Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L Is USM Lens
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM Telephoto is designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation. The lens brings a favourite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series. It features 2 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, and incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity. The IS system increases usability by approximately four stops and the fast Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) and inner and rear focusing system allows for fast quiet Autofocus as close as 3.2' (1.2m). The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM features a function that prevents erroneous operation when the lens is mounted on a tripod or monopod. The lens is dust and water resistant, and has a Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum. The lens is perfect for portraiture or to bring what's far away up close. This addition to the L-series is guaranteed to perform.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM Telephoto is designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation. The lens brings a favourite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series. It features 2 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, and incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity. The IS system increases usability by approximately four stops and the fast Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) and inner and rear focusing system allows for fast quiet Autofocus as close as 3.2' (1.2m). The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM features a function that prevents erroneous operation when the lens is mounted on a tripod or monopod. The lens is dust and water resistant, and has a Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum. The lens is perfect for portraiture or to bring what's far away up close. This addition to the L-series is guaranteed to perform.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM Telephoto is designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation. The lens brings a favourite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series. It features 2 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, and incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity. The IS system increases usability by approximately four stops and the fast Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) and inner and rear focusing system allows for fast quiet Autofocus as close as 3.2' (1.2m). The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM features a function that prevents erroneous operation when the lens is mounted on a tripod or monopod. The lens is dust and water resistant, and has a Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum. The lens is perfect for portraiture or to bring what's far away up close. This addition to the L-series is guaranteed to perform.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM Telephoto is designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation. The lens brings a favourite zoom range to the celebrated Canon L-series. It features 2 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, and incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity. The IS system increases usability by approximately four stops and the fast Ultra-Sonic Motor (USM) and inner and rear focusing system allows for fast quiet Autofocus as close as 3.2' (1.2m). The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.2L IS USM features a function that prevents erroneous operation when the lens is mounted on a tripod or monopod. The lens is dust and water resistant, and has a Fluorine coating that keeps soiling, smears and fingerprints to a minimum. The lens is perfect for portraiture or to bring what's far away up close. This addition to the L-series is guaranteed to perform.
in 32 offers
The lowest price for Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L Is USM Lens right now is $948.17 at eBay.com.au, compared across 9 retailers.
The all-time low was $299.22 on 12 May 2026 ā today's price is 217% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before ā worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 10 June 2026.
Last updated at 10/06/2026 12:46:22
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens, White
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[n.mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6l Is Usm From Japan U11654
Delivery $25.38
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Telephoto Lens From Japan [exc+++]
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[almost Mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm From Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Telephoto Zoom Lens Et-73b
Delivery $53.82
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[mint +++ W/box Hood] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Zoom Lens
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Telephoto Lens From Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[ N Mint ] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Lens From Japan E15931
Delivery $56.17
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[n.mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6l Is Usm From Japan J13965
Delivery $22.91
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[ Top Mint ] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Zoom Af Used In Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on ebay.com
This particular lens, much like the other "L" series Canon lens is built like a tank. So, I suspect it will last longer than me. The image quality is very good, there is really very little or nothing to complain about image quality. They are a bit bulky and heavy - but match up nicely with a 6D or a 5D Mk III which is what I have. My other kit is Olympus and Lumix micro 4/3s so you can imagine how I can feel the difference with a lens like this one. But I'll say it again - image quality is as about as good as it gets in a zoom lens. I don't own a 300 mm prime from any brand so I could not compare the 300 mm end of this lens to a 300 mm prime. Besides, knowing the price and size of a 300 mm prime lens, likely that's not an option for me.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I have been taking pictures since my first pinhole camera in grade school (over 40 years ago). Over the years I have upgraded my equipment (body) but never the lens. I have always used the kit lens that came with the camera. Money was always the reason for not getting better glass. After a lot of research and saving my pennies, I was able to get the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens. Within just a few test shots I learned that upgrading to a more expensive lens is worth it. The attached photo is just a simple test picture of the moon, at 6 am, without a tripod. In the past I was never able to get clear images of the craters on the moon. In a nut shell, I found it was definitely worth the money to get a better lens. And B&H photo did a great job in shipping the ...Ā MoreI have been taking pictures since my first pinhole camera in grade school (over 40 years ago). Over the years I have upgraded my equipment (body) but never the lens. I have always used the kit lens that came with the camera. Money was always the reason for not getting better glass. After a lot of research and saving my pennies, I was able to get the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens. Within just a few test shots I learned that upgrading to a more expensive lens is worth it. The attached photo is just a simple test picture of the moon, at 6 am, without a tripod. In the past I was never able to get clear images of the craters on the moon. In a nut shell, I found it was definitely worth the money to get a better lens. And B&H photo did a great job in shipping the lens! It was ordered late Saturday night and was at my door by Thursday! Oh...there is a problem with this lens. From my understanding, this lens is no longer in production. If you find one and think you want it, get it. These are very hard to find.
originally posted on ebay.com
Was looking for something more versatile than a dedicated astrophotography lens/telescope, but no one makes a similar lens as this Cannon with an E mount for Sony and anything close was exceedingly expensive. Found this lens and using a Metabones adapter, the lens works very well with my full frame Sony camera. Images are sharp and the lens is faster than dedicated telescope lenses. Not a deal breaker by any means, but wish it had an external aperture ring. This lens can be used in fully automatic (aperture and focus) or manual mode. Manual aperture is done using the camera controls and focus with the focus ring. Image stabilization is impressive. Other than the price of filters because the face of the lens is quite large, I have found no real negatives, considering ...Ā MoreWas looking for something more versatile than a dedicated astrophotography lens/telescope, but no one makes a similar lens as this Cannon with an E mount for Sony and anything close was exceedingly expensive. Found this lens and using a Metabones adapter, the lens works very well with my full frame Sony camera. Images are sharp and the lens is faster than dedicated telescope lenses. Not a deal breaker by any means, but wish it had an external aperture ring. This lens can be used in fully automatic (aperture and focus) or manual mode. Manual aperture is done using the camera controls and focus with the focus ring. Image stabilization is impressive. Other than the price of filters because the face of the lens is quite large, I have found no real negatives, considering it is not being used natively on a Cannon camera.
| Lens system | |
| Closest focusing distance | 1.2 m |
| Lens mount interface | Canon EF |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 8 |
| Diagonal angle of view (min) | 8.25Ā° |
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens, White
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[n.mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6l Is Usm From Japan U11654
Delivery $25.38
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Telephoto Lens From Japan [exc+++]
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[almost Mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm From Japan
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
[mint] Canon Ef 70-300mm F/4-5.6 L Is Usm Telephoto Zoom Lens Et-73b
Delivery $53.82
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
This particular lens, much like the other "L" series Canon lens is built like a tank. So, I suspect it will last longer than me. The image quality is very good, there is really very little or nothing to complain about image quality. They are a bit bulky and heavy - but match up nicely with a 6D or a 5D Mk III which is what I have. My other kit is Olympus and Lumix micro 4/3s so you can imagine how I can feel the difference with a lens like this one. But I'll say it again - image quality is as about as good as it gets in a zoom lens. I don't own a 300 mm prime from any brand so I could not compare the 300 mm end of this lens to a 300 mm prime. Besides, knowing the price and size of a 300 mm prime lens, likely that's not an option for me.
I have been taking pictures since my first pinhole camera in grade school (over 40 years ago). Over the years I have upgraded my equipment (body) but never the lens. I have always used the kit lens that came with the camera. Money was always the reason for not getting better glass. After a lot of research and saving my pennies, I was able to get the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens. Within just a few test shots I learned that upgrading to a more expensive lens is worth it. The attached photo is just a simple test picture of the moon, at 6 am, without a tripod. In the past I was never able to get clear images of the craters on the moon. In a nut shell, I found it was definitely worth the money to get a better lens. And B&H photo did a great job in shipping the ...Ā MoreI have been taking pictures since my first pinhole camera in grade school (over 40 years ago). Over the years I have upgraded my equipment (body) but never the lens. I have always used the kit lens that came with the camera. Money was always the reason for not getting better glass. After a lot of research and saving my pennies, I was able to get the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens. Within just a few test shots I learned that upgrading to a more expensive lens is worth it. The attached photo is just a simple test picture of the moon, at 6 am, without a tripod. In the past I was never able to get clear images of the craters on the moon. In a nut shell, I found it was definitely worth the money to get a better lens. And B&H photo did a great job in shipping the lens! It was ordered late Saturday night and was at my door by Thursday! Oh...there is a problem with this lens. From my understanding, this lens is no longer in production. If you find one and think you want it, get it. These are very hard to find.
