Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens
The Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a 70–300mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens
Get notified when one lists.
We'll text or email you the moment a Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is listed on GearFocus.
Have a Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM sitting in your bag?
You'd be the first listing for this model.
Serious buyers are already watching — list yours in minutes.
Available Now on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Key Features — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
70-300mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a versatile telephoto range suited to wildlife, sports, travel, and portrait photography from a single lens.
Canon EF Mount: Compatible with the full range of Canon EF-mount DSLRs, including both full-frame and APS-C bodies.
Image Stabilizer II: Second-generation IS system provides up to 4 stops of shake compensation for sharper handheld shots at longer focal lengths.
Nano USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override without switching modes.
f/4-5.6 Variable Aperture: Opens to f/4 at the wide end for usable light gathering across the zoom range in bright to mixed conditions.
Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle designed for full-frame sensors, delivering edge-to-edge sharpness on Canon's highest-resolution DSLR bodies.
Lens Specifications — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Travel, Portrait |
| Lens Type | Zoom |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 70–300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 67mm |
Description — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
The Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens designed for the Canon EF mount, ensuring broad compatibility across Canon's DSLR lineup. Its focal length range spans 70mm to 300mm, with a maximum aperture of f/4 at the wide end and f/5.6 at the telephoto end. Built-in optical image stabilization helps photographers maintain sharp images when shooting handheld across this range.
The lens offers both autofocus and manual focus modes, providing flexibility for different shooting situations and subjects. A 67mm filter thread makes it straightforward to attach widely available filters without additional adapter rings. At a weight of 710g, it strikes a balance between portability and the extended reach that a 300mm zoom delivers.
Whether used on a full-frame or APS-C Canon DSLR body with an EF mount, this lens delivers a versatile telephoto zoom option for photographers who need reach in a relatively compact and lightweight package.
Pros — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- ✓Wide focal length range of 70–300mm covers a broad spectrum of telephoto shooting opportunities
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld
- ✓Full-frame compatible via Canon EF mount, suitable for Canon's range of EF-mount DSLR bodies
Cons — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- ✗Variable maximum aperture of f/4–5.6 means less light transmission at the longer focal lengths
- ✗At 710g, the lens may still feel front-heavy on smaller or lighter DSLR bodies during extended use
- ✗Canon EF mount only — not compatible with mirrorless bodies without a separate mount adapter
Videos — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens review with samples (full frame & APS-C) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount, making it compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed for the full-frame format, though it can also be used on APS-C Canon DSLRs that share the EF mount.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization, which is built into the lens itself to help reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting.
What is the focal length range of this lens?+
The lens covers a focal length range from 70mm to 300mm, placing it firmly in the telephoto zoom category. This range is suitable for a variety of subjects that benefit from reach and compression.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, allowing you to attach standard 67mm filters such as polarizers or ND filters directly to the front of the lens.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. You can switch between the two depending on your shooting needs and preferences.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 710g, which provides a reasonable balance between portability and the capability expected from a full-frame telephoto zoom covering 70–300mm.