Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
The Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a 70–300mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $217.14 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
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Lens Overview — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Key Features — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
70-300mm Focal Range: Covers a versatile telephoto range suitable for sports, wildlife, and travel 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.
Variable f/4-5.6 Aperture: Offers f/4 at the wide end and f/5.6 at 300mm, providing a practical aperture range for outdoor and well-lit shooting conditions.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in IS system helps compensate for camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer focal lengths.
Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override without switching out of AF mode.
Full-Frame Coverage: Image circle covers full-frame sensors, delivering consistent performance across Canon's entire DSLR lineup.
Lens Specifications — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Travel |
| 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 | 58mm |
Description — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. With a focal length range spanning 70mm to 300mm, it delivers meaningful reach for subjects at distance. The lens is built to full-frame standards, ensuring it can be used across Canon's range of full-frame and APS-C DSLR bodies without vignetting concerns on the former.
A variable maximum aperture of f/4 at 70mm transitioning to f/5.6 at 300mm is standard for this class of telephoto zoom. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens, a valuable asset when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving photographers control over how they acquire and track subjects. Accessories are straightforward to add thanks to the 58mm filter thread at the front.
At 630g, it offers a practical balance of reach and portability for photographers pursuing subjects in sports, wildlife, and travel contexts.
Pros — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- ✓Wide telephoto zoom range from 70mm to 300mm (minFocalLength: 70, maxFocalLength: 300)
- ✓Full-frame compatible lens format, usable across Canon's DSLR lineup (lensFormat: Full Frame)
- ✓Optical image stabilization included to reduce camera shake during handheld use (imageStabilization: Optical)
Cons — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- ✗Variable maximum aperture of f/4–f/5.6 limits performance in lower light, especially at longer focal lengths (maximumAperture: 4)
- ✗At 630g, the lens may still feel heavy for extended handheld use during travel or wildlife sessions (weight: 630g)
- ✗Canon EF mount only — not directly compatible with mirrorless bodies without an adapter (mount.lens: Canon EF)
Reviews — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Videos — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
Lens Data - Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM Review — LENS DATA
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
What cameras is this lens compatible with?+
This lens uses the Canon EF mount, making it compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed for full-frame bodies but will also work on Canon APS-C DSLRs within the same system.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens features optical image stabilization, which helps compensate for camera shake during handheld shooting. This is particularly useful at longer focal lengths where camera movement is more pronounced.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 58mm filter thread at the front element, allowing you to attach circular filters such as polarizers or ND filters in that size.
Can I use manual focus with this lens?+
Yes, the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus operation. This gives you the flexibility to switch between modes depending on your shooting situation.
How heavy is this lens?+
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM weighs 630g, which is a reasonable weight for a telephoto zoom covering up to 300mm, though it is worth considering for extended handheld use.
Is this a zoom or prime lens?+
This is a zoom lens, covering a focal length range from 70mm to 300mm. It falls into the telephoto focal length range, making it well-suited for shooting distant subjects.