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.

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...

Canon's lens range is already extensive and includes two 70-300mm models: the f/4-5.6 IS USM and f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM optics. The new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is one of the company's professional L-series models, in traditional off-white with the distinctive red ring around the front.

Handling and features 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 covering this range.

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

Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

Poorer sharpness past f/16

Canon users are spoilt for choice when it comes to lenses with a 70-300mm zoom range or similar. The full range of options is: the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (SRP £1,600); EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (SRP £650); EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM (SRP £350); EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (SRP £300); EF 70-300mm...

Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

Poorer sharpness past f/16

I've used the product to photograph landscape and some wildlife. The Canon 70-300L works very well on both my Canon 5D2 and my Canon 50D. the only problem is that you can't zoom with the lens shade reversed.

Quaility product; Fast focusing

Too expensive; Heavy

good lens to work with my EOS Rebel it3...a tad difficult to focus, it is heavy, need a tripod, but quality pics taken.

photography; backyard; Travel; animals

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.

A fantastic lens. Everything you would expect from a L series lens. I have now taken around 3,000 photos using this lens on a 500D, mainly of kids playing sport. The focal length range is ideal. The build quality is great, it is as good today as when it came out of the box. Solid construction.

Easy to use; Build quality