At one-third the size and weight of typical 600mm DSLR lenses, the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens (600mm equivalent) is nimble enough for hand-held shooting and compact enough to carry on expeditions. Industry-first 5-Axis Sync IS technology employs in-body and in-lens stabilization to deliver six steps of shutter compensation. The in-lens stabilization on the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens works with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization in OM-D cameras to deliver an astounding 6 shutter steps of performance, ensuring crisp, clear telephoto images, even off tripod. Explore unique angles like low-to-the-ground macros and overhead nature shots. Sync IS also enables the fastest, most high-precision AF in its class, which includes 600mm equivalent DSLR lenses. Whether your photographic passion is wildlife, sports or mega-events like stadium concerts, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO puts you right in the middle of the action with amazing results.
At one-third the size and weight of typical 600mm DSLR lenses, the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens (600mm equivalent) is nimble enough for hand-held shooting and compact enough to carry on expeditions. Industry-first 5-Axis Sync IS technology employs in-body and in-lens stabilization to deliver six steps of shutter compensation. The in-lens stabilization on the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens works with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization in OM-D cameras to deliver an astounding 6 shutter steps of performance, ensuring crisp, clear telephoto images, even off tripod. Explore unique angles like low-to-the-ground macros and overhead nature shots. Sync IS also enables the fastest, most high-precision AF in its class, which includes 600mm equivalent DSLR lenses. Whether your photographic passion is wildlife, sports or mega-events like stadium concerts, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO puts you right in the middle of the action with amazing results.
At one-third the size and weight of typical 600mm DSLR lenses, the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens (600mm equivalent) is nimble enough for hand-held shooting and compact enough to carry on expeditions. Industry-first 5-Axis Sync IS technology employs in-body and in-lens stabilization to deliver six steps of shutter compensation. The in-lens stabilization on the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens works with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization in OM-D cameras to deliver an astounding 6 shutter steps of performance, ensuring crisp, clear telephoto images, even off tripod. Explore unique angles like low-to-the-ground macros and overhead nature shots. Sync IS also enables the fastest, most high-precision AF in its class, which includes 600mm equivalent DSLR lenses. Whether your photographic passion is wildlife, sports or mega-events like stadium concerts, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO puts you right in the middle of the action with amazing results.
At one-third the size and weight of typical 600mm DSLR lenses, the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens (600mm equivalent) is nimble enough for hand-held shooting and compact enough to carry on expeditions. Industry-first 5-Axis Sync IS technology employs in-body and in-lens stabilization to deliver six steps of shutter compensation. The in-lens stabilization on the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens works with the 5-Axis Image Stabilization in OM-D cameras to deliver an astounding 6 shutter steps of performance, ensuring crisp, clear telephoto images, even off tripod. Explore unique angles like low-to-the-ground macros and overhead nature shots. Sync IS also enables the fastest, most high-precision AF in its class, which includes 600mm equivalent DSLR lenses. Whether your photographic passion is wildlife, sports or mega-events like stadium concerts, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f4.0 IS PRO puts you right in the middle of the action with amazing results.
Last updated at 08/25/2026 00:11:45
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens
Free delivery between 31 Aug – 7 Sept
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens
Delivery $30.90
Brand New Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO Lens
Free delivery
originally posted on lensrentals.com
I was seriously considering buying a relatively expensive lens, but was reluctant to actually purchasing it without getting some good hands-on experience with it. Renting the lens was the perfect opportunity to obtain this information. I would highly recommend this service to anybody who is facing a similar situation. The entire order and return process was very simple. The lens was packaged securely ensuring no damage to it.
