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Olympus Digital 300mm f/2.8 Zuiko ED Lens

The Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED is a 300mm f/2.8 lens designed for Four Thirds mount cameras. Used copies start from $1,406.58 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Olympus Digital 300mm f/2.8 Zuiko ED Lens

Olympus Digital 300mm f/2.8 Zuiko ED Lens

Used Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED Listings on GearFocus

Lens Overview — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

The Olympus Digital 300mm f/2.8 Zuiko ED Lens is a prime telephoto lens built for the Four Thirds camera system, targeting professional and serious DSLR photographers who need a long, fast focal length. With a fixed focal length of 300mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is well-suited for subject isolation and shooting in demanding lighting conditions where a wide aperture is essential. The Four Thirds mount means it is purpose-built for compatible DSLR bodies in that ecosystem.

Both autofocus and manual focus modes are supported, giving photographers the flexibility to switch between shooting styles as the situation demands. The filter thread size is 43mm, a notably compact thread diameter given the lens's telephoto reach, which is worth keeping in mind when sourcing compatible filters. At 3,290g, this is a substantial piece of glass — the kind of weight that typically calls for monopod or tripod support during extended sessions.

There is no built-in image stabilization, so users relying on this lens for handheld shooting should be aware that stabilization would need to come from a compatible camera body if available. Overall, it is a dedicated telephoto prime for Four Thirds system shooters.

Key Features — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

300mm f/2.8 Prime: A fixed 600mm equivalent field of view on Four Thirds bodies with a wide f/2.8 aperture for strong subject isolation and low-light capability.

Four Thirds Native Mount: Purpose-built for the Four Thirds DSLR system, ensuring full electronic compatibility with bodies like the Olympus E-series.

ED Glass Elements: Extra-low dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration for sharper, higher-contrast images at long focal lengths.

Auto and Manual Focus: Supports both AF and MF modes, giving photographers flexibility across fast-action and deliberate shooting scenarios.

43mm Filter Thread: Unusually compact filter thread diameter for a lens of this aperture and reach, keeping filter costs and sourcing more manageable.

3,290g Build Weight: At over 3kg, this lens is best supported by a monopod or tripod during extended shooting sessions.

Lens Specifications — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesWildlife, Sports, Birding
Lens TypePrime
FormatFour Thirds
Zoom/PrimePrime
Focal Length300mm
Maximum Aperturef/2.8
Camera SystemDSLR
Lens MountFour Thirds
AutofocusYes
Focus TypeAuto, Manual
Image StabilizationNone
Filter Thread43mm

Description — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

The Olympus Digital 300mm f/2.8 Zuiko ED Lens is a prime telephoto built exclusively for the Four Thirds DSLR system. Its fixed 300mm focal length and f/2.8 maximum aperture make it a strong choice for photographers who need reach combined with a wide maximum aperture. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, providing operational versatility across different shooting scenarios.

Fitted with a 43mm filter thread, it accommodates filters at a relatively compact diameter for a lens of this focal length. Weighing in at 3,290g, this is a heavy piece of equipment that will benefit from dedicated support when used in the field. Notably, image stabilization is not present in this lens, so shooters who rely on stabilization will need to depend on their camera body for that functionality.

The Four Thirds mount ensures seamless integration with compatible bodies in that system.

Pros — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

  • ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture for a 300mm prime, enabling strong subject separation
  • ✓Prime design (fixed 300mm focal length) typically delivers consistent optical performance
  • ✓Supports both autofocus and manual focus modes for shooting flexibility

Cons — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

  • ✗No image stabilization (specifications list 'None'), placing full stabilization responsibility on the camera body
  • ✗At 3,290g, the lens is very heavy and will require support equipment for most shooting scenarios
  • ✗Limited to the Four Thirds mount, meaning compatibility is restricted to that specific camera ecosystem

Videos — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

My "Go To" Olympus Lens: Tesni Ward — OMSYSTEM.Cameras

Resources & Downloads — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Olympus 300mm f/2.8 ED

What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Four Thirds mount. It is designed for Four Thirds system DSLR cameras. It is not natively compatible with Micro Four Thirds bodies without an adapter.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that image stabilization is listed as 'None.' Any stabilization would need to be provided by the camera body itself, if supported.
Does the lens support autofocus?+
Yes. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus modes, giving users the flexibility to choose the focusing method that suits their shooting situation.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
This lens has a 43mm filter thread. This is a relatively uncommon filter size, so photographers should verify filter availability before purchasing accessories.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 3,290g according to its specifications. This is a considerable weight, and most users will want to use a monopod or tripod to support the lens during extended shooting sessions.

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