Name: Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8
Brand: Olympus

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#99 in Best Telephoto Lenses
#275 in Best Camera Lenses

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The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/2.8 is a professional Four Thirds system super-telephoto prime lens offering a 600mm equivalent focal length in a weather-sealed, aluminum alloy barrel. Weighing approximately 3,290g, it features an advanced optical design of 13 elements in 11 groups, including 3 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to maximize sharpness and minimize chromatic aberration. Its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and 9-blade diaphragm excel in low-light sports and wildlife photography, providing a bright viewfinder and creamy background bokeh. Key advantages include its legendary 'Big Tuna' build quality, quick internal focusing with a 2.4m minimum distance, and a versatile rear-mounted 43mm drop-in filter system. However, its primary drawbacks are its significant weight compared to modern mirrorless alternatives, lack of built-in optical image stabilization, and the high cost of its 112mm front filters.

Technical Specifications of Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8

Overall score

7.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Four Thirds

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Four Thirds

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

43 mm

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

Optics & Aperture

8.1

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

300 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

300 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

4.2 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

4.2 °

Focus & Controls

8.0

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

DC motor

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization

4.2

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

7.5

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 vs the average camera lens

Why is Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 better than the average camera lens?

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Teleconverter compatible
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Supports Olympus EC-14 and EC-20.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus hold button
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
De-clickable aperture ring.
What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has drop-in filter support
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Drop-in filter support.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has focus limiter switch
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
1 more low-dispersion elements
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
Teleconverter compatible
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has drop-in filter support
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
1 more low-dispersion elements
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus hold button
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has de-clickable aperture ring
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
Has focus distance scale
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.

Why is Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 worse than the average camera lens?

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2 fewer aspherical elements
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
2.1 m longer minimum focus distance
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
189 mm longer lens
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is longer than the average camera lens (281 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
52 mm wider lens barrel
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is wider than the average camera lens (129 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
Fixed lens hood
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
Older release date
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 2003
189 mm longer lens
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is longer than the average camera lens (281 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is longer than the average camera lens (281 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.281 mm vs 92 mm
52 mm wider lens barrel
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is wider than the average camera lens (129 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is wider than the average camera lens (129 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.129 mm vs 77 mm
2.1 m longer minimum focus distance
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.4 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.2.4 m vs 0.3 m
Fixed lens hood
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
Older release date
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 was released earlier than the average camera lens.
June 2003
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 was released earlier than the average camera lens.2003 vs 2016
2 fewer aspherical elements
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
2.83x more expensive
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,500 vs £530).
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,500 vs £530).£1,500 vs £530
3.67x less popular
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is less popular than the average camera lens (1.74 vs 6.383).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 is less popular than the average camera lens (1.74 vs 6.383).1.74 vs 6.38

Graphic comparison of Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 and

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Third-party reviews

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(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8?

Exceptional sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/2.8
Outstanding bokeh and subject isolation for wildlife and sports
Professional-grade, rugged build quality with weather sealing
Superb color rendition and optical quality
Includes built-in focus-limit switch and internal drop-in filters (ND, polarizing)

What customers dislike about Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8?

Significant weight and bulk, making it difficult to use without a tripod or bean bag
Lacks internal image stabilization (dependent on camera body stabilization)
Legacy autofocus technology is slower compared to modern M.Zuiko PRO lenses
High price point, even on the used market
Requires an adapter for use on modern Micro Four Thirds camera bodies

Expert reviews

neunzehn72.de

10/08/2014

Summary of the review

Big Bertha: Olympus 300mm f/2.8

The Olympus 300mm f/2.8 lens (famously nicknamed "Die dicke Bertha") delivers an outstanding imaging performance when adapted to the Olympus OM-D E-M1, providing tack-sharp results and remarkable detail even wide open at f/2.8. Thanks to the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor's 2.0x crop factor, this lens functions as a massive 600mm equivalent telephoto lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture. The reviewer notes that the combination handles surprisingly well for handheld shooting due to the camera's effective internal image stabilization, allowing sharp captures at shutter speeds as slow as 1/100 of a second. Furthermore, the autofocus transitions seamlessly from contrast-detection to phase-detection on the E-M1 body, remaining highly precise and reliable. On the downside, the physical profile of the lens is characterized by its massive size and heavy weight, which looks somewhat comical when attached to a small mirrorless camera body. Its bulk makes operating without a tripod highly questionable for regular use, despite the stabilizer's capabilities. Additionally, it is an adapted legacy Four Thirds (FT) lens rather than a native MFT design, meaning its fast autofocus compatibility is restricted primarily...

mirrorlessons.com

22/09/2013

Summary of the review

Continuous autofocus with the Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/2.8 (E-M1 Test)

The MirrorLessons review of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 provides an in-depth, hands-on analysis of the camera's hybrid autofocus system, specifically focusing on its real-world performance with native Micro Four Thirds (MFT) and adapted legacy Four Thirds (FT) lenses. In terms of pros, the reviewer highlights the camera's compact body combined with redesigned, perfect ergonomics and an excellent battery grip that easily balances both small lenses and massive telephotos. The new sensor's integration of contrast and phase detection provides lightning-fast single autofocus (AF-S), and the continuous autofocus (AF-C) handles predictably tracking subjects very well—recovering and adjusting much faster than its predecessor, the E-M5. Furthermore, using the camera's Low burst mode prioritizes focus over speed, which helps secure sharp close-up action shots even in challenging environments full of water splashes. Conversely, the review exposes several distinct cons, particularly regarding the absolute precision and edge coverage of the autofocus system. When testing heavy Four Thirds telephoto lenses, phase-detection is limited to 37 points clustered strictly in the centre of the frame; moving a subject too close to the outer edges causes the camera...

tydany.com

07/08/2023

Summary of the review

Olympus 300mm F4 IS Pro - Review by TyDany

The Olympus 300mm f/4 IS Pro is a specialized, high-end wildlife and sports lens that offers an impressive 600mm equivalent focal length on Micro Four Thirds systems. The lens delivers spectacular, professional-grade sharpness and features dual image stabilization that syncs perfectly with premium camera bodies to eliminate handshake during composition. It boasts excellent build quality with robust metal construction, weather sealing, a manual focus clutch, and a useful 1.4-meter minimum focus distance for detailed close-up shots. Additionally, it remains highly versatile due to its seamless compatibility with MC-14 and MC-20 teleconverters, expanding the reach up to a 1200mm equivalent focal length. However, its fixed focal length demands practice, as the lack of zoom can cause users to miss shots in restricted spaces or experience initial frustration. While compact compared to full-frame equivalents, it is still one of the heaviest and bulkiest lenses in the Micro Four Thirds catalog, requiring a professional OM/Olympus Series 1 body with a battery grip to balance the weight safely. Furthermore, its aggressive dual stabilization drains smaller camera batteries rapidly, the bokeh can become nervous and...

Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 Review | 54 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8

Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 vs the average camera lens

Why is Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 better than the average camera lens?

Why is Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8 and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8?

What customers dislike about Olympus Zuiko ED 300mm F2 8?

Expert reviews

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