Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 2005 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM :

"Canon´s Telephoto Zoom Lens EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM inherits and expands on the exceptional optical performance of its highly acclaimed successor, the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, which, when it was released in September 1995, had the distinction of being the world´s first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras equipped with an Image Stabilizer.

The EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens offers an extended zoom range at the wide-angle end and incorporates an Image Stabilizer that compensates for the equivalent of three shutter stops faster, increased from two in the EF75-300mm 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, Canon´s Telephoto Zoom Lens EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 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.

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."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 70-300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 70 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ET-65B") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.

Images of Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • No lens hood is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

Best deals on Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM

Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.