Help! Best Buy 75-300mm Canon f/4.0-5.6

I couldn't resist at US$219 minus a few holiday gift cards over at Best Buy, but now that I have it at home it is *OBVIOUSLY* not the USM version that is selling online for ~US$190. It is much louder than my 300D's included 18-55mm lens.

I know the 75-300mm Canon is a little slow (f/5.6) on the deep end and is a bit soft on focus after 200mm, but I really wanted the range (especially with the 300D's 1.6x magnification factor) and $200 is my LIMIT (wife-set) on a new zoom.

Question: either way, I'm taking back this lens to Best Buy, but should I go for the same lens at $125 or so (cheapest I've found for the US version online), or go ahead and spend the $200 again but get the USM? Will I be any happier with the autofocus speed or reduced noise level?

$219 is too much. While not the best lens it is not that bad. The current price on the imported 75-300 is $165.00 and $179.00 on the USA warranty version from B&H for the 75-300 III USM non IS. the IS version $415.00.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=169​269&is=USA

These are all handheld non IS.
http://www.pbase.com/i​mage/21594328/original
http://www.pbase.com/i​mage/20254348/large
http://www.pbase.com/i​mage/20333482
http://www.pbase.com/i​mage/21594258

Should you go for the usm version?Tthey are both so slow to focus that it's emabarassing and painfull.The usm version is a LITTLE faster so i guess you should go for it.If you really want 300mm there are few worthwhile choices on a budget.
Even though the canon is not very sharp it is definitely better than the 100-300DL model cheap sigma.From what i've seen and heard the better sigma consumer zooms are better than the canon 75-300(and the focus speed will definitely be faster,even the sigma 100-300DL is 50% faster than the canop!).I think you have to get at least the APO version sigma,not sure of the prices but something worth looking into

I just got my 75-300 USM lens from B&H yesterday. I have to say that I love it right out of the box. Much quicker and quieter than my kit lens or the 50mm 1.8 primary. I spend a good five minutes following a bee around a flowering plant today. Moved the focus point to the CENTER point and the lens had no problem keeping up.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Ok, the lens is packed up and going back to Worst Buy. At least I picked up a 512MB SanDisk CompactFlash for under $80 after rebate this afternoon, so the trip was not a lost cause.

I've never heard of B&H, but their price ($180) is very good and I tend to trust brick-and-click stores more than online-only outfits. I'll know for sure in a few days, the order is on the way...

Richard,
I can and I know a lot of other can reccommend B&H. I have spent many thosands of dollars there like between 4 and 5! You go there, you can't go wrong. Be wary of cheap camera equipment, especially in Crooklyn! B&H have been around for a long time and are a huge store in Manhattan, NYC.

Lets see here...
I got a Sigma 120-300mm F2.8EX (Sigma Pro) lens ($1900) and 105 mm filters at $169 (Circular Polariser) and $110 (UV). First used in Wales!

Next order was about $2000, including a Canon 16-35mm F2.8L (Canon Pro) lens ($1370 by itself) and other bit and bobs. First used in England.

Most recently, a 40GB Flashtrax drive and battery ($700 for those). First used in Hull, England.

They have won me over! I got the 10D from RitzCamera, end Apr, 03 and am on 2248 pics taken so far, and 2+ months I was away from the 10D. I missed it and was going thru 10D withdrawl. LOL!

Just a little background on me and kit.

I see you found that Best Buy isn't necessarily the case!

Wow,you have the worlds slowest focusing 50/1.8..or the worlds fastest focusing 75-300.

gsmx2 wrote:
I spend a good five minutes following a bee around a flowering plant today.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

gsm x2

I would give my 82mm B&W polarizer to be able to follow a bee around for any amout of time right now. Freeezing rain yesterday kept everyone indoors and wicked cold today has turned everything into a giant skating rink.
Oh well...more dog photos..
Ian