John Herschel discovered NGC 4305 = h1203 on 2 May 1829 and simply noted "vF; R." His position is just 45" south of center, though he missed nearby NGC 4306.

400/500mm - 17.5" (4/25/87): fairly faint, fairly small, elongated SSW-NNE, diffuse arms, weak concentration. Forms a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N. NGC 4267 lies 33' W.

600/800mm - 24" (5/29/14): moderately bright, moderately large, oval 5:3 SW-NE, 1.0'x0.6'. Contains a brighter, elongated core. Brighter of a pair with NGC 4306 2.8' N.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb