Canon offers five different 70-300mm zoom lenses in its product lineup. Why so many? They obviously think this is a popular and practical focal length range and I happen to agree. I even own one of them myself-the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM-but the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM tested is the mac daddy...

Just came back from the Chesapeake Bay area where I used this lens almost exclusively. (together with the canon5 Marklll The focus is fast, sharp as a tack, and never failed me. What impressed me the most is how true the colors remained even of the farthest objects.

Purchased 70-300L for use on my 7D for daylight field sports, and most importantly, to carry while when traveling. Processed (in Lightroom & NIK Suite) images from the 7D + 70-300L compare very favorably with those from my 5D MkII + 70-200L MkII.

Compact; Light weight; Fast auto focus (with both full and panning modes); Full time manual focus; Very sharp images; Responds well to micro focus adjustment

Cost, but then again it has 'L' build quality and performance; Lens collar is both expensive and (currently) unavailable

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Sharp Focus

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification Canon have given the 70-300mm range an L-series makeover and as a result this lens sports silent autofocus, with full-time manual override, weather sealing, optical stabilisation and tougher build quality than you might normally find on a lens...

Excellent build quality; Very good sharpness that is consistent through the range; Low CA; Low distortion; Effective optical stabilisation

May seem expensive for a f/4-5.6 zoom (although the premium is probably worth the extra in this case

When we first saw the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM lens, we thought it just looked like a standard 70-300mm lens with a white overcoat on. After using the lens for some time, we're blown away by the image clarity, sharpness, build quality and speed of focusing.

Overall, I rate this lens very high. It is truly a superb lens. The zoom range covers a broad spectrum of abilities. The sharpness is incredible. The cost is very high, but you are playing for a name brand lens. Well worth the money spent!

The clarity; the small size; lightweight

The price

Canon announced the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, on 26 August, 2010 in the lead-in to September's Photokina Trade Show. Targeted at professionals and advanced amateur photographers it's surprisingly compact for its specifications and usable with all of the company's DLSR cameras.

The worlds best 70-300. This lens is amazing and will not let you down. Perfect for full frame or crop sensor Canon DSLRs. Great focal range for field sports such as rugby, soccer etc. The AF and stabilizer are awesome.

I love this lens. The bokeh is nice and the zoom distance is great. My only issue is that when zoomed all the way max the focus is not as sharp as I would like.