originally posted on lensrentals.com
I rented this lens alongside the Leica 100-400 and an E-M1 III body to test out for birding. TL;DR: I ended up doing the keeper program and buying the 300mm from Lensrentals (great experience). Better image quality and stabilization won out over the convenience of zoom.[Condition] - both lenses came in near perfect condition. Glass is clean, no scuffing or noticeable wear. It came packed in a padded lens bag inside a Pelican case - kudos for taking such great care of the lenses :D[Build quality] - The 300 f/4 is a joy to use - build quality is excellent, focus ring is buttery smooth, and having a fn button on the lens is very useful. It's weighted perfectly with the E-M1 III. I like that the entire tripod collar comes off to reduce the weight and make it easier to ... MoreI rented this lens alongside the Leica 100-400 and an E-M1 III body to test out for birding. TL;DR: I ended up doing the keeper program and buying the 300mm from Lensrentals (great experience). Better image quality and stabilization won out over the convenience of zoom.[Condition] - both lenses came in near perfect condition. Glass is clean, no scuffing or noticeable wear. It came packed in a padded lens bag inside a Pelican case - kudos for taking such great care of the lenses :D[Build quality] - The 300 f/4 is a joy to use - build quality is excellent, focus ring is buttery smooth, and having a fn button on the lens is very useful. It's weighted perfectly with the E-M1 III. I like that the entire tripod collar comes off to reduce the weight and make it easier to hand-hold. The integrated hood is really nice to have too (if a little fussy). The Leica's build quality is excellent too, but it's missing some of the quality of life features like the fn button and fully removable tripod collar. Focus was nearly instant on both, but it's nice to have the third position of the focus limiter switch on the Olympus.[Image quality] Both the Leica and Olympus produce beautiful photos in good light *IF* you can fill the frame. The difference in the two lenses is painfully obvious once you have to crop in (and with birding, you do). The main reason I went with the 300 was the fact that I could crop in a lot more with the Olympus than I could with the Leica and still get consistently sharper and more usable images, even with the Leica out at 400mm. In not-so-great conditions, the extra 2 stops of light the 300 F/4 gives you (vs 6.3 at the long end of the Leica) are pretty important considering the small sensor and the compromises that come with that. Bokeh on the Olympus is beautiful, and very nice on the Leica, but F/4 in the Olympus makes it easier to get a lot of separation than F/6.3 in the Leica.[Zoom vs prime] - Zoom is definitely more convenient, easier to transport, fits in more bags when collapsed, and in those seemingly rare instances where there's a large bird close to you and you can't move position, you have more options than "guess I have to change lenses." Primes don't require the extra action of extending the lens, and are generally brighter and sharper (and have nicer bokeh).[Image stabilization] Since I'm using this rig mostly for birding, and I kind of hate tripods, all the help I can get is appreciated when trying to keep a fast moving small object in frame. The image stabilization was a lot better with the E-M1 III/300 than the E-M1 III/Leica. There was a point where I was in a car shooting at a Scrub Jay, and the Olympus combo actually corrected for the vibration of the car, where the Leica didn't (meaning I had 30 in-focus shots to choose from with the Oly and one lucky clear one with the Leica). I generally had a slightly higher in-focus keeper rate with the Olympus than I did with the Leica in a variety of conditions.[Teleconverter] The Olympus can take one, the Leica can't (only the Leica 200 and 50-200 can). I rented the TC1.4 and TC2.0 for the Olympus. They helped with framing in the field, but when I did a critical test on a tripod in controlled lighting, the results were really strange. The loss in image quality meant that when I cropped in on the same object at the same apparent size with and without the teleconverter, the image without the TC was actually sharper (even though I had to crop in more). I decided not to buy either teleconverter. Unfortunately I realized this too late, so all the attached images are with either the 1.4 or 2.0, but they were all close enough that I didn't have to crop a whole lot.[Price] - Rack rate of the Leica is a thousand dollars less than the Olympus, but buying it used evened the playing field a bit. The discount from Lensrentals made it too compelling to pass up.Overall, I'm extremely happy with this lens and the rental/buying process.
originally posted on lensrentals.com
The LensRentals guys are true professionals in every sense. They have clearly thought out all the steps in the rental process with the customer's convenience and enjoyment foremost in their very thorough preparation. My goodness, they even included packing tape for the return! The lens performed beautifully and the technical advice I received regarding its use (and a teleconverter) were spot-on -- the LensRental people were very knowledgeable about the lens' capabilities and performance. I was very pleased, with everything and I would give 6 stars for every category if I could!! Thank you, LensRentals!!
| General | |
| Length | 22.7 cm - 28 cm |
| Diameter | 9.25 cm |
| Weight | 1.27 kg |
| Lens System |
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens
Free delivery between 31 Aug – 7 Sept
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4 IS PRO Lens
Delivery $30.90
Brand New Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 300mm F4 IS PRO Lens
Free delivery
I was seriously considering buying a relatively expensive lens, but was reluctant to actually purchasing it without getting some good hands-on experience with it. Renting the lens was the perfect opportunity to obtain this information. I would highly recommend this service to anybody who is facing a similar situation. The entire order and return process was very simple. The lens was packaged securely ensuring no damage to it.