Was looking for something more versatile than a dedicated astrophotography lens/telescope, but no one makes a similar lens as this Cannon with an E mount for Sony and anything close was exceedingly expensive. Found this lens and using a Metabones adapter, the lens works very well with my full frame Sony camera. Images are sharp and the lens is faster than dedicated telescope lenses. Not a deal breaker by any means, but wish it had an external aperture ring. This lens can be used in fully automatic (aperture and focus) or manual mode. Manual aperture is done using the camera controls and focus with the focus ring. Image stabilization is impressive. Other than the price of filters because the face of the lens is quite large, I have found no real negatives, considering ...Ā MoreWas looking for something more versatile than a dedicated astrophotography lens/telescope, but no one makes a similar lens as this Cannon with an E mount for Sony and anything close was exceedingly expensive. Found this lens and using a Metabones adapter, the lens works very well with my full frame Sony camera. Images are sharp and the lens is faster than dedicated telescope lenses. Not a deal breaker by any means, but wish it had an external aperture ring. This lens can be used in fully automatic (aperture and focus) or manual mode. Manual aperture is done using the camera controls and focus with the focus ring. Image stabilization is impressive. Other than the price of filters because the face of the lens is quite large, I have found no real negatives, considering it is not being used natively on a Cannon camera.
Canon's L series of lenses are famous for their build quality and this one is no exception. There are many Youtube videos and online in-depth reviews on this lens, so I'll skip the standard details. I wanted this to photograph junior rugby games where I was standing on the side line. My existing 24-70mm Canon lens was doing a great job, but I had to do a lot of cropping when they were on the other side of the pitch. With this 70-300mm lens, I have to be careful I don't zoom in too close & lose some of the picture, no cropping needed to get those close-up shots. It's not too heavy for me, but I have invested in a monopod to remove all the burden when standing around for an hour clicking away. The max aperture setting of f/4 doesn't bother me since I'm shooting in ...Ā MoreCanon's L series of lenses are famous for their build quality and this one is no exception. There are many Youtube videos and online in-depth reviews on this lens, so I'll skip the standard details. I wanted this to photograph junior rugby games where I was standing on the side line. My existing 24-70mm Canon lens was doing a great job, but I had to do a lot of cropping when they were on the other side of the pitch. With this 70-300mm lens, I have to be careful I don't zoom in too close & lose some of the picture, no cropping needed to get those close-up shots. It's not too heavy for me, but I have invested in a monopod to remove all the burden when standing around for an hour clicking away. The max aperture setting of f/4 doesn't bother me since I'm shooting in daylight. The bokeh effect isn't wonderful but that's not my main priority. If I had a few thousand pounds to spend I'd go for the f/2.8 70-200mm L lens & Canon's 400mm f/2.8 but perhaps I'd regret carrying all that extra weight???? If you can live without fantastic bokeh, this is the lens for you. It focuses fast enough for sports' action and to my unprofessional eye, the quality of the images are good. For information, I'm using this on a full-frame Canon 6D (Mark 1) & I 'm delighted with it.
