Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens USA
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is a relatively light telephoto zoom offering a broad range of focal lengths from a single optic, with good optical quality and excellent autofocus performance from its USM motor. 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, making it very practical for capturing still subjects in quite low light. The stabilizer can be activated to only correct shake in the vertical axis for panning action when desired as well.
The lens' AF is very quick, and it 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/4-5.6 has Canon's "Super Spectra" lens coatings for ideal flare-resistance, and is ideal for travel, sports, and general photographic applications.
- An autofocus telephoto zoom lens for both film and digital cameras
- Appropriate for sports, travel, etc.
- 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
- Uses 1 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) element to help control secondary spectrum aberration
- Circular aperture diaphragm for natural-looking out of focus highlights
- Canon Super Spectra lens coatings to suppress flare and ghosting
- Zoom ring lock to prevent lens 'creeping' during movement
- Uses 58mm filters
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 300 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 - 5.6 Minimum: f/32 - 45 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 34° - 8° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.92' (1.5 m) |
| Magnification | 0.26x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:3.8 |
| Groups/Elements | 10/15 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 5.6" (7.62 x 14.22 cm) |
| Weight | 1.39 lb (630 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 587 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (502)
- Easily interchangeable (385)
- Consistent output (340)
- Strong construction (257)
- Durable (240)
Cons
- Heavy (123)
- Slow focus (59)
- Poor in low light (45)
- Lens creep (17)
- Weak casing (16)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (339)
- Wildlife photos (225)
- Landscape/scenery (177)
- Wildlife (160)
- General purpose (142)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (176), Enthusiast (147), Casual photographer (89), Semi-pro photographer (53), Semi-professional (32)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (179), Yes (21)
Most Liked Positive Review
A lot of value for the money
I've owned other 70/75-300 lenses (Sigma APO Macro, Canon 75-300 IS), and this one's simply in another league in terms of image quality. It is a superb upgrade from the...Read complete review
I've owned other 70/75-300 lenses (Sigma APO Macro, Canon 75-300 IS), and this one's simply in another league in terms of image quality. It is a superb upgrade from the 75-300 IS, which is very soft at the long end and indifferent elsewhere. This one is very sharp -- perhaps not quite at the same level as my 200 f/2.8 L, but very close. I use it with a 20D.
I use this lens extensively under a variety of circumstances. It's a fine wildlife lens, given the focal length, and also a good action lens if I want to isolate someone (of course, I can't blur the background in the same way that I could with a faster lens). My shooting style is a fast-reaction, lightweight style where the 300 mm reach, very light weight, and stabilizer (not requiring a tripod) is a great advantage. I use it heavily at events for candids, too.
The build quality is definitely prosumer (rather than professional) grade, which in practice doesn't seem problematic (I take it hiking and just throw it and other lenses in a large fanny pack/knapsack, and I'm not particularly careful). The upside of that build quality is light weight and compact size compared to the L zooms (even the f/4's). The rotating front element doesn't seem to be that much of a killer; it's obviously more of a nuisance with a polarizer, but with this kind of a lens it doesn't seem to be that big of a problem (it would be more serious on a wider angle lens, I think). The focus isn't as fast as a true ring USM, but it's faster than the 75-300 and usually isn't a problem. f/5.6 is f/5.6; it's not a great choice for low light without flash, for which I use a 200 f/2.8 L.
Canon offers a tremendous variety of telephoto primes and zooms for all needs. I'd say that this and the 70-200 f/4 L are the minimum if you're concerned with image quality. For most people, I would favor this because of the longer zoom reach, light weight, and the effective image stabilizer (I usually get sharp shots at 1/20~1/50 hand held), and if you're unhappy with the image quality of one of the older 75-300 lenses, this will solve your problem. Keep in mind that the stabilizer doesn't help at all if the *subject* moves; if that's an issue, only a faster lens will help.
Beyond that, it's a matter of what tradeoffs you want to make on price, size/weight, zoom reach, and stabilization. I find that this lens nicely complements the 200 f/2.8 and 85 f/1.8 that I also have for when low light performance matters. These three lenses cost about as much as the 70-200 f/4 IS plus 1.4x teleconverter (without the low light performance) or the 70-200 f/2.8 and 1.4x or 2x TC unstabilized (without the stabilizer, and somewhat heavier). The 70-200 f/4 L IS might be tempting with a higher pixel count camera due to the better image quality -- it would allow more cropping without loss of quality.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Got What I Paid For
I have some very nice Canon lenses. This is not my favorite and it is rarely used.
While most of my Canon lenses are sharp at the end of their min/max capa...Read complete review
I have some very nice Canon lenses. This is not my favorite and it is rarely used.
While most of my Canon lenses are sharp at the end of their min/max capabilities, this one is SOFT when fully extended to get that 300mm. The loss of sharpness is very visible to me and has frustrated me often. I get better 300m clarity on my teens point and shoot.
To be fair, it is a really decent lens in the mid ranges if you don't have already have one. That is why I wish I could give it a 3.5 rating. I have learned to zoom all the way out then pull back on important shots. If it is something I am sharing ONLY on line (Wunderground, Flickr etc) and print quality is not that important, I will go the full 300mm, reduce and sharpen it in PS.
