| Brand: | Canon | ||
| Average Rating |
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EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens * Image Stabilization allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to three stops slower shutter speed) * Micro Ultrasonic Motor for fast autofocus * compatible with all Canon EOS SLR cameras * minimum focus distance: 4.9 feet * lens is 5-13/16 long, 3 in diameter * more info
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Less than satisfactory
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I am very disappointed with the performance of this lens. I expected better from Canon since I am a long-time Canon user and have many lenses by them. Images are soft to semi-sharp at all focal lengths. 300mm is never sharp. When enlarged even 25% all images go very soft and become noisy and would be useless for printing. I get much better results with all my other Canon lenses. For the price of this lens I expected much better. My son has a cheaper canon telephoto and gets better images. Looking at the reviews others have written on Amazon, it may be that this particular lens has an inherent optics flaw. The IS works fine in both settings, but the images are still not crisp.
Telephoto lens review
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Nice overall lens for taking close up shots from far away. Great for our kids sporting events.
Great Lense
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I agonized about which lens to purchase. I wanted one that gave me a range of features and crisp sharp images. This lens gives me everything I wanted.
Pretty good lens
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have owned this lens for over a year now. I owned the 75-300 IS USM before this and was satisfied with it. I have taken some great pictures with this lens. Having never owned an ‘L’ lens, I do not have too many issues with the construction. However, picture quality is not exceptional, it is good. With decent light, especially 5.6 and up, it really shines. The IS is a must have for the focal length this lens covers.
Excellent lens for the price
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Before buying this lens, I spent quite a bit of time debating between this lens and Canon 70-200 f4 L lens. The positive reviews and the IS feature of this lens swung my decision in favor of this lens. I have had this lens for about six months and I am extremely pleased with it. I am sure people will say that the 70-200 f4 L lens blows this lens out in various ways. But for some one who has a fixed budget and for whom photography is just a hobby not a profession the value that his lens presents is hard to beat. I simply couldn’t justify spending $500 more to get the 70-200 f4 IS lens.
The optical quality of this lens is really good. The pictures are sharp, the contrast and the colors are also really good. This lens gives a very pleasing bokeh. I haven’t extensively tested the speed of Auto Focus, but from whatever little testing I did on flying birds I was satisfied by its performance. And finally the IS feature on this lens works really great.
Fantastic Purchase
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I did quite a bit of research on zoom lenses in this range and decided that this would be the one I would purchase. I am glad I did. The quality is superb and having the Image Stabilization really makes it a pleasure to take pictures in less than perfect lightening conditions. I would recommend this lens to any and everyone.
Excellent lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I love this lens. I had the Sigma 70-300mm zoom lens but wanted to have the image stabilizer in this one. This is a very versatile lens and is easy to carry for an all around lens. If I could only carry one, this would be my choice. The pictures are clear and sharp. This is one of my very favorite lens.
Does the job
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
When I bought this lens, I was looking for something that had longer reach than my 18-55 kit lens on my XT. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked the lens…though it didn’t blow me out of the water.
After shooting for a couple years and handling some really nice L series glass, this lens feels crazy cheap. The main thing I dislike about this lens is how the front element extends and rotates when it focuses. Also, you cannot manual focus while it’s in AF. Canon NEVER includes the lens hood which sucks but I believe it’s necessary especially when shooting facing the sun.
Performance:
I originally bought this lens to get better images at the local speedway, but have recently used it on my 5d2 to shoot recreational sports. After a few stints in flag football, I realized that it’s a terrific lens given you want to get up real close. You have to be really picky w/ the framing and extremely conscious of the backgrounds and distance-to-subject to get decent bokeh. This (http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs084.snc3/15137_180353043674_818528674_2807800_328474_n.jpg) as opposed to this (http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs028.snc3/11563_176623333674_818528674_2780434_578842_n.jpg). It’s only a f4-5.6 and not a f2.8, and while great images are not totally dependent on that fact, it would definitely be nice to have those extra stops.
The IS is great and has two modes; one for all around IS and one for panning. So that feature coupled with the newer cameras’ ISO capabilities = good slow shutter, hand-held performance.