I love this lens. I have used it on a Sony A7RIV with a Sigma MC-11 autofocus adapter for about a year now. I've tried various other Sony telephotos and Sony zooms, but none of them are as consistently sharp edge to edge as this lens. This lens pretty much matches the Batis 135mm prime at equivalent fstops for sharpness, and that's saying something. From 70-200mm, it's a world beater. As you get closer to 300mm, you need to stop down more (I prefer to stop down to f8 or f9.5), but it's still very good. Not outstanding sharpness at 300mm but very good; but I have many fantastic images at 300mm. In addition to excellent edge to edge sharpness and consistency (in other words edges and corners hold up very well compared to the center), the lens offers great color and ...Ā MoreI love this lens. I have used it on a Sony A7RIV with a Sigma MC-11 autofocus adapter for about a year now. I've tried various other Sony telephotos and Sony zooms, but none of them are as consistently sharp edge to edge as this lens. This lens pretty much matches the Batis 135mm prime at equivalent fstops for sharpness, and that's saying something. From 70-200mm, it's a world beater. As you get closer to 300mm, you need to stop down more (I prefer to stop down to f8 or f9.5), but it's still very good. Not outstanding sharpness at 300mm but very good; but I have many fantastic images at 300mm. In addition to excellent edge to edge sharpness and consistency (in other words edges and corners hold up very well compared to the center), the lens offers great color and very good resistance to flare. Unfortunately, when using it on a Sony body, you give up a lot of the fantastic autofocus of that body. Using the MC-11 adapter, autofocus is very precise and accurate (at least as precise as native Sony lenses), but it only autofocuses in the central part of the frame. You can also use eye autofocus, but again only in the central part of the frame. I am primarily a landscape photographer. A well reputed alternative for Sony bodies is the Sony 100-400mm, but I much prefer a zoom that starts at 70mm to one that goes to 400mm for landscape photography.
Previously owned the earlier version of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens and found a great deal of my wildlife photos were just not sharp beyond 200mm. Used that lens on three different bodies (SL1, 70D and 80D) with the same results so I knew it had to be the lens. I already own the 100-400 L (original mark I version) and have been very happy with it. So after the reading reviews I decided to bypass the new version of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens and purchase this 70-300 L instead. Paid nearly three times what the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM would have cost but after using the 70-300 L for a few months now, I have no regrets.The lens weight is reasonable and the unusual placement of the zoom ring does not bother me. I purchased a ...Ā MorePreviously owned the earlier version of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens and found a great deal of my wildlife photos were just not sharp beyond 200mm. Used that lens on three different bodies (SL1, 70D and 80D) with the same results so I knew it had to be the lens. I already own the 100-400 L (original mark I version) and have been very happy with it. So after the reading reviews I decided to bypass the new version of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens and purchase this 70-300 L instead. Paid nearly three times what the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM would have cost but after using the 70-300 L for a few months now, I have no regrets.The lens weight is reasonable and the unusual placement of the zoom ring does not bother me. I purchased a third party (Fotodiox) tripod collar which works okay but wish for the $1300+ price I paid for this lens Canon could have included one. I can hand hold the lens for most of the wildlife shots I take due to the excellent image stabilization, and have included a shot of a Bobcat I took at about 250mm to demonstrate this. I get excellent clarity and great color rendition from this lens. So far, couldnt be happier.I am planning to upgrade in the near future to a Canon EOS R full frame mirrorless. Everything I have read is that with the EF/EF-S adapter my 70-300 L (and my 100-400 L) should perform without any issues on that body. Sure hope that is the case.
This is my review of the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM. The purpose of this legendary lens is to provide mid-range telephoto zoom focal lengths for multiple photographic purposes. this lens can be used for multiple forms of photography: weddings, portraits, wildlife, street, and my favorite sports. I will start off with some technical aspects of this lens very because it warrants that respect. The EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM's focal length is the best next step up beyond your standard zoom lens, which may provide anywhere from 35-70mm. The F/2.8 aperture represents one of the widest lens openings in the marketplace currently, which can help your camera sensor by allowing more light into the lens for cleaner images. This lens weighs in about 3.2 pounds with 23 ...