Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1999.
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 1999 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM :
"Compact and lightweight 4x telephoto zoom lens ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The newly developed Micro USM makes autofocusing quicker and quieter. The improved zoom mechanism also makes zooming smoother. The front part of the zoom ring now sports a silver ring for a luxury touch.
Developed to succeed the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM, which was marketed in March, 1995, this compact, lightweight high- magnification telephoto zoom lens covers medium telephoto 75 mm to super telephoto 300 mm. Like the EF28-80mm f/3.5 -5.6 V USM, it has a metal ring at the front of the zoom ring to give it an upscale image. It incorporates a Micro USM that enables quick and silent focusing. For environment protection, only lead-free glass lens elements are used. "
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 75-300 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 75-300mm F4-5.6 III 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/4-5,6.
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 75 mm the lens brightness is f/4 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.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow 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.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "ET-60") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
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.
- The price (more info)
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- Light weight (480 gr)
- No built-in image stabilizer
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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