. To attach it properly, align the lens mount
index and the index of the dust cap as shown
in the diagram, and turn clockwise. To remove it,
reverse the order.
The lens mount has a rubber ring for enhanced
water- and dust-resistance. The rubber ring may
cause slight abrasions around the camera’s lens
mount, but this will not cause any problems. If the
rubber ring becomes worn, it is replaceable by a
Canon Service Center at cost.

ENG-5
To shoot in autofocus mode, set the focus mode
switch to AF.
To use only manual focusing, set the focus
mode switch to MF, and focus by turning the
focusing ring.
2. Setting the Focus
Mode
AF
STABILIZER
MF
3. Switching the
Focusing Range
The focusing range can be selected by this
switch to suit the shooting situation. This can
reduce the time needed for autofocusing.
2.5m
AF MF
2.5m 6.4m
6.4m
Lens Ranges
2.5 m/8.2 ft. – ∞
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM 2.5 m/8.2 ft. – 6.4 m/21.0 ft.
6.4 m/21.0 ft. – ∞
3 m/9.8 ft. – ∞
EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM 3 m/9.8 ft. – 10 m/32.8 ft.
10 m/32.8 ft. – ∞
4.5 m/14.8 ft. – ∞
EF500mm f/4L IS USM 4.5 m/14.8 ft. – 10 m/32.8 ft.
10 m/32.8 ft. – ∞
5.5 m/18.0 ft. – ∞
EF600mm f/4L IS USM 5.5 m/18.0 ft. – 16.2 m/53.2 ft.
16.2 m/53.2 ft. – ∞

ENG-6
Switching the focusing range
●Before switching the focusing range, turn the
focusing ring to select a focusing distance
somewhere within the desired range.
●If you do not set the lens to a focusing distance
that is within the selected focusing range,
autofocusing may stop when it reaches the
range boundary. This is not a fault. If it happens,
press the shutter button halfway down again.
4. AF Stop Button
During autofocus operation, you can press the
AF stop button to temporarily pause autofocus.
If the shutter button is still pressed halfway
when the AF stop button is released,
autofocusing will continue as before.
The AF stop function also works in AI SERVO AF
mode.

ENG-7
AF Stop Button
●The AF stop function cannot be used with the
EOS EF-M on manual focus cameras.
●On the EOS 630/600, EOS RT, EOS A2/A2E/5
or EOS10S/10, if the AF mode is set to AI
SERVO AF and film winding is set for
continuous shooting, autofocusing will not
resume when you release the AF stop button. To
resume autofocusing, release the shutter button
and then press it halfway down again.
●When sport mode is selected on the
EOS A2/A2E/5 or EOS10S/10, autofocus will not
work when the AF stop button is released.
Release the shutter button and press it halfway
down again to resume autofocus.
5. Focusing Ring
The focusing ring always works, regardless of
the focus mode.
●After autofocusing in ONE SHOT AF mode, focus
manually by pressing the shutter button halfway and
turning the focusing ring. (Full-time manual focusing)

ENG-8
6. Focus Preset
If a particular focusing position is stored in the lens’s memory, the focus can be set instantly to the
stored position, even when pictures are being taken of other subjects. This feature can be used in
both AF and MF focus modes.
< Storing a Focus Position >
Press the focus preset
button. The focusing position
is now stored in the memory.
●If the focus preset switch is
set to , the electronic tone,
“pip” will sound.
Press the shutter button
halfway and set the focus to
the position you want to
store in the lens’s memory.
Set the focus preset switch
to or .
STABILIZER
SET
MODE
FOCUS PRESET
12
STABILIZER
SET
MODE
FOCUS PRESET
12

ENG-9
Focus Preset
●Release the shutter button when you turn the
focus recall ring. If the AF mode is set to ONE
SHOT AF, the exposure setting locks when you
press the shutter button halfway. Consequently,
the exposure may not be set correctly if you are
holding the shutter button halfway down as you
turn the focus recall ring.
●If you are not going to use the focus preset, set
the focus preset switch to .
Rotate the focus recall ring
right or left and then press
the shutter button fully to
take the picture.
●The focus is set to the preset
position.
●If the focus preset switch is
set to , the camera emits
two short beeps when it has
focussed.
< Recalling a focus Position >
In the following situations, the distance scale may
move slightly left or right for a moment. This will not
affect the photographed image.
• When you press the focus preset button.
• When you turn the focus recall ring.

ENG-10
STABILIZER
STABILIZER
MODE
12
Press the shutter button
down halfway to check the
stabilization.
●Make sure the image in the
viewfinder is stable, then
press the shutter button all
the way down to take
pictures.
7. Image Stabilizer
You can use the image stabilizer in AF or MF mode.
Set the image stabilizer
switch to (on).
●If you are not going to use the
image stabilizer function, set
the switch to (off).
Select the stabilizer mode.
●Select MODE 1 for standard
photography. MODE 1
corrects all vibrations no
matter whether the camera is
being held horizontally,
vertically, or at an angle.
●To pan a moving subject,
select MODE 2.
MODE 2 corrects vibrations
and shaking only in the
direction at right angles to the
camera’s panning movement.
STABILIZER
MODE
FOCUS PRESET
12

ENG-11
8.Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer
qIn semi-darkened areas such as indoors or
outdoors at night.
wIn locations where flash photography is
prohibited, such as art museums and theater
stages.
eIn situations where fast shutter settings
cannot be used.
rIn situations where your footing is uncertain.
qWhen panning subjects in motion.
wWhen following subjects that are moving
erratically.
*We recommend MODE 1 for all other situations.
●MODE 1 ●MODE 2
(OFF)
(ON)
(OFF)
(ON)
The image stabilizer is particularly effective for hand-held shots in the following conditions.

