Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens Imported

  • B&H # CA7030045IS
  • Mfr# 9321A002

Product Highlights

  • Professional Quality Zoom Telephoto
  • Built-In Image Stabilizer
  • For Digital or Film SLR Cameras
  • Fast Ring-Type USM Autofocus
  • Full-Time Manual Focus Override
  • Uses Diffractive Optics
  • 1 Aspherical Lens Element
  • Circular Aperture Diaphragm
  • Accepts 58mm Filters

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The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens is a relatively compact telephoto zoom offering superior maximum-aperture performance across its entire focal length range. It incorporates Canon's DO (Diffractive Optics) and IS (Image Stabilizing) technologies.

The use of Diffraction Optics allows a lens to be shorter, lighter, and of higher image quality than comparable normal optical systems of the same focal length and aperture-while this lens is heavier than the consumer-grade EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, it is 28% shorter and uses Canon's very best ring-USM motor instead of the lighter, slower, and less costly 'micro-USM' motor.

Beyond savings in mass, the DO lens performs admirably at its maximum aperture, with images that are very comparable to the "L" series telephotos. It has a circular aperture diaphragm to help create natural out-of-focus highlights, and its built-in image stabilizer allows you to handhold the lens at shutter speeds 3 steps slower than would otherwise be possible.

The lens' AF is super-fast and silent with a ring-type USM that focuses down to 4.6', and features a zoom lock button that keeps the lens safe and secure when not in use or when being used at the shortest 70mm focal length setting.  The EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is an ideal lens for sports, portraiture, animals, and other applications when you're shooting in relatively bright light.

An autofocus telephoto zoom lens for both film and digital cameras
Excellent maximum-aperture performance across entire zoom range
Built-in image stabilizer action can be seen in the viewfinder
Allows handheld images at shutter speeds 3 steps slower than without image stabilization
Fast, silent autofocus with full-time manual focus override
28% Shorter than normal 70/75-300mm lenses
A superior performance, ultra-compact telephoto zoom lens with Canon's Image Stabilization. These Diffractive Optics elements are combined to reduce size and boost image quality.
With rear focusing, the lens does not change length or rotate during focusing.
Circular aperture diaphragm for natural-looking out of focus highlights
Uses 58mm filters
Performance
Focal Length 70 - 300 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/4.5 - 5.6
Minimum: f/32 - 40
Camera Mount Type Canon EF
Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
Canon (APS-C)
Angle of View 34° - 8°
Minimum Focus Distance 4.60' (1.40 m)
Magnification 0.19x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.2
Groups/Elements 12/18
Diaphragm Blades 6
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 58 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 3.2 x 3.9" (8.13 x 9.91 cm)
Weight 1.58 lb (720 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens
 
4.1

(based on 61 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (27)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (21)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (7)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (5)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

85%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (47)
  • Easily interchangeable (25)
  • Lightweight (23)
  • Strong construction (23)
  • Durable (22)

Cons

  • Lens creep (10)
  • Heavy (7)
  • Poor in low light (5)
  • Blurry focus (3)

Best Uses

  • Wildlife photos (22)
  • Sports/action (21)
  • Landscape/scenery (15)
  • General purpose (13)
  • Wildlife (12)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (16), Enthusiast (12), Casual photographer (8), Semi-professional (4), Pro photographer (3)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (14)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Great Lens, I actually used it for a JOB

I was in Guyana two years ago shooting in the rain forest with the BBC. Landed a massive shot of a croc eating a pirahna, and the face of the animal barely fit in ...Read complete review

I was in Guyana two years ago shooting in the rain forest with the BBC. Landed a massive shot of a croc eating a pirahna, and the face of the animal barely fit in the frame. Later I took shots at a rodeo in Brazil, and was able to land sharp shots of riders on bulls bouncing all over.

