300mm f2.8 'IS' lens - front mounting filters?

while I am aware that this lens uses drop-in (rear mount) filters, I

would like to know if this lens can accept front-mounted filters as

well, If so, what size?

No and there is no need, the front element on the big lenses is a factory replaceable protective flat lens. The rear drop in filters do everything that a front filter would at a fraction of the cost.

 

As far as I am aware on tehse big lenses there is no front element filter threading only stepped anti reflection mouldings.

<p>There are some big (at least, fairly big) lenses that have threads for filters on their front ends, but drop-in filters are a better idea.</p>

 

<p>If they were to put front threads on these lenses, you'd have to get different filters for each one (some people, particularly nature photographers, have more than one of these big guns) since they'd all be different sizes. And they'd be freaking huge (around 110mm for the 300/2.8, for instance), which would make them very expensive. So would the fact that there would be a very small market for them. And that would also mean you wouldn't have a very wide choice of filters. 52mm filters, on the other hand, are very common, and pretty much every filter manufacturer has a broad range of 52mm filters. So drop-in filters let you buy a wide assortment of filters at relatively inexpensive prices, and only have to carry one size in your bag.</p>

 

<p>As someone else pointed out, if part of what you're thinking is that you want a protective filter on the front, there's already one built into the lens.</p>

You've got it rather tough if you are one of the very few who use more than one filter at a time, like with the Cokin system. A rear filter is needed for the lens to work right, it is part of the optical ath and is expected to be there.

I don't see why you would really want a front filter, but if you really want one, buy the attachable\detachable filter holder, they also take drop-ins.

Hi RJ,

 

The 300mm f2.8 L IS does not have threads on the front so even if you could get a 114mm

filter there is nothing to screw it onto.

 

Take care, Scott.

You can make a lense shade/gell holder to extend over the main body and past the filter sheets to keep them from flaring. You'll save some money if you make it yourself out of abs plumbing parts, this will give you the option of using partial sheets for a graduated effect like the old pro's did. Don't let the premade expensive stuff block your creativity.

Do you really want to pack/carry such a big filter?