Should i go for it, or no? Please help!!!

Hello!

First, let me thanks everyone participating in this forum. I've used it many times to fix my problems and my doubts, your help and experience is really appreciated.

I have a Canon 350D with the kit lenses, and i would like to buy my next lense. I want to get a zoom lense, something up to 300mm (not a L yet), and i was interested in the EF 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM. I have used this lense once for about 5 minutes (not enough to see if quality is really great).
I liked the IS system and the "feel" of this lense, but reading other users posts 'bout it, i've seen that maybe this isn't such a good purchase after all..
Everybody keeps saying that images are not that good and the quality is bad..
I like my kit lenses, but i'm starting to feel that i need more quality for my pics.

This may sound weird, but i feel that my pictures are not "alive" if you know what i mean.. More definition and more vivid colours is what i want.
Can you advise me on this lense, or a better replacement?

Sorry for any mistake, and thanks again for helping me!

i hope u are talking about the 70-300 IS in which case, yes you should get it

Images were soft with the 75-300 IS but the newer version (70-300 IS) is almost L quality

The current version is the 70-300 IS lens and it has good reviews - an excellent choice.
the older 75-300 IS versions have a pretty lousy reputation. they are only available used. Best avoided unless the price is really compelling...

He said he's not looking at L series... so obviously he's not looking for ultimate image quality!

Artanys, there is nothing wrong with the 75-300 series. If you are happy with your pictures then that's all that matters. You absolutely *CAN* get fantastic shots from this lens. If the price is right and you are satisfied with the images then all is good. Even slight softness has minimal effect on prints.

I have the 70-200 F2.8L IS and it's image quality is superb. I also have a 75-300 non IS and it's certainly no slouch of a lens and I still use it often. Excellent for outdoor use. When the sun is out, set it to f/8 then you'll likely get excellent pictures from it. I love mine and I have no intention of getting rid of it.

I'd suggest checking out reviews at http://www.fredmiranda​.com/reviews/.

Good luck.

there is nothing wrong with the 70-300 IS the image quality is starting to get up their but, but the "L" series are more robust and produce a higher quality image. with the 70-300 it can't take as much punishment and water as the "L" series

Thanks everyone for answering my post! You are the best guys!!

After reading it all, and seeing some photos of the "upgraded" model, the 70-300 IS, i'm all for it!!

Here i go hunting for this lense....

Thanks again for the replies.

Artanys wrote in post #2273146
Thanks everyone for answering my post! You are the best guys!!

After reading it all, and seeing some photos of the "upgraded" model, the 70-300 IS, i'm all for it!!

Here i go hunting for this lense....

Thanks again for the replies.

yes, the 70-300 IS is MUCH better than its predeccessor.

I wouldnt go for teh 75-300
Go for the Canon 70-200f4L its pretty uch the same price and I think build, IQ and speed are much better. I had that lens and it was fantastic

naqs wrote in post #2272840
it can't take as much punishment and water as the "L" series

NONE of my lenses take punishment or water. I look after my stuff - I'd cry buckets if I damaged a lens thru carelessness, and my photographic needs do not include taking my gear into risky situations - I have a P&S for that kind of situation!

steved110 wrote in post #2273185
NONE of my lenses take punishment or water. I look after my stuff - I'd cry buckets if I damaged a lens thru carelessness, and my photographic needs do not include taking my gear into risky situations - I have a P&S for that kind of situation!

Mine gets a bit of mud and dust here and there from all the 4wd events I attend but it isn't careless... also occasionally it might get a little water here and there but again not from carelessness

Do you guys know how much that lens (70-300 IS) is worth nowadays? In Euros i mean... i live in Portugal !! New or used..

Fnac have it in Portugal for 749 Euros. I would look somewhere...