A well-built, pro-spec lens boasting excellent performance

Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

Poorer sharpness past f/16

In September of 1995, Canon introduced a revolutionary new lens, the EF 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM. The revolutionary aspect of this lens was the incorporation of an optical image stabilizer system which allowed the lens to be hand held at shutter speeds two stops slower than could be done with a...

This long, Tele stabilized zoom replaces Canon's popular 75-300mm f/4-5.6 full-frame IS lens, the industry's first IS/VR lens, introduced in 1995. The new model delivers better image stabilization (to three stops instead of two) and a wider zoom range.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM replaces an earlier generation EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM model that was discontinued in mid 1990s. The lens is one of about a dozen telephoto zooms in Canon's modern lineup, and is one of the only two consumer (read non L, non DO) telephoto zooms that implement an...

With the introduction of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens, Canon has replaced one of its most popular lenses and its first image stabilized lens - the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS .

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM L IS delivers high quality results throughout the zoom range but especially at 70mm. At 300mm it is clearly better than its in-house cousins (EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS & EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM DO IS) reaching very good to excellent center results combined very...

At £432 the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens should come with a lens hood, but it doesn't. However, it does come with a soft case to protect against scuffs and scrapes and features an Ultra-low dispersion (UD) element and Super Spectra coatings to help reduce fringeing, ghosting and flare.

It's just a joy to use, and very sharp. It's also a significant step up from the Tamron 70-300 VC, you'll have no worries shooting wide open at 300mm with this one! Perfect on APS-C. Also, do not underestimate how important portability is, it's very compact at 70mm.

Sharp throughout zoom range at f5.6, colour and contrast fantastic; Auto focus is amazingly fast, IS is superb; Very compact, not overly heavy; Metal filter threads; Zoom lock means hood can be stored in reverse orientation and still removed without zooming the lens out

None, well, maybe price; The relatively slow aperture and extension on zooming are not cons, in lens terms they are necessary design compromises to make it the size, weight and focal length range it is

This medium telephoto zoom is one of a number of lenses that Canon make in the 70–200, 300mm range. It is middling in price and performance, ideal for anyone looking for a good lens for occasional use.

This is a sweet and smooth lens in use; Auto focus is fast enough and the feel of zoom and focus controls is good; It is light enough to carry around without getting a pain in the neck, yet not so light that there are worries about durability

There is slight barrel distortion at the wide end – nothing to worry about in field use – and slightly more pincushion at the 300mm end; It is easy enough to correct in Photoshop

Canon's 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM lens is a step up from the average telephoto zoom. Canon also makes a much cheaper 75-300mm, but the lens tested here is designed for photographers looking for a step up in both build and picture quality – and this lens has an image stabiliser.