So there's people who complain about lens creep, hey is that a LOCK switch!? Lock it while just walking around. AF is silent/fast, manual override is nice but rarely needed, IS gives you 3 extra stops for hand-held shots. In fact POP PHOTO mag rated its IS as one of the best in Canon's lineup (not all IS versions created equal).

Some complain about flare. Use lens hood that came with, don't get lazy. Also, dirty filter will have same effect when used on any lens - no logical reason why this lens might be more affected than others. Keep your nose clean and you'll have your money shots.

Pros: compact, superior IS, great AF speed, silent, and not a big white bazooka

Cons: not weather-sealed, a tad pricey

The added weight and $$ was a fair trade for the superior IS, compact dimension, and fine image quality. True, some softness at the long end, but unless you are willing to bring out a 300mm f/4 "L" there's not much to complain. Besides, the difference in sharpness isn't huge (unless you intend to plaster the side of a whole building with your 24mpx shot). This lens fills certain needs - if you chose wrong don't blame your gear, it does exactly what it was made for.

The lens is perfect for my shooting style and the demands of the situation. Great stealth rig with a 50D or Xti! Find quantitative reviews on the web that compare this DO version and the older, longer version of 70-300IS, and decide which suits you more.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Lens is just OK, buy it for its compactness

The only reason to buy this lens over Canon's other 70-300mm is its size. Keep in mind when you zoom in the thing doubles in size anyway (like a tortoise coming out of ...Read complete review

The only reason to buy this lens over Canon's other 70-300mm is its size. Keep in mind when you zoom in the thing doubles in size anyway (like a tortoise coming out of its shell). Also if you point the lens to floor the lens also comes out (and doubles in size). I believe the reviewer before me, is exaggerating. I pointed the lens to the ceiling after reading his review and there isn't a problem, at all. The lens performs like a typical Canon lens. And yes, it lacks some contrast. But who, these days, prints directly without post processing? I didn't find the quality to be a problem, at all. But I haven't printed large with the lens. Really, it is a good lens if you travel, but if you don't mind the extra length, get Canon's other 70-300mm lens, it is much better and it is half the price. I like other owners of this lens wonder what to do with it.

Expertise: Professional Photographer, BFA Parsons School of Design, Photo

Problems Encountered: I have mentioned this above, and it is a big problem, especially if travelling. If whilst around your neck, the weight of the lens tilts the camera downward, the other part of the lens (which doubles its size) comes out and you have this big weight pulling on your neck. Maybe it is just my lens. But I did buy it new. And I did buy it from B&H. I also recommend buying your lenses from them.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Old Tokina zoom lens for Contax

Items I Recommend: Canon EOS 30D or 40D, plane ticket to Hawaii

Reviewed by 61 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Small size but powerful

By Rob

from Chicago

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Reviewer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Strong Construction

Cons

  • Heavy

Best Uses

  • Wildlife Photos

Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

Suprizingly heavy but does the job. Short and feels good in the hand. Good and fast autofocus. Good color reproduction. See the picture of moa.

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

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5.0

Great lens in a small package

By Starlover

from St. George, UT

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Ideal size and weight
  • Rugged

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Sports/Action
    • Wildlife Photos

    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

    I wanted a versatile telephoto lens to complement the 24 - 105mm kit lens of my 5D Mark II. I also wanted a lens that would be about the same dimensions and weight as the kit lens because I know from experience how tiring a long, heavy lens can be if I am carrying it around all day and using it a lot. The 70-300mm DO IS USM lens is perfect for me. After reading many reviews and looking at a number of online test shots, I decided there was no better lens to fit my reuirements. I bought the lens for closeups of nature shots (including distant views) both day and nighttime, and sports and action photography. The special IS mode 2 for horizontal and vertical panning is perfect for the action shots. I find the lens very easy to use. Although it has a focus lock, I have had no problems with the lens extending itself.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