But all in all, it’s a good bang for buck for the avid amateur. I’ve listed my gripes but considering all of them, I’d buy this lens again if I was tight on cash but needed the reach. If you can afford it, get a better, faster lens i.e. the 70-200 2.8L.
Incredible Lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
It is difficult to write a review for an item when there are so many other good reviews already present. It is even more difficult to give new feedback on an item that has a lot already said about it.
I will start by stating that I am not a professional photographer, nor am I a professional product reviewer.
With that said let me state that I am a person that does art, and has done it for a number of years. Photography was a means for me to try and capture my own subjects and scenes. I have a limited budget on photography equipment and cannot always afford the best, or elite items.
When I purchased this lens I knew that it was not going to be the fastest lens available, or the one with the highest zoom. I intended to get this for my nature photography to be able to zoom in on objects I see all around me. Instead I found this lens to be an incredible lens for capturing faces, and portraits. I can be in a crowded place, or at a party and this is always my lens of choice. I can capture someone from across the room, and they are unaware of me taking their picture. As a result my photographs are more natural and life like.
I have also used this lens for nature shots, and architectural shots. In all the lens is a really nice addition to my equipment.
As for a hood, I was able to purchase a cannon hood for the lens, separately. I have used the hood on numerous occasions. The size of the lens is not too bad, and storage is not a problem.
In all I would recommend this lens to anyone that needed an affordable zoom.
Best Canon all-purpose zoom
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought this lens a few years ago before I got serious about photography. Since then everything else in my kit has slowly been upgraded, but I just never seem to find a good enough reason to replace the 70-300mm.
The major downsides of this lens are its slightly kludgy focus with a rotating front ring, and its slightly slow aperture compared to whats available.
But then the upsides:
1) 3-stop image stabilizer. I can’t give this enough praise. I’ve taken crisp photos at 300mm with 1/15s shutter speed, sharp enough to make it onto Flickr’s blog.
2) Lightweight – as a travel zoom you can’t beat the versatility versus weight.
3) Sharpness, colours and contrast are top notch. People who’ve seen photos from this lens have assumed I had a big white expensive lens, and are shocked when they find out.
Sure it feels very flimsy and isn’t weather sealed, but the reality is, mine has been to dusty game drives in Africa and air shows on a windy beach, and is still like new. For similar money one can get a 70-200mm F4L, but for me the lack of IS on a 200mm lens is a deal breaker.
I’ve often considered upgrading to the 70-200mm f2.8L IS or 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L, or primes such as the 300mm f4, but every time have to ask myself: as a serious hobbyist (rather than a professional), can I really justify the huge expense when this is almost always good enough?
Better than Tamron 70-300mm
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this lens after using the Tamron 70-300mm lens for about 4 or 5 month. At first I was totally ready to trash the Tamron lens. Due to my economic situation I could not afford replace the Tamron. With time and practice it started producing better and better images quality and I started having more fun with it. The truth is, I was learning how to use it correctly. The Tamron is a good, well made lens at an excellent price which I intend to keep.
Now the Canon 70-300mm with IS USM is a totally different class of lens. Twice the price of the Tamron but the IS alone is worth that. Image quality can be anywhere from very good to breathtaking. This lens is very easy to use, well made and looks good. If you can afford this lens, buy it, you’ll like it. If money is a little tight, get the Tamron. You’ll have fun and become a better photographer as you save your pennys for the Canon 70-300mm IS USM.
The lens is excellent. I am very pleased with the price , Your price beat a well known competor by 100 plus dollars.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
The lens is excellent. the image stabilizer works as specified. So far nothing but good results with the product.
great
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
i feel like paparazzi, this is fantastic
worked WONDERS while photographing my last wedding; it was like i was standing at the altar with them
recommend
Great product
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was thinking about getting a 70-200MM f/2.8 or f/4 IS. I decided on this because of price and weight (very light, can carry for hours). Works great. What ever you decide GET AN IS lens. Trying to hold still at 200mm+ is very hard and even more difficult to get a non blurry image. I was a little concerned about getting good blur @ f/4-5.6, no worries.
Cons: When zooming, lens extends, though has zoom lock
Not all that fast, if your shooting sports get something faster
Minim focus distance is almost 5 feet, that’s a lot, can be annoying.
Perfect For Us Soccer Moms
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I’m not a pro photographer. It’s a hobby. A few years ago when my kids started soccer I needed a great telephoto lens. I went into my local camera shop and told them I needed a great lens to take photos outdoors of my kids on the soccer field. The rep didn’t blink twice and handed me this lens. This probably the most used lens in my arsenal for taking outdoor photos. I take mostly photos of my kids and I prefer to catch them off-guard, so I sit to the side and just take shots of them when they aren’t really aware. I like that. I get some really meaningful photographs, one of which is one of my favorite photographs. It always makes me smile.
I’m sure the pros will say there are better lenses on the market, but really. For me, a mom wanting outdoor photos of her kids playing soccer. This is the best lens. It’s also very comfortable and easy to use. It feels good and responds well. I let a friend of mine borrow this several months back and she also took some amazing more artsy photographs with it and she more pro than I’ll ever be.
Overall, this is a great lens, you can read the specs for product details, I won’t go into all that, but know that if you need it for outdoor field-range shots, this is the perfect lens. Soccer moms unite!
The only thing that this really needs and I keep forgetting to buy is a hood. Sometimes my photos are too exposed if it’s really sunny.
Amazing Lens!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I was a little hesitant about spending this much on a lens, due to the fact it costs as much as my rebel xs, but I am sure glad I went for it! I’ve taken some amazing shots of the moon, dragonfly’s, and birds, that I never though possible! Its a really great lens for wildlife, and general outdoor shooting because of its range, but as I got used too it I really began to want more than 300mm…L series here I come!!
As far as sharpness at 300mm, images still look extremely sharp. The autofocus works well, but I couldn’t get a beep from my camera at 300mm? My only real complaint is the noise. The focusing makes a weird plastic rubbing against plastic noise, and it gets a little old. The Image stabilization, which by the way works amazingly, is also a little loud (high pitched whine). These are just minor complaints though, the lens really impressed me! One review on a photography website, called this lens a L series in disguise.
If you would like to see some samples check out my photostream on flickr[...]
satisfactory lens
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I searched a lot before buying this lens and it was hard to decide between this lens and EF 70-200 F/4 L.
At the end I bought this one and after my first few days I can say that it is more than satisfactory.
Pictures are sharp and even at 300 mm. under low light you can have some brilliant pictures.
One thing that can be criticised is that you can hear some noise when auto focusing and it becomes longer and longer when you focus at 300mm.
but it does not bother me.
Excellent for the price but no sub for 70-200 f/4L IS, not even close.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Use it on 40D and 5D, based on real world use, not target pattern shooting.
Pro:
- IS
- light weight
- AF accuracy (when subject is reasonably close with reasonable contrast)
- black (as oppose to the big white L. I’ve been looking for an IS tele but too stingy and shy to use a big L, so I got this one – a refurbished one for $410.)
– reasonable price
Neutral:
- build quality – good, but nothing to brag about. Zoom ring excellent, but MF ring is loose and tube wobbles during MF but not when zoomed.
- The canon shade is expensive, but got one from eBay for $7, not bad
- AF not fantastically fast, but comparable to my Canon 50/1.4, works ok under normal light.
Con:
- not yet
Bottom line: great for low key day-to-day use – it’s cheap/black/light weight. I tend not to agree with ‘you get what you paid for’ – good shots can come from anywhere. Great if you can afford big white stuff, for the rest of us, this zoom is fantastic.
P.S.
Did some quick comparison test in the backyard: Tamron18-250, Canon 200L, Canon 70-200F/4, Canon 70-300, Sigma 170-500. As expected, no miracle here: the L prime is the indisputable best, closed followed by 70-200F4, , then 70-300, then 18-250, with the big old Sigma in the dead last place. I tried on both 5D and 40D, RAW and fine JPEG. As expected, 70-300 is very consistent, AF is accurate, color/contrast are nice. Just not that sharp especially when the subject is far away (20 yard+). It’s IS works beautifully.