I would recommend it to: someone who can't afford L Series; someone who doesn't need the full 275-300mm for large quality prints; and to someone who needs it for sports snap shots.
I would not recommend it to: someone who is seeking to look up the nostrils of wildlife from afar; or someone who will be making 11x14 of said wildlife zoomed shots for entry in professional class competitions. Save up and get the L series instead.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 587 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
a relatively light telephoto zoom with good optical quality and excellent autofocus...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by tstar
Sample photo
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I am just getting started using the EF 70-300mm/4-5.6 IS USM. I find it easy to use with great quality. It was given to me as a gift and it is excellent capturing wildlife in their natural environment without being noticed. I am very happy with the image stabilizer.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I bought this lens for nature photography, specifically predatory birds in flight and it's perfect for this application! Even though I bought a refurbished it's as good as new! It's an excellent telephoto lens for the amateur photographer, especially one on a budget. It's lightweight and easy to carry and maneuver.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
Good lens for a beginner
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- 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/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
When I looked at the Canon cameras I had not intended on buying an extra lense but the 28-200 mm lens was not available. So I bought the camera with the 18-135mm and added this extra 70-300mm. Boy, am I glad I did. The standard 18-135mm gives me the chance to get close ups I was not able to get before, plus has enough range that I do not have to change lenses until I want to do some long range photography. When I do use the 70-300mm, wow! I can see things I was never able to see well with my old 200mm. And, there was not that much difference in the price between getting the 28-200 and the combo set I got. What-a-go B&H, you're the greatest!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I bought this lens so I could take pictures of the NHL Winter Classic in Philadelphia. It performed flawlessly attached to my Canon EOS Rebil XSi. Autofocus was accurate and responsive...only one out of focus shot out of over 100 that I took. The image stabilizer also did a great job. Highly recommended!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
Lens for a beginner photographer with Canon EOS DSLR. Wanted to stay with the IS Canon line to supplement the standard lens. Very well made lens. Clarity is superb. Lens is great for magnifying close and distant objects for a novice or intermediate photographer.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
The lens delivered to me in very nice safe package
I love that the lens it was from the used department , I think it was as good as a new
The lens is parfect for shooting the moon for me because I am a beginner in
Photograph and I enjoy taking amazing photo with it
I will defiantly buy from the used department again
I really recommend the lens to zoom , but it is heavy lens of course
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
This lens is amazing and I use it for all of my landscape photographs. My lens has been dropped on the ground and been through a little rain. Even with all of that, it still takes sharp pictures and slides smoothly when I zoom in. Taking pictures on a cloudy day, makes me increase my ISO when I don't like to. That's the only drawback.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I make photo art and bought this lens to complement a Canon 5D also a recent purchase. This lens was listed as Re-manufactured and cost about $100 less than a new lens. On receiving it, it looks new and operates perfectly;focuses fast. Some people mention it's soft at 300mm, but I haven't noticed that defect. It didn't have a hood, but I attached a rubber hood to it which is a lot cheaper than the Canon product.
With the 28-135 bought used and this lens, also a few Olympus OM primes, I'm well equipped to do almost anything and my total investment in zooms is less that $750--about what most pros pay for glass filters.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
-this lens is fantastic not good like L-lenses
but good for start the photo taken by this lens is good sharp photo.
-good things:
good price good range sharp images.
-bad things:
poor in low light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
Works great! Thank you so much!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
This is one very nice lens, and the picture quality is outstanding. This one replaces my kit lenses and so far, the quality of the photos is much better than what I was using. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a lock mechanism that keeps the lens from opening out when held vertically.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
My last 75-300mm lens did not have Image Stabilization and let me tell you, in a telephoto lens, it is a MUST HAVE! This lens actually has a 2-stage IS system and provides excellent quality photos for those of us that aren't so steady handed! I highly recommend this lens!
Some have shown concern about Lens Creep, but unless you are pointing it straight at the ground or straight towards the sky while mounted on a tripod, you should always have a hand holding the lens to steady it which eliminates that issue.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Tiffen 58mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
Great focus and good quality pictures!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
This lens is amazing. Great for sport.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
This lens is great value for the price. It's solidly built, and has a tack sharp image output. Works on both Crop sensor and Full Frame Canon cameras. It's not the fastest to focus, but if you are into certain nature or landscape photography where you are shooting static or slow moving subjects, it's a great performer and easily worth the price. I'm very happy with mine!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Costbenefit ratio
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Outdoorsbright light
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I've been using this lens to shoot kids' soccer games. It puts out some good looking photos, although focusing on my 5D2 isn't 100%. AI Servo focusing seems to be respectable enough.
I was debating on this or some of the 70-200 L lenses, but for my limited uses, I think this was a smart choice.
There's a small, but lightroom correctable, amount of distortion and vignetting here, but nothing out of line for lenses in this price range. Stopping down to f/8 cleans up the vignetting nicely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Multicore
Images shared by Multicore
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
I am a photographer for a local newspaper and found this lens did a very good job with sharp images at a football game last week
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens:
Excellent Lens.
The EF 70-300mm is a great equipment, not an accessory.
Essential for all photographers.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Estimated arrival at B&H is 3-7 days. Your order will only be charged at time of shipment.
What's in the Box
- 58mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- 1-Year Warranty
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