    (0 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

     
    2.0

    Not Usefull

    By usas

    from Ca

    About Me Casual Photographer

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Lightweight

    Cons

    • Poor in Low Light

    Best Uses

      Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

      This lens is very expensive for pure contrast and sharpness. Zoom ring is not usefull. Small size very good idea but sharpness is not good.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

      (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Great Lense in a small package

      By Hammy

      from Cambridge ON Canada

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Macro Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

        I love my new 70-300 DO IS USM Lense, The Reviews on the web are great. I'm a hobbiest and this lense is just what I need for nature walks and driving around the country. I like the fast autofocus and I use the P Mode on my Canon 40D. The UV Filter is just fine for walking along the river. The Lense does not creep at all and people look twice when they see the green stripe.Pictures are beautiful and I'm so pleased with the results I get with my new lense.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Awesome Travel Lens

        By M. Photography

        from Toronto, Canada

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Lightweight
        • Rugged
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Slow Focus

        Best Uses

        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

        Awesome Travel Lens, smaller in size than my 28-105. "L" quality lens!

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        WOW

        By SammyandZoey

        from Laf. La

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Wildlife Photos

          Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

          This is the lens you are looking for if you would like a compact 300mm lens. Perfect purchase because of the great advice. Thanks B and H!!

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great carry-around lens

          By rw

          from Madison, WI

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh
          • Rugged

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Street photography
            • Vacation
            • Weddings/Events
            • Wildlife Photos

            Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

            Excellent replacement for the Canon 75-300 kit lens. This lens is a little heavier and wider, but the general ease of use and form-factor are similar. Much more portable than the equivalent L-series lens.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

            (1 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            It's good lens

            By Jamse

            from Toronto, ON

            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Durable
            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight
            • Strong Construction

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Sports/Action
              • Wildlife Photos

              Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

              It's good lens, lightweight, fast/auto focus...

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

              (12 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              EXCELLENT

              By photographer m

              from california

              About Me Pro Photographer

              Verified Reviewer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Lightweight
              • Nice Bokeh
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                This has been one of my best lenses over the years. I purchased it a year after it was on the market. I photographed football games, including night games, lots of action in bright and low lighting of animals, whales, dolphins, did some portrait shooting, and some landscape with it. I have never been disappointed with this lens and I do not think I will ever part with it. I am a professional photographer and quality is VERY important to me. I don't accept anything less than tack sharp photos!

                Share this review

                (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                ideal form factor

                By Ivan the skibum

                from Vancouver BC

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight
                • Nice Bokeh
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Blurry Focus
                • Poor in Low Light

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Sports/Action
                • Travel
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                this is an amazing lens for the outdoor/backcountry photographer/cinematographer. Fitting a 70-300mm lens into a backpack that I can climb in and out of a heli and ski with is no small feat. It's not an "L" series lens, and the DO optics are still a new beast, but the quality is very high, with a nice round bokeh, and a very solid build.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (6 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                2.0

                Light-duty, not professional quality

                By Mark Bohrer

                from Saratoga, CA

                About Me Pro Photographer

                Verified Reviewer

                Pros

                • Lightweight

                Cons

                • Blurry Focus
                • Lens Creep
                • Weak Casing

                Best Uses

                • Sports/Action
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                I bought one of these in 2006, intending it as a lightweight walkaround alternative to the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. It had OK sharpness at first, but began giving unsharp pictures without stopping down after the usual knocking around. Finally, even after repair it no longer gave sharp images wide open or stopped down. A big disappointment compared to my 400mm f/4 DO IS.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                I would recomended this product

                By Eliana

                from Rio de Janeiro , Brazil

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                • No cons

                Best Uses

                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                In the nature scenario to take pictures of the birds and animals.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                (1 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                5.0

                "So far I love it"

                By PHOTO JUNKY

                from PANAMA CITY, FL

                About Me Photo Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Rugged
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                  Very easy to use and with the smaller size of the overall lens I have been able to get some great shots. I have much to learn but feel comfortable already this wonderful lens.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (1 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  5.0

