Post by USM on Nov 1, 2010 2:56:51 GMT 8
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM is my favorite travel lens. It is so light and compact that you won't have any problem carrying the whole day to shoot. Despite being a variant aperture lens, it does not stop me from taking excellent photos.
The EF70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM replaced the EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM, which was released in September 1995; and had the distinction of being the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras equipped with an Image Stabilizer.
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM lens offers an extended zoom range at the wide-angle end and incorporates an Image Stabilizer that compensates for the equivalent of 3 shutter stops faster, increased from two in the EF 75-300mm lens. The UD lens element minimizes chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range and, compared to the previous lens, achieves higher image quality with high resolution and high contrast without any color bleeding on subject outlines.
In addition, the lens also features a zoom ring lock mechanism, which keeps the lens at the shortest focal length to prevent it from extending and hitting obstacles when attached to the camera and carried with a shoulder strap.
Specifications :
In the market, there are a few variations of EF 70-300mm or 75-300mm lenses. At times, it can be quite confusing. I have listed down all the models for your reference.
Generally, all the EF 75-300mm series lenses are really bad. I won't buy it unless you are really on a tight budget. Nevertheless, it is better than nothing if you don't buy anything at all. The EF 75-300mm series lenses do give decent quality photos but don't expect wonders. Every cent counts.
Many people would compare it against the EF 70-200mm series. However, I prefer the extra 100mm of the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM which comes very handy when you are traveling. Moreover, the color of the lens is black which makes it less eye catching as compared to the white color of the EF 70-200mm series. In addition, weight is another consideration. It is much lighter than the EF 70-200mm f4L. The IQ of the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM is surprisingly good.
Enought of talking, let look at some sample images taken by this lens.
EOS 40D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/320 sec, f6.3, ISO 400
Black-backed gull
EOS 30D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/250 sec, f5.6, ISO 200
Little Shag
EOS 30D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/400 sec, f7.1, ISO 200
I would strongly recommend this lens to anyone. Given that the price of this lens is also not too high, it is definitely an affordable telephoto zoom lens that you will like to put inside your bag. Canon is spoiling us again by coming out the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM. Oh man... I begin to drool about it.
The EF70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM replaced the EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM, which was released in September 1995; and had the distinction of being the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras equipped with an Image Stabilizer.
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM lens offers an extended zoom range at the wide-angle end and incorporates an Image Stabilizer that compensates for the equivalent of 3 shutter stops faster, increased from two in the EF 75-300mm lens. The UD lens element minimizes chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range and, compared to the previous lens, achieves higher image quality with high resolution and high contrast without any color bleeding on subject outlines.
In addition, the lens also features a zoom ring lock mechanism, which keeps the lens at the shortest focal length to prevent it from extending and hitting obstacles when attached to the camera and carried with a shoulder strap.
Specifications :
| Marketed | October 2005 |
| Lens Construction (group) | 10 |
| Lens Construction (element) | 15 |
| No. of Diaphragm Blades | 8 (Circular aperture) |
| Minimum Aperture | 32-45 |
| Closest Focusing Distance (m) | 1.5 |
| Maximum Magnifcation (x) | 0.26 |
| Filter Diameter (mm) | 58 |
| Maximum Diameter x Length (mm) | 76.5 x 142.8 |
| Weight (g) | 630 |
In the market, there are a few variations of EF 70-300mm or 75-300mm lenses. At times, it can be quite confusing. I have listed down all the models for your reference.
| Model | Availability |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 | Discontinued |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 USM | Discontinued |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 II | Discontinued |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 II USM | Discontinued |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III | Yes |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III USM | Yes |
| EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM | Discontinued |
| EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM | Yes |
| EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6DO IS USM | Yes |
| EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM | Yes |
Generally, all the EF 75-300mm series lenses are really bad. I won't buy it unless you are really on a tight budget. Nevertheless, it is better than nothing if you don't buy anything at all. The EF 75-300mm series lenses do give decent quality photos but don't expect wonders. Every cent counts.
Many people would compare it against the EF 70-200mm series. However, I prefer the extra 100mm of the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM which comes very handy when you are traveling. Moreover, the color of the lens is black which makes it less eye catching as compared to the white color of the EF 70-200mm series. In addition, weight is another consideration. It is much lighter than the EF 70-200mm f4L. The IQ of the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM is surprisingly good.
Enought of talking, let look at some sample images taken by this lens.
EOS 40D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/320 sec, f6.3, ISO 400
Black-backed gull
EOS 30D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/250 sec, f5.6, ISO 200
Little Shag
EOS 30D, EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
1/400 sec, f7.1, ISO 200
I would strongly recommend this lens to anyone. Given that the price of this lens is also not too high, it is definitely an affordable telephoto zoom lens that you will like to put inside your bag. Canon is spoiling us again by coming out the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM. Oh man... I begin to drool about it.