Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens USA
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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
Go To
| 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(based on 59 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
85%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (45)
- Easily interchangeable (23)
- Lightweight (23)
- Strong construction (22)
- Durable (21)
Cons
- Lens creep (10)
- Heavy (6)
- Poor in low light (5)
- Blurry focus (3)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (20)
- Wildlife photos (20)
- Landscape/scenery (15)
- General purpose (13)
- Wildlife (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (14), Enthusiast (12), Casual photographer (8), Semi-professional (4), Pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
Very Good Travel Lens
PRO:
> Very good optics quality, although not as good as a "L" lens
> Long focal range (especially mounted on a x1.6 sensor body such...Read complete review
PRO:
> Very good optics quality, although not as good as a "L" lens
> Long focal range (especially mounted on a x1.6 sensor body such as 40D) in a compact and stealth package
> fast USM auto-focus
> effective IS stabilization system
CONS:
> challenging learning curve process for developing all the potential of this lens
> not razor-sharp at 300mm
> works best without UV filter (lens is therefore unprotected!)
> Shooting in RAW and post-processing is needed for getting truly beautiful pictures.
Personal recommendation usage: outdoor photography, sport, nature, portrait
I bought this lens 3 months ago, after extensively researching the internet. I'm very pleased with it as it corresponds exactly to what I was looking for: very good optic quality and long focal reach packed in a stealth and relatively lightweight lens.
You should be aware though that it's a challenging lens that does require RAW processing in order to achieve the best results.
Bokeh (round shapes in out-of-focus area) is also distinctive with this lens, as it tends to be a bit harsh. Some might find it distracting, but I personally think of it as a creative feature!
Despite all this, I would have given this lens a 5-stars rating if it had been a bit faster than f/4.5-5.6 . IS system does work very efficiently but this is by no mean a low-light lens.
My final advice:
Google "70-300 DO" and read all the reviews of this lens before making up your mind.
This lens is special, and does require an out-of-the-box thinking to truly appreciate it. Make sure it corresponds to what you are looking for before buying it!!
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
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 59 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:
I am a novice photographer who wanted the best equipment I could afford/rationalize for taking sports photos of my family and their teammates. I love the compact size with a fabulous zoom. I use the lock on the lens when not in use, but have not had any troubles with lens creep.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Quick Focus
- Sharp Focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens:
I've given this lens a decent workout since receiving it and have found it to be a good addition to my camera bag. It complements my 17-55mm from Canon very well and has produced sharp images from one end of its range to the other. I like its compact size. I look forward to being able to test and use this lens further during an upcoming trip.
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