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 *

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 0345B002
• Dimensions: 4.50" h x 4.70" w x 7.80" l, 1.39 pounds

Features

• 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5-5.6 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

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.

Customer Reviews

Great Canon Lens for Newbies
Let me just say that I'm brand new to DSLRs and this lens just confirmed why I switched from point and shoot digital cameras. Besides having full control of my photos, the lens is capable of capturing extremely crisp pictures at the maximum resolution and even at low light environment. I also have shakey hands and with the help of IS 1 and 2, I can now zoom in and capture clear and crisp photos regardless if it's moving or stationary. The Lock feature is another neat idea. It locks the lens @ 70mm (fully retracted) so you can pull out the lens from your camera bag by holding the front end of the lens preventing it from extending. The lens is made from high quality plastic and about 60% metal so be prepared for the extra weight specially on extended shoots.
I took the lens to its first actual shoot, which is to my son's basketball game a couple of days ago and it performed great with my Canon Rebel XSi. This lens is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive but it gives you quality photos that you will want to look at over and over.

I just have a minor complaint. There are certain situations when the lens takes a little while to focus. Sometimes it takes up to 3 times to focus correctly by half depressing the shutter. This is really not a big deal to me for now. However, I know time is of the essence to advanced or experienced photographers when you're shooting at fast pace so this might become a bigger issue down the road. But for now, I extremely happy with this purchase. So If you are a beginner with DSLRs and have a tight budget, this makes a great starter lens while you dive deep into the expensive world photography.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
I am very satisfied with the performance of the image stabilzed feature of the lens. Last week in the Galapagos Islands, I took a number of shots of birds in flight and in the distance. The clarity of the photos is excellent and much better than my old 70-300mm lens.

Awesome Lens!!
One of the best purchases I've made in awhile. Very glad I bought the Canon brand after seeing what a friend of mine went through with an off brand lens. You definitely get what you pay for.