P.S 2.0 -
Some cautions about this lens:
I got it as a substitution for the much more expensive 70-200 f4L IS. Nope, I was wrong. For this lens, IQ is awash under harsh light (over cast, sunny noon, etc). L zoom is far better. Also, the IS kicks in far slower than those on L zooms. Often times it stalls the shutter on my 40D. This actually is the ONLY lens that does this. I have the Tamron 18-270 VR, which doesn’t do this at all. The Tammy seems to let go of the shutter without kicking in its VR if 40D is on high speed continuous mode. Hope this is just my copy. Other than that, I think this lens is good, love the handling and size and weight of it. Finally I got a 100-400L, not much sharper actually comparing to this lens. But everything else works without a glich, fast and spot-on AF, seemless IS, consistent output regardless of the weather condition, great contrast and color, always! Ya, the big whity weighs more. But I love the convenience of the push-pull and its consistensy! L lens seems to do things as advertized on paper, the others are hit and miss… Based on my own personal experience so far.
I like this lens
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have owned the 70-200 L lens and now I purchased the 70-300 IS. I like the 70-300 IS better and the pictures have been better. Actually I was disappointed when I bought the 70-200L but have not been disappointed with the 70-300 IS. I also owned the 70-300 non IS and would not recommend that one at all.I took pictures when it had rained all day and heavy overcast and the pictures were awesome. I would recommend this lens to anybody that’s not professional but wants some nice pics that are close to professional.
Great lens for a photographer on a budget!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is one of my first lenses, so understand that my experience is that of an amateur somewhat new into DSLR.
Regardless of that factor though, it is clear to see that this lens is a very good value for the cost. Comparable lenses in quality cost significantly more money. Comparable lenses in cost suffer from poorer quality.
This lens is an EF lens, meaning unlike its EF-S cousins, it will work on all newer Canon models. The EF-S lenses cannot be mounted on a full-frame camera as-is. Thus, for compatibility, it is a good purchase in case you ever want to upgrade your camera (as compared to the 55-250 EF-S lens)
The build quality is quite sturdy. It’s significantly larger and heavier than the 18-55mm IS kit lens included with my XSi (450d), which feels a little strange as the bulk of the weight is in the lens as opposed to balanced between the lens and camera body. It’s not too bad though, since in general you’d be using a second hand to steady the lens.
Image Stabilization on this lens is great. I’ve noticed a significant difference between photos with and without my iS enabled, and have definitely been able to slow the shutter speed down and still take clear photographs.
I’ve only found two flaws with this lens thus far. One is that the manual focus ring is slightly loose–it’s very easy to rotate, though that really isn’t an issue for me since I hold the lens slightly closer to the body. (and generally keep in autofocus anyway) Secondly, I have noticed a slight tendency to hunt for focus when in dark situations. It’s not terrible, but on a couple of occasions I have switched to manual to get a better focus.
All in all though, the lens is quite sharp, the image quality is good, and though I haven’t tested it that thoroughly yet, the bokeh seems to be nice as well.
I strongly recommend this lens for anyone looking to extend the focal range of your lens collection, especially if you are starting new with the 18-55mm IS kit lens like I was. However, keep in mind the additional size and weight, which are pretty significant considering the kit lens’ light plastic build.
Wow, I love this lens
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I’m just getting into back photography after 25 years. I received this as a gift and was overwhelmed at first. But in no time I was having a ball with this and how easy it was to use. Love the lens!
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I am interested in taking photos for about 5 years. This product actually open a new age for me. Considering the price of the product and comparing it with others, I admit that this lens is excellent and meets my need. From now on, everybody and every detail of everything will be the models on my new coming photos.
excellent lens
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
This is an excellent lens. It was lighter than I was expecting and so far seems to be very sharp and much better than its predecessor. It is smaller and lighter than the 70-200 or 100-400 mm and therefore very likely to accompany me on distant journeys.
Great lens!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this lens so that I get better pictures of my son at his football games. I have been very impressed with the results.
Excellent addition for any level photographer
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this lens as a replacement. The image stabilizer and quality is outstanding.