It may have a relatively old design, but this optic produces a great set of MTF curves at all focal lengths, with just a dip at 300mm when smaller apertures are used. If you can avoid these performance here is still very acceptable.

• +

  Good all-rounder

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  Lack of IF

As I looked forward to creating the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens review, I knew that Canon's introduction of this lens was going to make my life more difficult - but in a good way.

For a consumer type zoom, Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a surprisingly solid lens. Image quality is quite good and in the shorter zoom range even rivaling that of the more expensive L grade lenses.

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.

The Canon 70-300mm Æ’/4-5.6L IS USM didn't produce tack-sharp results, but it produced a consistently good images at each focal length, with good control of chromatic aberration.

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.

Although it may seem expensive for a slow 70-300mm zoom lens, this optic offers optical and build quality not currently matched by the competition covering this focal range. The slow maximum aperture also helps to keep the weight of the lens down, so this lens may be especially well suited to those...

• +

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

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

The Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4.0-5.6L IS USM is doubtlessly the best 70-300 mm class instrument we have had the pleasure to test so far and we think here about both mechanical and optical side.

• +

  high build quality – the most solid 70-300 mm class lens we’ve dealt with so far,, excellent image quality in the frame centre and for all focal length and apertures to boot,, good image quality on the edge of the APS-C frame,, good image quality on the edge of full frame in the 70-200 mm range,,...

• -

  average work against bright light,, a bit too high vignetting on full frame.

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 well-built, pro-spec lens boasting excellent performance

• +

  Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

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  Poorer sharpness past f/16

I borrowed this lens from a friend to take on a two day photo class for wildlife. I got the best photos ever. Now I happily own my my own lens. I look forward to taking it out!

I was impressed with the reach of this lens. It focused quickly and quietly. The lens did not need a zoom lock and held its focal point no matter the lenses angle while holding it.

• +

  Quick focus and very smooth zoom.

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  Heavier than I thought a variable aperture lens would be.

Please note, I consider myself an amateur in photography so the comments in my review should be taken as such. I must say I was a little bit disappointed in the 300mm zoom results on this lens. I imagined I could get much closer to objects.

I shoot portraits, body shots for press releases. I love this lens. I'm mainly outside on the beach so the 4-5.6 doesn't bother me. My favorite lens.

I have used this lens extensively over the past several years with 5D2 and 5D3 bodies. I am always amazed of the speed to focus and the beautiful image quality. It is a class act and fully lives up to it "L" pedigree. The only very minor negative is its weight which is slightly heavy.

• +

  excellent image quality, fast focus on a 5D3, built like a tank

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  slightly heavy

Love taking outdoor pictures and weddings and sports, so far this has been great on the sports end when I can't get on the court.

• +

  Easily Interchangeable, Lightweight

For an amazing telephoto zoom, with terrific image quality and amazing build quality, look no further than the all around performer that is the Canon 70-300L

• +

  Amazing build quality, Stunning image quality, Fast and accurate AF, Rock solid IS.

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  Canon doesn't provide a tripod collar with the lens, you have to buy it after.

I purchased this zoom lens from ZeeMo Digital at a very great price and it lived up to the expectations I envisioned.It was shipped out quickly and was also packaged nicely.

Love using this lens. It really has increased my overall use of my DSLR. I am able to take photos from a distance and really capture a natural shot since I don't have to be close to the object. Overall I am very happy with this lens. Would recommend to any starter using a DSLR.

• +

  Durable, Fast / accurate auto-focus, Strong Construction

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  Heavy

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