The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens has been developed to meet the high-performance standards that today's photographers demand. Improved Image Stabilizer Technology provides up to three stops of shake correction, and the Mode 2 option stabilizes images while panning with a moving subject.

Compared to the original Canon EF 75-300mm IS zoom lens, this telephoto lens has faster autofocus, and overall the lens is lighter and has a smaller diameter than the original.

The zoom ring can be locked at the 70mm position, making this powerful lens easy to transport, too.

Technical Details

-70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras
-3-stop Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
-Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create attractive background at large apertures
-Super Spectra lens coating and lens element shaping suppresses flare and ghosting
-Measures 3 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches long; weighs 22.2 ounces; 1-year warranty
See more technical details

 "Canon EF 70-300 IS USM--WOW!" 2010-07-09
By Wayne C (Upstate NY)
My two cents' worth--I recently purchased thisCanon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras lens, primarily guided by Gustavo's review, since I like to do a lot of investigation, and simply didn't have time; I found he had already done the work for me. So, how's the lens? WOW--I'm impressed! Yes, as some reviewers note, there is a little noise from the stabilization, but I have not had it bother any wildlife I was attempting to photograph yet. And yes, the lens does get longer as it zooms, but compared to the price to step up to one that doesn't I'll happily deal with it; just requires paying attention. Some mention it's a bit heavy, but I don't find that to be a problem at all. The ability to shoot at full magnification with the Image Stabilization managing camera shake is amazing--got some shots of twin fawns on the dark edge of a woods while just resting my elbows on my truck--these shots would have been IMPOSSIBLE without a tripod with my old non-stabilized lens. In this situation, I really got the 3 stops of improvement they advertise. While nowhere near the build quality of my (really) old FD lenses [yes, I'm old too, just like my lenses :-)], this lens's quality is a step up from the less expensive (half the price)Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer Telephoto Zoom LensI was considering, which is similar in quality to the 18-55 that came with my T2i. I'm glad I spent the extra money. In short, I would highly recommend this lens. BTW, in my opinion, if you can't afford the extra bucks, don't be afraid of the 55-250; should last a long time if you don't abuse it.

One note: there is an older Canon 70-300 lens, which brings much poorer reviews--don't confuse the old one with the current one.


 "Able to zoom in really closely." 2010-06-30
By S. Davis
I was debating on weather to get a regular SLR or to get a super zoom camera. I liked the quality of the SLR better but still wanted to get the super zoom capability. I love that I can get the close ups now of my kids in sports and in a program that they are in without having to sit in the first row.


 "Cant go wrong with it" 2010-06-29
By BJ Coon (GLENDIVE, MT, US)
This lens is a great all around lens. It takes excellent still photos and it does a great job on action shots like at my kids softball games. We went from a 18-55mm zoom lens and could not believe the difference. We looked into some of the cheaper lenses like Tamaron and some of the others but heard some things about them that changed our thoughts and made us go with the Canon brand. I dont regret it for a minute. I only wish that Canon would offer this lens STANDARD with the lens hood.


 "great lens! Canon 70-300" 2010-06-24
By Lindsay N. Cox (Gaston, Oregon)
Amazing lens. I love it. Ordered it on Thurs and got it on Sat. Its really fun and easy to use. Alittle heavy but you get used to it. Im glad I picked this lens out.


 "Zoom barrell could move easier" 2010-06-18
By K. Tipping
The only negative I have noticed so far is that the zoom barrel does not turn as easily as I would like (like the kit lens does in the Canon Rebel XSi). I do not know if this is a design feature to prevent gravity from rolling the zoom barrel out or not. Sometimes I have to look at the zoom barrel to see if it's not moving because I'm at the end or because I just didn't turn it hard enough. I would rather not have to look ever.

The IS is amazing... if you take several shots rapid fire at a really low shutter speed, you can still get one that is sharp. I find that after the first few shots, my hand gets steadier.

Everything else seems great!

This does not have to do with the lens specifically, but for those wondering how far a 300mm lens can go - For small animals like tiny birds, you can't be too far away or they will just be too small. If they're perched on a second floor balcony and you are on the ground about 15 feet away, you can get them to take up a good amount of the picture but you can't zoom in on their eye or anything. If you like to zoom in really close to small animals that are skittish, from what I've heard, you can probably get away with using a 400mm lens without a tripod, I would recommend that.

Also 70mm is a little too zoomed in if you want to use it also to shoot your friends that are hanging out with you in a room. If you move like 10 feet away, you can get a picture, but I felt like I had to back up a little too much. It's still possible though. It made me start thinking about getting an 18mm-200mm to get the large range. Changing lenses is a hassle :)


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