Canon EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2004.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2004 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 DO IS USM :
"The EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM telephoto zoom lens follows the EF400mm f/4 DO IS USM released in 2001 as the second model in Canonīs EF lens lineup to incorporate a DO (Diffractive Optical element) lens. Equipped with a three-layer DO lens specially designed for use in zoom-lens optics, the new lens possesses an exceeding ability to correct chromatic and spherical aberrations and render high-quality images. The lens element also achieves major reductions in size, realizing savings of 28% in overall length compared to comparable lenses incorporating conventional refractive optical elements. Moreover, the size and weight advantage comes at no cost to image quality, with the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM delivering image quality on par with Canonīs L-series lenses. High performance features include image stabilization equivalent to shooting at approximately three shutter speeds faster, a circular diaphragm for improved background blur, and a zoom-ring locking mechanism that locks the lens in the fully retracted position to prevent unintended extension and damage when hanging from the userīs neck."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 70-300 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4,5-5,6.
This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.
One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 70 mm the lens brightness is f/4,5 and at 300 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 58 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-65B".
Images of Canon EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- The lens has no tripod mount
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 DO IS USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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