Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

Canon Ef 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM

Strengths: Lightweight, IS, and sharp.

Weakness: A bit loud, and built quality is average.

I had been looking for a zoom telephoto lens for shooting wildlife. Thinking of getting a Canon EF 70-200 f/4L, but found this new lens from Canon. After doing some research, the sharpness of this lens seems to be comparable to the EF 70-200 f/4L, plus this lens has the extra 100mm zoom. Furthermore, the IS on this lens seems to be performing better than my EF 28-135. If you want a mid-level...
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I had been looking for a zoom telephoto lens for shooting wildlife. Thinking of getting a Canon EF 70-200 f/4L, but found this new lens from Canon. After doing some research, the sharpness of this lens seems to be comparable to the EF 70-200 f/4L, plus this lens has the extra 100mm zoom. Furthermore, the IS on this lens seems to be performing better than my EF 28-135. If you want a mid-level telephoto lens, this is the lens you want to buy.

By epsilon - Nov 16, 2005

Terrific IS Performance, OK Built and Sharp Image.

Strengths: IS, IS, still IS, and maybe the extra 100mm focal length, too.

Weakness: No FTM, No Lens Hood, No IF.

Just got this lens and tried it out for 2 days. Very surprised by the image quality this lens can produce. I can shoot at 1/15 sec handheld at 300mm, that's pretty amazing IS performance. Although it's a little soft at 300mm wide open, but stop down to F8, then it's very sharp. Some of the picture can even match to what I got from EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro. The 300mm is extremely helpful when shooting...
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Just got this lens and tried it out for 2 days. Very surprised by the image quality this lens can produce. I can shoot at 1/15 sec handheld at 300mm, that's pretty amazing IS performance. Although it's a little soft at 300mm wide open, but stop down to F8, then it's very sharp. Some of the picture can even match to what I got from EF 100mm F/2.8 Macro. The 300mm is extremely helpful when shooting at wild animals, such as birds. Great lens based on the price/performance ratio you can get out of this lens. Will recommend to anyone who needs the long range and in need of IS to reduce the failure rate due to slow shutter speed + shaky hands.

By skchang - Feb 7, 2006

A Great Lense

Strengths: Easy to use and understand

Weakness: None

Used it for the first time-easy to use and work. Took great photos of kids sports/action. Bought it becuase of price compared to a 2.8 lense. Used in low light and it did the job

By bhheat - Nov 6, 2005

Outstanding long range zoom with updated image stabilization...

Strengths: Lightweight, excellent build quality, great zoom range

Weakness: Front focusing ring a bit of a pain to use with a circular polarizer.

I just purchased this lens for my Canon Digital Rebel XT puppy and I'm extremely pleased so far. The pictures are sharp and stunning even when hand holding down to 1/60 sec. This lens is an updated version to Canon's 75-300 IS that's been out for quite some time. The major differences with this version are improved optics/glass and a 2 mode image stabilization, as well as the wider 70mm. Other...
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I just purchased this lens for my Canon Digital Rebel XT puppy and I'm extremely pleased so far. The pictures are sharp and stunning even when hand holding down to 1/60 sec. This lens is an updated version to Canon's 75-300 IS that's been out for quite some time. The major differences with this version are improved optics/glass and a 2 mode image stabilization, as well as the wider 70mm. Other than that, the lens is fairly close in size and weight to its predecessor.

When paired with a DSLR like the Rebel, there's the 1.6x crop factor, so the long range zoom is phenomenal. It is tough to get the wider shot, but I have a Sigma 18-200 for a more all around lens. This lens would be perfect for sports photography, nature or any other situation that requires a long range zoom coupled with a stabilizer and quick focusing.

HIGHLY Recommended.

By joelkirzner - Nov 14, 2005

Outstanding Zoom Lens, Excellent Value

Strengths: Very sharp lens, IS is terrific, fast auto focus speed, lightweight, inconspicuous black finish

Weakness: No lens hood, case, but to be expected for a non-L lens outfit.

I was considering the 70-200mm 4L lens but choose this instead because of: 1) Image stabilization 2) Light weight, compact lens. 3) Inconspicuous black finish compared with white L lens With the IS set on the "tracking" mode I was able successfully take a shot of a hawk flying overhead at the maximum 300mm zoom. Using my Rebel XT this was equivalent to a 480mm (1.6 crop) zoom!! Image detail was...
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I was considering the 70-200mm 4L lens but choose this instead because of:

1) Image stabilization
2) Light weight, compact lens.
3) Inconspicuous black finish compared with white L lens

With the IS set on the "tracking" mode I was able successfully take a shot of a hawk flying overhead at the maximum 300mm zoom. Using my Rebel XT this was equivalent to a 480mm (1.6 crop) zoom!! Image detail was great (making out details in the feathers). This lens delivers L quality images with IS but at a sub $1K price. Zoom locks at 70mm for convenient storage or transport.

By dclbac - Jan 5, 2006