 Good lens with some shortcomings 48 of 50 people found this review helpful.
Pros:
Telephoto range
4x zoom ratio
Lightweight
Cost
Cons:
Very slow focus
Hard bokeh (depth of field blur)
Rotating front element
Minimum focus distance
This is the least expensive telephoto zoom that Canon makes. For an entry-level telephoto lens it’s not bad, but you may want to consider the other lenses that Canon offers in this focal length range: (street price for new lenses)
EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III - $150.00
EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM - $180.00
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - $ 550.00
EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM - $ 1,100.00
The main problem with this lens is the very slow focus system. If you’re used to a DC focus motor on a smaller lens, you will still notice how slow this lens focuses comparatively. If you’re used to an Ultrasonic Motor, this lens is probably not for you. This somewhat limits this lens’s ability to be used in action situations, but for wildlife you probably won’t mind. If you have the aperture stopped down, the background blur (bokeh) is unappealing. The long focal length inherently has a lot of shake, so this lens needs good lighting to keep shutter speeds up, Image Stabilization would of course help. The good news is that the USM version (with the same optics) is only $30 more, well worth it in my mind. If you are serous about using this for sports or low light conditions , you should really consider the 70-300mm IS USM. If you have some serious cash to invest, the Diffractive Optics version is a pro-grade lens.
Bottom line: Yes, it’s the most affordable, but a novice shooter will outgrow its features quickly. There is very little reason not to get the USM version instead, and the only downside to the IS version is cost.
Review ID: 10000000001922150  Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our guidelines, it will be posted within 24 hours. You cannot vote on the helpfulness of a review you wrote. Your request cannot be processed at this time. Please try again later.   Good Lens For Those On A Budget 18 of 20 people found this review helpful.
PROS
1. Cost (can normally be purchased for under $200)
2. Zoom Range
3. Lightweight
CONS
1. Slow To Focus (as compared to USM)
2. Front Element Rotates
While not the greatest this lens is capable of produces really good photos. This is Canon's lowest priced lens in this zoom range, so expect to give up some of the luxuries with it. My biggest complaint is that is is slow to focus, but then again I normal have one of Canon's USM lenses on my camera (the 28-135mm IS).
When used outside in good light this lens works very well. However, when used inside, or in low light, the images aren't as sharp and clear, due to lens shake (this is where the IS version has the advantage, or if used with a tripod). As long as you are using a faster shutter speed the photos taken with this lens will be fine. If you are going to be using it to shoot birds or wildlife with then this lens isn't a bad choice, and the price can't be beat, but don't plan on using it for shooting portraits.
For the difference in the price I would look at the USM version, though, due to the faster focus. And, if your budget supports it I would recommend the IS version of this lens, as I am sure that would greatly enhanced the photos (as it will compensate for lens shake), especially if you are going to be using it in any low light situations.
I personally do not use this focal length that often, and when I do I use it outside when it is well lighted, so the other features aren't that important to me. Although I wish I had spent the extra and gotten at least the USM version. I can say that if I used it more often then I do now (I have had this lens for about 4 months now, and think I have only used it twice) I would get the IS version.
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