                  Nice Lens

                  By Simon

                  from Melbourne, AUS

                  About Me Casual Photographer

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Strong Construction

                  Cons

                  • Heavy

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery
                  • Macro Photography
                  • Sports/Action
                  • Wildlife Photos

                  Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                  Nice lens, a little on the heavy side but good still manageable and well put together. Very happy with its performance.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                  (13 of 13 customers found this review helpful)

                   
                  4.0

                  Glad to have it in the bag

                  By JMO

                  from New Zealand

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Reviewer

                  Pros

                  • Consistent Output
                  • Durable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus

                  Cons

                  • Lens Creep

                  Best Uses

                    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                    Photography is just a hobby for me and over the years I found that I rarely used the telephoto lens in my bag- more often than not it just took up space. This is why I like the 70-300 DO IS USM: it's there when I "need" it and doesn't annoy me when I don't. It's a compromise I'm willing to make. Photo quality is better than I had been led to believe. Autofocus is quick and accurate, IS is very helpful- especially when a cropped sensor turns this into the equivalent of a 112-480mm beast. My copy does suffer from "creep"- it will fully extend without the lock on. I recently took this lens on a five month vacation and never regretted bringing it along, in fact I was grateful to have it in my kit. I also like the fact that it is not notice-me white. It's not a pro lens but it's not a pain to lug around, either. Good photos, too. Thanks, Canon- just what I "needed".

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                    (6 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    3.0

                    Good Lens

                    By Haydor

                    from Perth, Western Australia

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery

                    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                    I brought this lens primarily for shooting video and this is what my review will reflect.

                    Overall a Good Lens - but poor in Low Light. The 4.5 F-Stop means needing to crank the ISO up (and add noise) when a lens at 2.8 could shoot fine.

                    Other than that its good - small, clear and the image stabilizer is a must when shooting long lens.

                    Share this review

                    (8 of 8 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Awesome Lens!

                    By Jesse

                    from San Jose, CA

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Nice Bokeh
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                    • Heavy
                    • Lens Creep

                    Best Uses

                    • Weddings/Events
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                    This lens is well worth the price. I bought it for a graduation and when I showed everyone the pictures, I kept getting asked if I was a professional photographer and I am nowhere close to being professional. I didn't have very much trouble with lens flare unless I shot directly at the sun. Focusing is very fast and extremely quiet and the image stabilization works like a charm. I'm only giving it 4 stars because the lens loses a lot of sharpness when fully zoomed.

                    Share this review

                    (10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    5.0

                    Small size, large lense

                    By Mikael

                    from Oslo, Norway

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                    What I fell for with this DO lens is the compact size together with the weight. The shortness of the lens hides it's true purpose and it's very easy to carry around.

                    The price might scare some compared to a 70-300mm in normal size, but for me it's absolutely worth it. Compact means I'll always bring it with me.

                    Share this review

                    (8 of 15 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    3.0

                    So So Lens.

                    By Tim

                    from Redwood City, Ca.

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Sports/Action
                    • Wildlife Photos

                    Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                    This is an ok lens. It has a good zoom range and the image quality is OK. Personally I would not buy it again. Images were not as sharp as I would like. Shooting at 300mm soft...Shooting at 70mm was soft. The sweet spot on this lens is 100 to 125mm at f/7.1 to f/9.0.

                    I sold it and bought a 100mm 2.8 macro and a 200mm 2.8.

                    Share this review

                    (4 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

                     
                    4.0

                    Compact Telephoto

                    By Mark

                    from Los Angeles, CA

                    About Me Casual Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Durable
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Strong Construction

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                        Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:

                        I needed a compact telephoto for viewing the Space Shuttle launch and this seemed to fit the bill. I was at a place called Space View Park, about 12 miles from the launch pad and from the photos I probably needed a longer lens. But I am satisfied with it so far. It did the job, can't complain.

                        I wished that it was weather proof, like the L series.

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