ENG-12
●Set the image stabilizer switch to (off) when
you are taking pictures with a tripod.
* Even if the image stabilizer switch is set to
(on), the IS function does not operate because
the electronic circuits in the lens automatically
detect that a tripod is being used. However,
because electrical power is still being supplied
to the image stabilizer unit, the number of
available shots is roughly 20% fewer than it
would be with the switch set to (off).
●The image stabilizer is equally effective for
hand-held photography and photography with a
monopod.
●Set the image stabilizer switch to (off) when
you are taking pictures using the Bulb setting
(long exposures). If the image stabilizer switch is
set to (on), the image stabilizer function may
introduce errors.
●The image stabilizer may not be fully effective in
the following situations:
• Panning with large camera movements in
MODE 1.
• Taking pictures from a moving object such as a
vehicle in MODE 1.
• Taking pictures other than panning shots in
MODE 2.
Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer
●The image stabilizer function operates normally
with EOS cameras launched since the fall of
1993 (EOS REBEL XS/500, EOS-1N/DP/HS/RS,
EOS ELAN IIE/50E, EOS REBEL G/500 N, EOS
5000/888, EOS IX, EOS IX Lite/IX 7 and EOS-3)
when the extender EF2×II is used in
conjunction with the EF500mm f/4L IS USM or
the EF600mm f/4L IS USM, but not with EOS
cameras launched before that time (EOS650,
EOS620, EOS 630/600, EOS RT, EOS 700,
EOS750, EOS850, EOS-1, EOS A2/A2E/5,
EOS10S/10, EOS ELAN/100,
EOS REBEL S/REBEL/1000F/1000,
EOS REBEL SII/REBEL II/1000FN/1000N).
●The image stabilizer function will not operate in
self-timer photography with the EOS-1V/HS,
EOS-3, EOS ELAN 7E/7/EOS 30/33,
EOS ELAN7NE/ELAN7N/EOS30V/33V,
EOS ELAN IIE/50E, EOS REBEL 2000/300,
EOS IX and EOS D30.
●The image stabilizer operates for about two
seconds even when your finger is off the shutter
button. Do not remove the lens while the
stabilizer is in operation. This will cause a
malfunction.

ENG-13
●The image stabilizer function also operates
when the lens is used with an EF12 II or EF25 II
extension tube.
●If you set the camera’s Custom Function to
change the assigned button to operate the AF,
the image stabilizer will operate when you press
the newly assigned AF button.
9. Infinity Distance Mark
To compensate for shifting of the infinity focus
point that results from changes in temperature.
The infinity position at normal temperature is the
point at which the vertical line of the L mark is
aligned with the distance indicator on the
distance scale.
Tips on Using the Image Stabilizer
32 32
ft
m
70
20
30
10
The numbers on each side of the focusing distance
indicator show the depth of field if the aperture is
set to f/32.
For accurate manual focusing on subjects at infinity
distance, look through the viewfinder while rotating
the focusing ring.

ENG-14
10. Using the Tripod Mount
Adjusting the Tripod Mount
Loosening the orientation lock knob on the tripod mount allows you to turn the lens and camera freely.
This is useful when you want to switch the camera between landscape and portrait positions while it is
mounted on a tripod. Once you have set the camera to the desired position, tighten the lock knob
firmly.
Detaching theTripod Mount (EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM only)
First remove the lens from the camera and then remove the tripod mount from the lens as shown
below. To attach the tripod mount, reverse the procedure.
Align the red mark on the
tripod mount with the lens
mount index.
●Rotate the tripod mount to
align the red marks.
Loosen the orientation lock
knob. Move the tripod mount towards the back of the
lens.

ENG-15
11. Hood
The special hoods that come with all these
lenses cut out unwanted light and protect the
front of the lens from rain, snow, and dust.
To attach the hood, loosen the hood lock knob
by turning it counterclockwise. Fit the hood onto
the lens’s hood mount, and tighten the lock knob
to fix it in place. Use the same procedure, in
reverse, to remove the hood.
12. Case
When putting the lens into its case, reverse the
lens hood, slip it over the lens, and attach the
lens cap. Then position the tripod mount straight
upwards and lay the lens into the case so that it
fits snugly into the compartment.
When carrying the lens, fasten the black straps
inside the case to hold the lens in place, and lock
the case.