Ā MoreThis is my review of the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM. The purpose of this legendary lens is to provide mid-range telephoto zoom focal lengths for multiple photographic purposes. this lens can be used for multiple forms of photography: weddings, portraits, wildlife, street, and my favorite sports. I will start off with some technical aspects of this lens very because it warrants that respect. The EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM's focal length is the best next step up beyond your standard zoom lens, which may provide anywhere from 35-70mm. The F/2.8 aperture represents one of the widest lens openings in the marketplace currently, which can help your camera sensor by allowing more light into the lens for cleaner images. This lens weighs in about 3.2 pounds with 23 elements in 19 groups of glass (1 fluoride and 5 UD Elements inside the barrel of the lens) This lens also comes built with a variety of very highly technological functions such as: a focus limiter ranging from 1.2 meters to infinity to 2.5 meters to infinity, an auto-focus and manual focus switch system, and image stabilization modes 1 and 2. This lens also comes equipped with two focusing rings, one towards the front of the lens as the focal length ring and the other towards the back of the lens which allows you to adjust different focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm. This lens also comes equipped with a tripod collar to place both the lens and camera on a steady tripod for shooting pictures. Although Canon recommends not to remove the tripod collar, (challenging screw and washer pieces inside may come out of place) you do have the option to remove it. Another special technical aspect of this lens is that you can attach both a 1.4x converter and a 2.0x converter to increase your focal length from 98mm to 280mm with the 1.4 X converter and 140mm to 400mm with a 2.0x converter on a full frame body. Just remember though that when you increase your focus lens with these converters, you will also decrease the aperture opening from F/2.8 to F/4.0 with a 1.4x converter and from F/2.8 to F/5.6 with a 2.0x converter. Converters will also degrade your image quality and you may lose access to all your auto focusing points depending on the camera you use. Now that the technical aspects are out of the way, I would like to focus on how the EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM actually performs when in use. My favorite and best uses for this lens is that it provides excellent focal length to capture shots of subjects that might be a little bit further away than from where you may be standing. While most lenses that people typically use may require that the photographer to get more up close to their subject due to limited focal length or distance, the EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM gives the photographer a lot of versatility and flexibility to capture subjects sharply and cleanly without having to get too closer to the subject. My second favorite function of this lens is that it has an ultra-fast auto-focus system when connected to your DSLR or sometimes mirrorless camera with an adapter. While holding down the shutter speed halfway and changing your subjects, both the lens and camera can instantly focus on your subjects in a split second with great ease. My third favorite function of this lens is that both the image stabilization and the autofocus mechanics are very quiet compared to non-professional and more affordable lenses. Nonprofessional lenses with the same functions tends to eliminate the element of surprise by being very noisy and may distract and annoy others within your vicinity. My fourth favorite function of this lens is that it is very lightweight compared to bigger telephoto and super telephoto lenses. At only 3.2 pounds, this lens is easy to hand hold enough to walk around with in your hand or attached to a strap with your camera without much of a burden at all. The superior quality, speed and versatility of the EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM makes this one of the most well respected and favorite medium telephoto zoom range lens on the market for the last 21 years with this latest version as its 5th revision.
Perhaps the first review you will encounter regarding this lens declares it the best canon lens for less than $2000. I have come to believe the author of that review is correct. I have a Canon 100mm - 400mm L series IS 2 lens. I like my lens, and as my wife needed a longer, better quality lens, so I offered to buy her the same 100mm-400mm L lens. She declined my offer, saying that it was just too heavy for her to hand-hold it for wildlife and bird photography. So, I began searching thru Canon L series lens, looking for what I thought would be the compromise lens in terms of be quality and weight. Now reviews come in many sizes and shapes, good and bad, intelligent and not. That said, I noticed the very positive review of this lens labeling it the Best Buy for under ...Ā MorePerhaps the first review you will encounter regarding this lens declares it the best canon lens for less than $2000. I have come to believe the author of that review is correct. I have a Canon 100mm - 400mm L series IS 2 lens. I like my lens, and as my wife needed a longer, better quality lens, so I offered to buy her the same 100mm-400mm L lens. She declined my offer, saying that it was just too heavy for her to hand-hold it for wildlife and bird photography. So, I began searching thru Canon L series lens, looking for what I thought would be the compromise lens in terms of be quality and weight. Now reviews come in many sizes and shapes, good and bad, intelligent and not. That said, I noticed the very positive review of this lens labeling it the Best Buy for under $2000, and noting its sharpness. The review seemed intelligent, so with fingers crossed, I bought it for my wife. She loved it for the weight and the quality, so I started looking at her image quality vs. my own; photos shot under the same conditions with similar settings and the same subject. This lens IS SHARP! We both have 77D camera bodies with 1.6 crop sensors, and what she is able to get out of an image after cropping is impressive. There are many instances where her image cropped from 300mm is noticeably better than what I got out of 400mm cropped to roughly the same image size and composition.the I have come to believe that the EF 70mm-300mm L Lens is a sleeper lens in terms of both the weight and image quality, and anybody thinking about purchasing the 100mm-400mm L lens needs to seriously consider this lens before they purchase; I may take the loss and switch!