I rented this lens alongside the Leica 100-400 and an E-M1 III body to test out for birding. TL;DR: I ended up doing the keeper program and buying the 300mm from Lensrentals (great experience). Better image quality and stabilization won out over the convenience of zoom.[Condition] - both lenses came in near perfect condition. Glass is clean, no scuffing or noticeable wear. It came packed in a padded lens bag inside a Pelican case - kudos for taking such great care of the lenses :D[Build quality] - The 300 f/4 is a joy to use - build quality is excellent, focus ring is buttery smooth, and having a fn button on the lens is very useful. It's weighted perfectly with the E-M1 III. I like that the entire tripod collar comes off to reduce the weight and make it easier to ... MoreI rented this lens alongside the Leica 100-400 and an E-M1 III body to test out for birding. TL;DR: I ended up doing the keeper program and buying the 300mm from Lensrentals (great experience). Better image quality and stabilization won out over the convenience of zoom.[Condition] - both lenses came in near perfect condition. Glass is clean, no scuffing or noticeable wear. It came packed in a padded lens bag inside a Pelican case - kudos for taking such great care of the lenses :D[Build quality] - The 300 f/4 is a joy to use - build quality is excellent, focus ring is buttery smooth, and having a fn button on the lens is very useful. It's weighted perfectly with the E-M1 III. I like that the entire tripod collar comes off to reduce the weight and make it easier to hand-hold. The integrated hood is really nice to have too (if a little fussy). The Leica's build quality is excellent too, but it's missing some of the quality of life features like the fn button and fully removable tripod collar. Focus was nearly instant on both, but it's nice to have the third position of the focus limiter switch on the Olympus.[Image quality] Both the Leica and Olympus produce beautiful photos in good light *IF* you can fill the frame. The difference in the two lenses is painfully obvious once you have to crop in (and with birding, you do). The main reason I went with the 300 was the fact that I could crop in a lot more with the Olympus than I could with the Leica and still get consistently sharper and more usable images, even with the Leica out at 400mm. In not-so-great conditions, the extra 2 stops of light the 300 F/4 gives you (vs 6.3 at the long end of the Leica) are pretty important considering the small sensor and the compromises that come with that. Bokeh on the Olympus is beautiful, and very nice on the Leica, but F/4 in the Olympus makes it easier to get a lot of separation than F/6.3 in the Leica.[Zoom vs prime] - Zoom is definitely more convenient, easier to transport, fits in more bags when collapsed, and in those seemingly rare instances where there's a large bird close to you and you can't move position, you have more options than "guess I have to change lenses." Primes don't require the extra action of extending the lens, and are generally brighter and sharper (and have nicer bokeh).[Image stabilization] Since I'm using this rig mostly for birding, and I kind of hate tripods, all the help I can get is appreciated when trying to keep a fast moving small object in frame. The image stabilization was a lot better with the E-M1 III/300 than the E-M1 III/Leica. There was a point where I was in a car shooting at a Scrub Jay, and the Olympus combo actually corrected for the vibration of the car, where the Leica didn't (meaning I had 30 in-focus shots to choose from with the Oly and one lucky clear one with the Leica). I generally had a slightly higher in-focus keeper rate with the Olympus than I did with the Leica in a variety of conditions.[Teleconverter] The Olympus can take one, the Leica can't (only the Leica 200 and 50-200 can). I rented the TC1.4 and TC2.0 for the Olympus. They helped with framing in the field, but when I did a critical test on a tripod in controlled lighting, the results were really strange. The loss in image quality meant that when I cropped in on the same object at the same apparent size with and without the teleconverter, the image without the TC was actually sharper (even though I had to crop in more). I decided not to buy either teleconverter. Unfortunately I realized this too late, so all the attached images are with either the 1.4 or 2.0, but they were all close enough that I didn't have to crop a whole lot.[Price] - Rack rate of the Leica is a thousand dollars less than the Olympus, but buying it used evened the playing field a bit. The discount from Lensrentals made it too compelling to pass up.Overall, I'm extremely happy with this lens and the rental/buying process.
