Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

vjack · 11th of March 2006 (Sat)

It dawned on me that it might be a good idea for those of us researching particular lenses to provide links to some of the useful information we've found. Here are links to some excellent review information for those considering this lens:

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...56is/index.htm
http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/70300is
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...&cat=27&page=2
http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon...is/review.html
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

I had almost decided on the 70-200 f/4, but I must admit that I'm now having second thoughts and wondering if the 70-300 IS would be a smarter buy.

Lightstream · 12th of March 2006 (Sun)

These are the photos that conclusively prove to me that it's not the hardware, it's the operator: http://www.pbase.com/gschmickle/mn_wildlife_connection

I am absolutely blown away by what he's managed to achieve with it, which will probably be more than I ever do with mine!

Tess320 · 12th of March 2006 (Sun)

Well for interest sake, I took the following image (100% crop) handheld at 1/60 at 300mm. Normally shots are useable for me way before this point.

And the 25% crop showing the image is perfectly useable, and I could have gotten it down to around 1/30 and still been able to use it...at 300mm!

vjack · 12th of March 2006 (Sun)

None of the review links I posted mentions problems with the optics of this lens. It appears that the primary issues are poor build quality, zoom creep, the rotating front element, and the portrait issue (which seems to be an issue for some copies but not others).

Tess320 · 12th of March 2006 (Sun)

I was surprised the build quality was inferrior to the 28-135mm. I would go for another lens if it was very important to someone. It doesn't matter to me so doesn't effect me.

YARRO · 12th of March 2006 (Sun)

I'm happy with the lens. Optics are very very good, given the price. No portrait issue with my copy.
However, zoom creep is annoying and some dampening on the focal length ring would have been nice. Apart from that, there's nothing wrong with the build quality. It's not L, but good enough.

vjack · 13th of March 2006 (Mon)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tess320

I was surprised the build quality was inferrior to the 28-135mm. I would go for another lens if it was very important to someone. It doesn't matter to me so doesn't effect me.

A couple of those reviewing the lens on Fred Miranda mentioned that the build quality was among the worst they've seen from Canon. The 28-135 and a couple other consumer-grade lenses were mentioned, so it seems that you are not alone in your opinion.

Jack W. · 13th of March 2006 (Mon)

Bought two of these, one for me and one for my wife.
We're both thrilled with the shots from this lens.
Build quality is just fine; not "L" quality of course, but fine nonetheless.
Jack

bryan k · 5th of October 2006 (Thu)

Dolphin in Tahiti

gbpro1 · 28th of February 2007 (Wed)

There is hardly any pictures on here.. I just wanted to share. I love this lens.. Here is a few examples

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...3&d=1171512750

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...1&d=1172722861

Zohar · 28th of February 2007 (Wed)

Can't view the second image but the first one is great, love the sharpness and perspective, good job.

aero145 · 1st of March 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightstream

These are the photos that conclusively prove to me that it's not the hardware, it's the operator: http://www.pbase.com/gschmickle/mn_wildlife_connection

I am absolutely blown away by what he's managed to achieve with it, which will probably be more than I ever do with mine!

It's the operator, yes, but it the image quality also gets better with some sharpening and resizing.

I don't like the bokeh.

I wasn't happy with mine... I don't want to use this lens again ever. Maybe I'm too L-addicted?

purelithium · 1st of March 2007 (Thu)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightstream

These are the photos that conclusively prove to me that it's not the hardware, it's the operator: http://www.pbase.com/gschmickle/mn_wildlife_connection

I am absolutely blown away by what he's managed to achieve with it, which will probably be more than I ever do with mine!

Most of the outstanding shots in that gallery are taken at f/8, where almost any lens will shine. It IS all about the operator, but it's not that hard to get great, sharp shots from a lens if you stop it down a bit...

Check out the "Lynx on the lookout" shot, examine it, and then look at the one beside it "Lynx #4" you can visibly notice better image quality in the Lynx #4 image. The Lookout is softer, less defined. But once he stopped it down to f/8, the fur is more defined and pleasing to look at.

Double Negative · 1st of March 2007 (Thu)

This lens seems to be a pretty good alternative to the 70-200mm f/4. What would bother me is the fact that it's parafocal (you have to re-focus after zooming) and that the front element rotates (bad for CPL use). The IS is a plus... But with the new 70-200mm f/4L IS lens out there's another option.

If you have the money, I'd go for the 70-200mm f/4L IS. You'll never regret it.

If you want to travel with the lens, I'd also suggest looking at the DO version - though this lens is not without controversy, either.

If you know the downsides going in, it's not a bad lens. Those wolf/cougar shots are ample proof that this lens can deliver.

iplayazi · 7th of March 2007 (Wed)

I really enjoy using this lens and can produce some fantastic shots. I am glad I went with this lens.

First shot taken with this lens on the day I bought it.

11th of March 2006 (Sat)	#1
vjack Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mississippi, USA Posts: 1,602 IMAGE EDITING OK	Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM It dawned on me that it might be a good idea for those of us researching particular lenses to provide links to some of the useful information we've found. Here are links to some excellent review information for those considering this lens: http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/len...56is/index.htm http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/70300is http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...&cat=27&page=2 http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon...is/review.html http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx I had almost decided on the 70-200 f/4, but I must admit that I'm now having second thoughts and wondering if the 70-300 IS would be a smarter buy. __________________ Canon 20D Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS Canon Speedlite 430EX Manfrotto 3021BPRO; Kirk BH-1 ballhead Canon Pixma 4200 < see my gallery > Last edited by vjack : 11th of March 2006 (Sat) at 10:32.