I purchased this as a replacement for my old, starting-to-fail, āmagic drainpipeā 80-200 f2.8. The 70-200 f2.8 IS II seems sharper to my eye (although I feel Iād be hard pressed to identify which image came from which lens under normal shooting conditions). The IS is the trouble spot in this lens. Mine has thrown error codes occasionally indicating it needs a ribbon cable replacement. For the vast majority of my use of it, though, I need high shutter speeds to freeze action, so I have the IS turned off and everything else functions perfectly. The autofocus speed makes this a worthy upgrade alone. I have no experience using the 70-200 f4 alternative; I would guess that lens would be a more cost-effective option for most shooters. The weight of the lens, reduced ...Ā MoreI purchased this as a replacement for my old, starting-to-fail, āmagic drainpipeā 80-200 f2.8. The 70-200 f2.8 IS II seems sharper to my eye (although I feel Iād be hard pressed to identify which image came from which lens under normal shooting conditions). The IS is the trouble spot in this lens. Mine has thrown error codes occasionally indicating it needs a ribbon cable replacement. For the vast majority of my use of it, though, I need high shutter speeds to freeze action, so I have the IS turned off and everything else functions perfectly. The autofocus speed makes this a worthy upgrade alone. I have no experience using the 70-200 f4 alternative; I would guess that lens would be a more cost-effective option for most shooters. The weight of the lens, reduced stress on the IS system from lighter weight of the moving pieces in the lens, and significantly lower cost make that an appealing option. For shooting sports/action in poorly lit venues, the f2.8 aperature of this lens outweighs all of the other considerations for me.
(reviewing just the lens, and not the B&H kit) We've owned and usedthe larger (and great) Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM for a fewyears, but wanted something that was roughly equivalent, with lessweight, for a couple of use cases: 1) we're more likely to take thesmaller 70-300mm along on a hike or backpacking (unless we think we're really going to need that extra 300-400mm range); and 2) if my wife and I are both shooting in this long focal length range (with two cameras), she'd prefer to use the lighter 70-300mm while I'm using the 100-400mm. (She has used the 100-400mm on all-day shoots, but it's a significant amount of glass to carry around.) Consequently, we've started thinking about the 70-300mm as the 3/4 little brother of 100-400mm: it's about 3/4 the ...Ā More(reviewing just the lens, and not the B&H kit) We've owned and usedthe larger (and great) Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM for a fewyears, but wanted something that was roughly equivalent, with lessweight, for a couple of use cases: 1) we're more likely to take thesmaller 70-300mm along on a hike or backpacking (unless we think we're really going to need that extra 300-400mm range); and 2) if my wife and I are both shooting in this long focal length range (with two cameras), she'd prefer to use the lighter 70-300mm while I'm using the 100-400mm. (She has used the 100-400mm on all-day shoots, but it's a significant amount of glass to carry around.) Consequently, we've started thinking about the 70-300mm as the 3/4 little brother of 100-400mm: it's about 3/4 the weight, about 3/4 the focal length, about 3/4 the aperture area, about 3/4 the length. The 70-300mm has the focal length ring forward and the focusing ring back towards the camera body, just like the 100-400mm, so one can easily switch between the two. Compared to the 100-400mm, the 70-300mm is missing IS mode 3 and the zoom drag control ring and it can't focus as close as the 100-400mm. Note on the focusing ring: A few reviews of the 70-300mm complain about the closeness of this ring to the camera body, but it's actually a bit further away (53mm) than on the 100-400mm (52mm); the main user difference, perhaps, is that the focus ring is tapered down on the 100-400mm towards the body, so maybe one is less likely to nudge it when shooting manual focus. (Personally, I keep a short strip of Gorilla tape handy to lock down the focus ring in touchy situations -- assuming circumstances allow this to be done.)
| Lens system | |
| Closest focusing distance | 1.2 m |
| Lens mount interface | Canon EF |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 8 |
| Diagonal angle of view (min) | 8.25Ā° |