The LensRentals guys are true professionals in every sense. They have clearly thought out all the steps in the rental process with the customer's convenience and enjoyment foremost in their very thorough preparation. My goodness, they even included packing tape for the return! The lens performed beautifully and the technical advice I received regarding its use (and a teleconverter) were spot-on -- the LensRental people were very knowledgeable about the lens' capabilities and performance. I was very pleased, with everything and I would give 6 stars for every category if I could!! Thank you, LensRentals!!
This is a superb lens for birding and will also do close ups. It is a 600mm full frame equivalent. When matched with an OM1 the birhd subject identification means you get rapid and reliable focus on flying birds. I have also used it with a 1.4 converter, with bird tracking. That setup works amazingly well.I filled a 64Gb card on my last outing using this lens with the OM procapture feature because the quality of results is superb and addictive
I was initially skeptical about buying a lens described as "used and with obvious signs of wear," but I was convinced by the 30-day return policy and decided to purchase it. I'm super satisfied! The lens is in perfect condition. It does show signs of wear, but only externally. The glass elements are intact, without any scratches or dust. As for the lens itself, there's not much more to say—it’s among the best, if not the best, for the Olympus system (after the 150-400mm f/4.5 TC1.25x IS Pro, of course).
The best and sharpest lens you can buy! Remember, this is a 600mm equivalent. And only 3.25 pounds! And f/4! Beat that Canon, Nikon, Sony! You can't come close! Combined with the OM-1, you can't find a better wildlife camera anywhere! Utterly magical!Yes, it's not a zoom, but that's okay. Get the Olympus Red-Eye focus attachment and finding the subject will be a breeze.
This lens is by far one of the sharpest lenses that Olympus/Systems has produced. Great contrast and color. Sharp from edge to edge. On a MFT body the FL is 600mm out of the box. With a 1.4 TC it becomes 840mm and with the 2.0 TC is is equal to 1200mm. With either TC the sharpness is maintained and the image is perfect. Of course, B&H will provide you with the best dealer experience. MFT is the real deal !!!
I purchased this to go with my E-M1X. The Zuiko 300 is an outstanding bird lens -- equivalent to 600mm in FF, and fast enough to allow you to work with the shutter speeds needed for birds in flight. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent even at f/4 (let's face it, you'll be using that aperture a lot), and there's little chromatic aberration. The clutch for manual focus is a bit clunky; I occasionally pull on that and then wonder why AF isn't working.AF speed with this lens is fine -- it's rare that the lens is making me wait to grab focus on a BiF (almost always on me instead!).As many note, one important feature is the weight and balance of the lens. One can easily handhold the combo of the 300 and M1X for sustained periods, even with smaller hands. I also use ... MoreI purchased this to go with my E-M1X. The Zuiko 300 is an outstanding bird lens -- equivalent to 600mm in FF, and fast enough to allow you to work with the shutter speeds needed for birds in flight. Edge-to-edge sharpness is excellent even at f/4 (let's face it, you'll be using that aperture a lot), and there's little chromatic aberration. The clutch for manual focus is a bit clunky; I occasionally pull on that and then wonder why AF isn't working.AF speed with this lens is fine -- it's rare that the lens is making me wait to grab focus on a BiF (almost always on me instead!).As many note, one important feature is the weight and balance of the lens. One can easily handhold the combo of the 300 and M1X for sustained periods, even with smaller hands. I also use the combo with a monopod. The days of birding with a tripod are just about done! Combining this lens with an M1///, which I've also done, leaves that combination a bit front-heavy; you'll definitely want a hand under the lens hood when hand-holding.The lens works very well with the 1.4x and 2x tele-converters; balance and weight distribution hardly changes, and the image remains bright enough in the viewfinder.I attach one photo done at f/5.6.