12th of March 2006 (Sun)	#2
Lightstream Yoda Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cult of the Full Frame Posts: 14,915	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS These are the photos that conclusively prove to me that it's not the hardware, it's the operator: http://www.pbase.com/gschmickle/mn_wildlife_connection I am absolutely blown away by what he's managed to achieve with it, which will probably be more than I ever do with mine!

12th of March 2006 (Sun)	#3
Tess320 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 816	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS Well for interest sake, I took the following image (100% crop) handheld at 1/60 at 300mm. Normally shots are useable for me way before this point. And the 25% crop showing the image is perfectly useable, and I could have gotten it down to around 1/30 and still been able to use it...at 300mm! __________________ http://www.animusphotography.com Canon EOS 50d Canon 70-200 F4 L Canon 100-400 L

12th of March 2006 (Sun)	#5
Tess320 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 816	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS I was surprised the build quality was inferrior to the 28-135mm. I would go for another lens if it was very important to someone. It doesn't matter to me so doesn't effect me. __________________ http://www.animusphotography.com Canon EOS 50d Canon 70-200 F4 L Canon 100-400 L

12th of March 2006 (Sun)	#6
YARRO Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Assen, The Netherlands Posts: 201 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS I'm happy with the lens. Optics are very very good, given the price. No portrait issue with my copy. However, zoom creep is annoying and some dampening on the focal length ring would have been nice. Apart from that, there's nothing wrong with the build quality. It's not L, but good enough. __________________ Canon 50D + Grip, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L, Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM, Tamron AF17-50MM F/2.8, Canon Speedlite 430 EX + Lumiquest Big Bounce, Gitzo G1564L Monopod + Manfrotto 468 MG RC-0 hydro ballhead, Canon RC RS-80N3, Lowepro Slingshot 200AW.

13th of March 2006 (Mon)	#8
Jack W. Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 841	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS Bought two of these, one for me and one for my wife. We're both thrilled with the shots from this lens. Build quality is just fine; not "L" quality of course, but fine nonetheless. Jack

28th of February 2007 (Wed)	#10
gbpro1 Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 110 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS There is hardly any pictures on here.. I just wanted to share. I love this lens.. Here is a few examples http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...3&d=1171512750 http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...1&d=1172722861 __________________ Canon xti 400D W/ BG-E3 grip / 18-55 kit Canon 70-300 f/3.5-5.6 IS Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS.. Canon 60mm f2.8 Macro Canon 580EX flash... Dynatran Carbon Fiber Tripod Canon Pro 9000 printer

28th of February 2007 (Wed)	#11
Zohar Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: California, CA Posts: 123 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS Can't view the second image but the first one is great, love the sharpness and perspective, good job. __________________ (¯`·._.·My Gallery·._.·´¯) Brand New 350D and 18-55mm lens

1st of March 2007 (Thu)	#14
Double Negative sniffles Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New York, USA Posts: 10,477 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS This lens seems to be a pretty good alternative to the 70-200mm f/4. What would bother me is the fact that it's parafocal (you have to re-focus after zooming) and that the front element rotates (bad for CPL use). The IS is a plus... But with the new 70-200mm f/4L IS lens out there's another option. If you have the money, I'd go for the 70-200mm f/4L IS. You'll never regret it. If you want to travel with the lens, I'd also suggest looking at the DO version - though this lens is not without controversy, either. If you know the downsides going in, it's not a bad lens. Those wolf/cougar shots are ample proof that this lens can deliver. __________________ La Vida Leica! • LitPixel Galleries -- 1v-HS/1d Mk IIn w/E-1 & Op/Tech straps 15mm f/2.8, 14mm f/2.8L, 24mm f/1.4L II, 35mm f/1.4L, 50mm f/1.2L, 85mm f/1.2L II, 135mm f/2.0L 16-35mm f/2.8L, 24-70mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS, Extender EF 1.4x II & 2x II

7th of March 2007 (Wed)	#15
iplayazi Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Calgary Alberta Posts: 531 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS I really enjoy using this lens and can produce some fantastic shots. I am glad I went with this lens. First shot taken with this lens on the day I bought it. __________________ *Todd Kwiczak* Canon Gear www.tkshotz.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Used Canon 70-200 F4L USM non-IS vs Canon Refurb 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM	mike93lx	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	4	25th of January 2008 (Fri) 22:52
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro v Canon 75-300mm F4.0-5.6 III EF USM	JamesU2002	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	7	11th of September 2007 (Tue) 01:50
Canon 70-300mm IS USM v's Sigma 70-300mm	tuppy	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	2	1st of August 2007 (Wed) 00:03
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM ?	sorashell	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	5	13th of March 2006 (Mon) 14:52
Sigma 300mm f2.8 EX APO HSM or Canon EF 300mm f2.8L IS USM?	garethhhhh	Canon EF and EF-S Lenses	13	23rd of April 2004 (Fri) 22:57