or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
 
 
Express Checkout with PayPhrase
What's this? | Create PayPhrase
More Buying Choices
Add to Cart Beach Camera
$549.00 + Free Shipping
In Stock
Add to Cart Cameta Camera
$549.00 + Free Shipping
In Stock
Add to Cart J&R Music and Computer World
$549.00 + Free Shipping
In Stock
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
 
   
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
 
See larger image 
See all product images
See all 349 customer images
Share your own customer images

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

Other products by Canon  | See collection 
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (192 customer reviews) | More about this product
In Stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.
Want it delivered Friday, March 19? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
14 new 6 used from $494.99 1 refurbished from $529.00

Best Value

Buy Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras and get Tiffen 58mm 29 Filter (Red) at an additional 15% off Amazon.com's everyday low price.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras + Tiffen 58mm 29 Filter (Red)
Buy Together Today: $567.19

Show availability and shipping details

  • This item: Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details

  • Tiffen 58mm 29 Filter (Red)

    In Stock.
    Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
    Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
71% buy the item featured on this page:
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras 4.6 out of 5 stars (192)
$549.00
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
12% buy
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras 4.6 out of 5 stars (207)
$241.95
Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent)
6% buy
Canon Deluxe Photo Backpack 200EG for Canon EOS SLR Cameras (Black with Green Accent) 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,047)
$35.12
Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter
6% buy
Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter 3.9 out of 5 stars (614)
$12.39
Explore similar items

Technical Details

  • 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras
  • 3-stop Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)
  • Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create attractive background at large apertures
  • Super Spectra lens coating and lens element shaping suppresses flare and ghosting
  • Measures 3 inches in diameter and 5.6 inches long; weighs 22.2 ounces; 1-year warranty
›  See more technical details

Product Details

  • Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 4.7 x 4.5 inches ; 1.4 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0007Y794O
  • Item model number: 0345B002
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (192 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank

    Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

    #10 in  Camera & Photo > Lenses > Digital Camera Lenses
    #11 in  Camera & Photo > Lenses > SLR Camera Lenses
    #14 in  Camera & Photo > Accessories > Film Camera Accessories
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: August 22, 2005

    •  Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Featuring the latest 3-stop Image Stabilizer for outstanding camera shake reduction, the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM zoom lens also features super responsive autofocus. Replacing the popular EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable lens with Image Stabilizer (IS), the lens is expected to appeal to serious amateur nature and sports photographers looking to achieve outstanding results while shooting hand held.

Image Stabilizer
IS dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM features Canon's latest 3-stop IS, a one-stop improvement over its predecessor. This allows shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible, with no perceptible increase in image blur. Photographers normally shooting a 300mm frame handheld at 1/500 second can obtain the equivalent result with a shutter speed of just 1/60 second, vastly extending options in low-light conditions.

Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane.

The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM provides 2-mode IS for shooting immobile subjects. Mode 1 stabilizes the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off correction in the panned direction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame. IS switches off automatically when the camera is mounted on a tripod, thus preventing feedback loops between the IS sensor and stabilizer motor vibrations.

Superb autofocus
The micro USM motor found in the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. Good holding torque stops the lens with precision and accuracy, the instant it arrives at the correct focus point and without overshoot. A high-speed CPU and optimised AF algorithm result in a significant increase of AF speed compared to that of its predecessor.

A zoom ring locking mechanism is provided that locks the zoom at the wide-angle setting. This ensures that the lens is carried or stored in its most compact position, preventing possible damage caused by the lens extending and hitting obstacles when being carried mounted on a camera with a strap.

Pleasing defocused background
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM employs an electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) with a circular aperture. This helps create an attractive, even defocused background when isolating a subject at large apertures.

Image quality
By optimizing Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping, Canon's engineers have been effective in suppressing flare and ghosting--more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural color balance.

Focal length translates to 112-480mm equivalent in 35mm film format when fitted to EOS 20D and EOS 350D cameras.

The EOS system
The EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM includes distance metering information, providing compatibility with the E-TTL II flash system of late model cameras such as the EOS-1D Mark II N and EOS 5D . When used in conjunction with Canon's range of EX Speedlite flash units, the lens passes distance information to the flash algorithm for markedly improved flash exposure metering.

Accessories for the EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM include the lens hood ET-65B and the lens pouch LP1222. In keeping with Canon's Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Product Description

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens * Image Stabilization allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to three stops slower shutter speed) * Micro Ultrasonic Motor for fast autofocus * compatible with all Canon EOS SLR cameras * minimum focus distance: 4.9 feet * lens is 5-13/16" long, 3" in diameter *

Buy This Product and Related Accessories

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
549
$649.99 $549.00
Select this Item
  • Most Popular
  • Service Plans
  • Filters
  • Cleaner
  • Cases
See all accessories

Important Information

Legal Disclaimer
Warranty does not cover misuse of product.

Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought

Precision Design ET-65B Lens Hood Canon for EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens

Precision Design ET-65B Lens Hood Canon for EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens

4.4 out of 5 stars (14)  $13.99
Canon ET-65B Lens Hood for EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS and DO IS USM Lenses

Canon ET-65B Lens Hood for EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS and DO IS USM Lenses

4.2 out of 5 stars (28) 
Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter

Tiffen 58mm UV Protection Filter

3.9 out of 5 stars (614)  $12.39
Precision Design ET-65B Lens Hood + Cameta Accessory Kit - for Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM & EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lenses

Precision Design ET-65B Lens Hood + Cameta Accessory Kit - for Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM & EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lenses

3.3 out of 5 stars (3)  $34.09
Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens

4.4 out of 5 stars (218)  Click for details
› Explore similar items
Product Ads from External Websites(What's this?)
Sponsored Content

Tags Customers Associate with This Product

 (What's this?)
Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
 
(94)
(65)
(65)
(64)
(62)
(62)
(39)
(37)
(27)
(12)
Agree with these tags?
See all 42 tags...

Your tags: Add your first tag
 
See most popular tags
 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Rating
4.6 out of 5 stars (192 customer reviews)
5 star:
 (130)
4 star:
 (53)
3 star:
 (7)
2 star:
 (2)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
224 of 230 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Plain review in plain terms with sample shots, May 2, 2008
The short version:

Pros:
The optical quality is great, the speed is terrific, and it compares well to the 70-200mm lens that people like to say blows this out of the water (I believe they are wrong - but we will get into that later) and finally, the price cannot be beaten. Buy it.

Cons:
No hood, extends as it zooms, and the quality of the picture in low light situation lessens a little.

The long version:

I am writing this in simple terms. I found several, several reviews on this lens but they were all in technical terms and leaves you scratching your head a little. So, if you are like me maybe this review will help you.

I bought this lens a couple months ago from US1Photo.com (check these guys out. They regularly have significant sales and terrific customer service). I use this lens with a Canon 40D.

I take several types and styles of pictures so I needed a lens that would do the best job at several things and have a very affordable price (right at or less than $1,000). I looked through new, used, third party (Tamron, Sigma, etc) lenses, and read too many reviews and looked at too many images to count, and spent four hours in a photography store playing with lenses before I decided to spend money and take advantage of this lens. All in all I spent about a week's worth of time in research and testing before I bought this lens.

---
Edit:
Okay, so amazon won't let me put a link here. This is how you find me.
~Go to Flickr
~Then type in a "/" then "photos" then "/" and last type in "gman_five0"
And that should take you there.
---

Test of comment #1:
~The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM does not track moving objects very well and the farther to the end of the zoom the slower the tracking.

(Flickr Gallery page 2)

This, I have found, to be completely wrong. I have used the lens at several sporting events and found that it tracks rather nicely. I was able to track every step of a base-runner from first base to second, slide, and recovery after the play without losing ONE shot.

To see what I am talking about check out my gallery on Flickr. The older ones are NOT done with this lens or camera and taken, actually, several years ago. I will reference the pictures in question.

Safe, Got There By a Mile, Breaking Up That Double Play (please note that as time goes on from the date that this was posted the pictures may have been re-moved). Also, "Safe" was used instead of another shot taken at the same time and angle with a 70-200mm IS lens.

To take these shots I used "AI focus" and the "H" settings on my camera for quicker tracking and the H settings for about 6 frames per second.

Test of Comment #2:
~The 200-300mm range is nice in theory, but a tack-sharp photo from the 70-200mm f/4L at 200mm is going to look better cropped than a 300mm full-frame photo from this lens.

Again, I found this to be wrong. Though I have no actual "full sized" picture for this if you comment back with an email address then we can arrange a viewing of one. Otherwise, take my word for it, I own several lenses and this one stacks up well.

(Ref Flickr Gallery)

The pictures from the Dance Theater and Tashina were all taken at the 200-300mm focus lengths. Again, they are not full sized because of photo pirates, but if you email me we can see about full sized shots.

Test of Comment #3:
~The IS motor is loud

I do not know what these people are talking about, but if you call that loud...
On the other hand, I have heard (once), the sound of the IS motor, but if you are not listening for it you will not even notice it.

Things I have found about the lens:

If you spend some time with the lens will be one of your best friends. It is a great lens especially for people on a budget (like me). To take the best pictures you cannot just twist it on and go to shooting. Take the time to LEARN about the lens (change shutter speeds, ISO settings, aperture, white balances, etc) and it will show you where it shines - just like the L series lenses and the 70-200mm IS.

This lens has a solid make and feels like it will last forever. Then again, as you zoom the lens does extend and is plastic. So, watch out if you are doing sports. You may get it knocked off. It did well for me, though. Extending while zooming makes putting a hood on the lens a bit (very little; so little that you cannot tell) awkward and it looks kinda goofy.

I like the lens because it is not as bulky as the 70-200mm lens and it is extremely mobile. It is as quick as some other lenses, not as quick as some, and quicker than others. It will give you great quality pictures. It does have its limits, however: in low light situations not being able to take it back a couple stops and get a wider aperture will not give you the same shot as a 70-200mm. Then again, like I said, it doesn't drop to that f/2.8 and does not cost all that money. This has been the single drawback for me about the lens.

