Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
Mini Review
I originally went to check out the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens for a friend, and was so impressed I bought one myself. I already had the excellent EF 70-200m f/4.0 L IS lens, and the EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM, but since owning this, those two have hardly been used. I’ve owned this lens since the middle of 2011 and it’s definitely become a firm favourite of mine. It’s pretty dam sharp too, and is so good I traded the EF 70-200mm f/4 IS against a second 5D-mk-III body in 2013. I’ve found the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM matches the EF 70-200m f/4.0 L IS in almost every department; it’s just as sharp, easy to handle, well balanced, not too heavy, compact and has the extra reach which is so useful. It partners extremely well with EOS 5D-mk-III and I’ve also used it to great effect with my 100D, where it becomes a 112-480mm.
The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens a lens I never leave home without; perfect for portraits, wildlife and landscape photography. It’s not the fasted lens around, but the 4-stop IS works really well and I’ve used it quite successfully hand held and in low light situations too. On my first trip to Antarctica I was advised to hire a EF 300mm F/2.8 L IS (mk-I) by one of the lead photographers. This is one hell of a lens, but you know what .. I got better images using my EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens, simply because it’s so much more manageable, has better IS, and was far easier to use.
Online Reviews
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
Designed to deliver ultra-high quality images along with lightning fast operation. The Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM telephoto zoom lens features two Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration, incorporates a floating focusing mechanism for sharpness from close up to infinity, plus an IS system that increases usability by approximately four stops. The Image Stabilization system also features a function that allows it to continue to operate, even when used on a rigid tripod. An optional Canon Tripod Mount C (W II) is available as an accessory, for balanced mounting on a tripod or monopod. The lens has a white exterior. The lens is dust and water-resistant, and features a Fluorine coating that resists smears and fingerprints, and significantly eases lens cleaning.
The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is part of Canon’s prestigious L series offering performance excellence with a versatile zoom range and superb image quality in a robust and compact design.
- High performance telephoto zoom lens
- Part of Canon’s acclaimed L series
- 4 stop Image Stabilizer
- Two UD elements
- Highly resistant to dust and water
- 8 blade circular aperture
- Quiet & fast autofocus
- Compatible with a tripod collar
| Image size | n/a |
| 35mm film equivalent focal length | n/a |
| Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl) | 29º – 6º 50′, 19º 30′ – 4º 35′, 34º – 8º 15′ |
| Lens construction (elements/groups) | 19/14 |
| No. of diaphragm blades | 8 |
| Minimum aperture | 32-45 |
| Closest focusing distance (m) | 1.2 |
| Maximum magnification (x) | 0.21 (at 300mm) |
| Distance information | Provided |
| Image stabilizer | 4-stops |
| AF actuator | Ring USM (Full time Manual focus) |
| Dust/moisture resistance | Yes¹ |
| Filter diameter (mm) | 67 |
| Max. diameter x length (mm) | 89 x 143 |
| Weight (g) | 1050 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF12 II | 0.29-0.04 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF25 II | 0.38-0.09 |
| Lens Cap | E-67U / E-67II |
| Lens hood | ET-73B |
| Soft case | LP1424 |
| Extenders | NC |