ENG-16
A52-series drop-in gelatin filter holder with a
glass filter is installed as standard equipment on
each lens. The drop-in filter is used fitted with a
gelatin filter (sold separately).
13. Drop-In Filters
14mm
14mm
47mm
47mm
<Removing and Installing the Drop-in Filter>
To remove the drop-in filter, press in the left and
right lock buttons and pull the filter holder
straight up out of the slot.
To install the drop-in filter, push the filter holder
straight down into the slot until it clicks into place.
●The filter holder can be installed facing either
forwards or backwards.
Trim the gelatin filter as shown in the figure
above.
Lift up the holder’s retaining plate.
Mount the gelatin filter in the holder.
Return the retaining plate to its closed
position.
<Fitting the Gelatin Filter>
The Drop-In Screw-Type Filter Holder 52 and Drop-
In Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C52 are also
available (sold separately).
Because the lens optics are designed to include a
glass filter, you must always install the filter holder,
even if no gelatin filter is fitted.

ENG-17
14. Extenders (sold separately)
The tables below show the specifications for each lens when it is used with an EF1.4×II or
EF2×II extender.
Focal length (mm)
Aperture Diagonal
Angle of view Vertical
Horizontal
Max. magnification (×)
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF1.4×II EF2×II
420 600
f/4 – 45 f/5.6 – 64
6° 10’ 4° 10’
3° 20’ 2° 20’
5° 3°30’
0.19 0.28
EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF1.4×II EF2×II
560 800
f/4 – 45 f/5.6 – 64
4° 25’ 3° 5’
2° 25’ 1° 40’
3° 40’ 2° 35’
0.22 0.31
Focal length (mm)
Aperture Diagonal
Angle of view Vertical
Horizontal
Max. magnification (×)
EF500mm f/4L IS USM
EF1.4×II EF2×II
700 1000
f/5.6 – 45 f/8 – 64
3° 30’ 2° 30’
2° 1° 20’
3° 2°
0.17 0.25
EF600mm f/4L IS USM
EF1.4×II EF2×II
840 1200
f/5.6 – 45 f/8 – 64
3° 2°
1° 40’ 1° 10’
2° 30’ 1° 40’
0.17 0.24

●When using the EF500mm f/4L IS USM or the
EF600mm f/4L IS USM with the EF2×II
extender, set the focus mode to MF. With the
EOS-1V/HS, EOS-3, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-
1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II or
EOS-1D cameras, auto-focusing is only effective
for the central focusing point.
●When taking pictures on an EOS 5 using an
EF1.4×II or EF2×II extender with the
EF500mm f/4L IS USM or the EF600mm f/4L IS
USM lens, use the exposure compensation
values shown in the table below.
●Extenders cannot be used more than one at a
time.
ENG-18
Extenders (sold separately) 15.
Extension tube (sold separately)
The tables below show the photographic range
and magnification when each lens is used with
an EF12 II or EF25 II extension tube.
Photographic range (mm) Magnification (×)
Close distance Long distance Close distance Long distance
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF12 II 2016 7561 0.18 0.04
EF25 II 1687 3731 0.24 0.09
EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF12 II 2602 13633 0.19 0.03
EF25 II 2314 6974 0.23 0.06
EF500mm f/4L IS USM
EF12 II 3856 21193 0.15 0.03
EF25 II 3391 10778 0.18 0.05
EF600mm f/4L IS USM
EF12 II 4777 29195 0.14 0.02
EF25 II 4182 13944 0.17 0.05
Autofocusing slows down when the lens is used
with an extender, in order to maintain the precision
of autofocus control.
EF1.4×II EF2×II
Evaluative metering -0.5 step -1 step
Center-weighted average metering -0.5 step -1 step
Spot metering — -0.5 step

ENG-19
Specifications
EF300mm f/2.8L IS USM EF400mm f/2.8L IS USM
Image Size 24 ×36 mm
Focal Length/Aperture 300 mm f/2.8 400 mm f/2.8
Lens Construction 13 groups, 17 elements 13 groups, 17 elements
Minimum Aperture f/32 f/32
Angle of View Diagonal: 8° 15’ Diagonal: 6° 10’
Vertical: 4° 35’ Vertical: 3° 30’
Horizontal: 6° 50’ Horizontal: 5° 10’
Min. Focusing Distance 2.5 m/8.2 ft. 3 m/9.8 ft.
Max. Magnification 0.13×0.15×
Field of View Approx. 176 ×264 mm/ Approx. 155 ×233 mm/
6.9 ×10.4 inch (at 2.5 m/8.2 ft.) 6.1 ×9.2 inch (at 3 m/9.8 ft.)
Filter Any 52-series drop-in filter
Max. Diameter and Length 128 ×252 mm/5.0 ×9.9 inch 163 ×349 mm/6.4 ×13.7 inch
Weight 2550 g/90.0 oz* 5370 g/189.4 oz
Hood ET-120 ET-155
Lens Cap E-145 E-180C
Case Lens case 300 Lens case 400
* Without removable tripod mount. (2690 g/94.9 oz including tripod mount)
●The lens length is measured from the mount surface to the front end of the lens. Add
26,5 mm when including the lens cap and dust cap.
●The size and weight listed are for the lens only, except as indicated.
●Aperture settings are specified on the camera.
●All data listed is measured according to Canon standards.
●Product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.