I use this lens for portraits (Tashina, Samantha), for sports (see gallery), and music (Shawn Pander - See Gallery). So, it's pretty versatile. I have yet to use with it flash, but that is because I simply do not like to use flash. I have yet to use it in a studio setting, but when I do I will amend this review and add a couple of those pictures as well.

This lens comes highly recommended from me. I am not a big time, highly paid, or well known photographer. I just like to shoot and like what I shoot to be of the best quality that I can have AND afford at the time. So, if you are like me and cannot spend the needed $1,500 - $1,700 on a 70-200mm IS lens then spend your money on this lens. You will not be sorry for it.
---

On another note, comments are welcome. This is my first ever review on here so let me know if there anything else that you would like to know about and I will do my best to answer the question in the most plain terms as possible.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
125 of 129 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Quite happy with the lens, March 21, 2006
By pveman (New York) - See all my reviews
After debating between this and the 70-200 L series I decided to purchase this lens. I have been pleasantly surprised by the results. I also own the 17-85 and the 50mm 1.8 lenses and I have found that I have gotten the "most pleasing" results from this lens. The pictures have been very sharp from my 20D - even in the 200mm - 300mm range. I've also been happy with the quality of the bokeh.

The primary drawback I see is that the AF tends to hunt a fair amount when confronted with low contrast images. That being said, I used it for some flying bird shooting at the wildlife refuge and was surprised to see how many of the shots were in sharp focus. However, it was a little bit of all or nothing. Several shots were also wildly out of focus. Since the lens is fairly slow to focus, you never know what you're gonna get with such a fast moving object against the distant sky.

I had much more consistent results when shooting soccer, softball and football in the park. The AF speed did not present an issue for any of these activities and the results were excellent.

I wish the lens were a little less expensive but I the prints I have gotten from my 13 X 19 printer have been worth the extra money.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


 
86 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive lens, November 8, 2005
I bought this lens as a replacement for the earlier 75-300mm IS lens. I was generally happy with that lens, but it had definite limitations - I needed to shoot at f8 or f11 and bump up the ISO to get a decent shutter speed.
This new version seems sharp at full zoom even wide open, allowing me to use a lower ISO setting. Size is similar to older version, but the IS seems more effective - looking through the lens when it kicks in you can actually see the image become more stable and less shaky. I got this over the Canon 70-200 f4 L because of the extra reach, smaller size (slightly) and the images I've seen from both are very similar.
UPDATE: There have been reports of soft images when using this lens in a verticle orientation - however I have not experienced this on my copy. I'm happy to say that after months of using this lens, I still consider it great.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
 
 
 
Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Read many comparisons with 70-200 f/4L
I read nearly every review and discussion about the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens, especially as compared with the Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, and finally bought the 70-300... Read more
Published 3 days ago by Darrell Clarke

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens
I really do enjoy this lens! It takes honestly sharp pictures , even at night in the parking lot from a building far away it! Read more
Published 6 days ago by Armando Delgado Jr.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for the price
I bought Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens before went to Winter Olympics in Vancouver, I am so glad I did, the quality of the lens is very good for the price, got some great... Read more
Published 6 days ago by WeiCool

4.0 out of 5 stars Great lens for price
Got this to shoot elephant seals on central California coast. Very sharp lens. Construction feels solid. Read more
Published 15 days ago by T. W. Ashworth

5.0 out of 5 stars rhender259
I bought this as a Christmas present for my wife who is an amateur photographer. She loves it. She's impressed with the portrait capability, color and clarity for the price. Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. Henderson

5.0 out of 5 stars Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras from Amazon
I am enjoying the new telephoto lens. It does a great job: I love it.
Published 1 month ago by Phil

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lens is great and very easy to use
My Husband and I purchased the lens to go to Mexico and it worked wonderful. We ended up taking almost 1000 pictures and look forward to taking pictures of my son playing baseball.
Published 1 month ago by Melissa Black

5.0 out of 5 stars nice upgrade
This is a great upgrade lens from any kit lens; the optical quality is quite good, and the IS helps. Read more
Published 1 month ago by B. Florence

5.0 out of 5 stars A good telephoto lens: pros and cons
This lens is very useful for different purposes. Not only as a zoom-in lens that allows you to approach distant subjects but also I find it suitable for portrait photography. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Alfredo Muracciole

5.0 out of 5 stars Great lens
I've been using this lens for a week and love it. I've taken some great pictures of my twin boys and some great photos of sunsets from my backyard. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Beau

Only search this product's reviews


Customer Discussions

This product's forum

Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
   

So You'd Like to...


Create a guide

DPReview Says...

Come and explore latest digital photography and imaging news, reviews opens new browser window of the latest digital cameras and accessories, the most active discussion forums opens new browser window, and the most comprehensive database opens new browser window of digital camera features and specifications at dpreview.com opens new browser window
Digital Photography Review Logo

Product Information from the Amapedia Community

Beta (What's this?)

Look for Similar Items by Category

 

Feedback

If you need help or have a question for Customer Service, contact us.
 Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
Is there any other feedback you would like to provide?

Your comments can help make our site better for everyone.


Your Recent History

 (What's this?)

After viewing product detail pages or search results, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.