I'm an advanced amateur wildlife/bird photographer. I moved to Olympus from Canon a year ago for many of the same reasons others, particularly us older photographers, do -- the lighter weight! I shoot the ED 300mm f/4 on either an E-M1/// or E-M1x. In either case, what matters most to me is image quality, and this lens is outstanding: it is sharp edge to edge at f/5.6 and very sharp in the center at f/4. Color is true with very little aberration (fixed in post easily). Focus is outstanding and fast, easily as fast as a Canon 500mm f/4. The lens balances well on either camera body. The manual focus clutch is useful; I do find myself engaging it accidentally occasionally (hint Steve: if you can't focus, check the clutch!).I use both the TC-14 and TC-20 with this ... MoreI'm an advanced amateur wildlife/bird photographer. I moved to Olympus from Canon a year ago for many of the same reasons others, particularly us older photographers, do -- the lighter weight! I shoot the ED 300mm f/4 on either an E-M1/// or E-M1x. In either case, what matters most to me is image quality, and this lens is outstanding: it is sharp edge to edge at f/5.6 and very sharp in the center at f/4. Color is true with very little aberration (fixed in post easily). Focus is outstanding and fast, easily as fast as a Canon 500mm f/4. The lens balances well on either camera body. The manual focus clutch is useful; I do find myself engaging it accidentally occasionally (hint Steve: if you can't focus, check the clutch!).I use both the TC-14 and TC-20 with this lens; with either camera I've noted little if any slow-down with the TC-14 and this lens, and the added reach is useful. With the TC-20 you DO see somewhat slower focus with the 300mm; you won't be nailing birds in flight unless you're already close to locked in.The build quality is excellent. I shoot in bad weather frequently without a cover for the lens and camera, though of course a cover is still a good idea. I point out that the ED 300mm on an E-M1 is about half the weight of a Canon 5D and the equivalent 600mm f/4. Very simply -- I shoot hand-held much of the time, and with a monopod the rest. No more tripod and gimbal for me!I include two images: the elk is done on the E-M1x with the 300 + TC-20, early morning light. Nailed. The sandhill crane in flight is done on the E-M1x with the 300, no TC, hand-held. Nailed.So yes, very, very happy with this lens.
I've been using this excellent quality 300mm f4 prime with an OM-1 Mark II MFT body for a few weeks now, primarily for wildlife. It's a strong lens for bird photography - really sharp, and with f4 you can get nice shots in low light. I also like that it has an attached hood you can retract to stick in a small pack.If you don't use the AF range switch on the side to choose between the 3 range settings, it will struggle a bit with autofocus - I forgot to do that a few times at first - but once you set it properly, the AF is really fast. My father has a 600mm f4 on a full frame body which is a great lens, but is much heavier than this one, so this is a lot easier to take into the field, and with the MFT it is effectively a comparable focal length. My results have ... MoreI've been using this excellent quality 300mm f4 prime with an OM-1 Mark II MFT body for a few weeks now, primarily for wildlife. It's a strong lens for bird photography - really sharp, and with f4 you can get nice shots in low light. I also like that it has an attached hood you can retract to stick in a small pack.If you don't use the AF range switch on the side to choose between the 3 range settings, it will struggle a bit with autofocus - I forgot to do that a few times at first - but once you set it properly, the AF is really fast. My father has a 600mm f4 on a full frame body which is a great lens, but is much heavier than this one, so this is a lot easier to take into the field, and with the MFT it is effectively a comparable focal length. My results have been hit or miss with the teleconverter; with the 2.0 TC it just isn't as sharp, but 1.4 is still quite good.One thing about all the lenses in this series is you can accidentally put them into manual focus mode by bumping the focus ring, which is a nuisance, but you can turn off that settings if you're prone to doing that.Overall an excellent lens.
| General | |
| Length | 22.7 cm - 28 cm |
| Diameter | 9.25 cm |
| Weight | 1.27 kg |
| Lens System |
