Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM is a 70–300mm f/4 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $648.04 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
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Lens Overview — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
Key Features — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
70-300mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a versatile telephoto range suited to wildlife, sports, and event photography where subject reach and compression are essential.
L-Series Optical Quality: Part of Canon's professional L-series lineup, featuring fluorite and UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and deliver high contrast across the zoom range.
f/4-5.6 Maximum Aperture: Opens to f/4 at the wide end, providing a useful light advantage for handheld shooting in variable conditions.
4-Stop Image Stabilization: Built-in IS rated at up to 4 stops of compensation helps counteract camera shake at longer focal lengths, extending the practical range of handheld shooting.
Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual focus override without switching modes.
Weather-Sealed Construction: Dust and moisture resistant build consistent with Canon L-series standards, suitable for outdoor use in challenging conditions.
Lens Specifications — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Portrait, 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 | 67mm |
Description — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount DSLRs with full-frame sensor coverage. The zoom range runs from 70mm to 300mm, providing meaningful reach across a wide variety of telephoto scenarios. At the wide end of the zoom, the lens opens to a maximum aperture of f/4, with the aperture varying to f/5.6 at the long end.
Built-in optical image stabilization is a significant asset for shooting at longer focal lengths without a tripod, helping maintain sharp results in challenging conditions. The 67mm filter thread allows for the use of standard front-element filters, and the lens supports both autofocus and manual focus modes for flexible operation. Weighing in at 1050 grams, this is a solid, well-built telephoto zoom that reflects the construction standards of Canon's L-series.
It is purpose-built for the Canon EF mount ecosystem and will perform on any compatible EF-mount DSLR body.
Pros — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
- ✓Wide telephoto zoom range spanning 70mm to 300mm (specifications: minFocalLength / maxFocalLength)
- ✓Optical image stabilization included for handheld shooting (specifications: imageStabilization)
- ✓Full-frame coverage ensures no vignetting on full-frame Canon EF bodies (specifications: lensFormat)
Cons — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
- ✗At 1050g, the lens is relatively heavy for handheld telephoto shooting over extended periods (specifications: weight)
- ✗Variable aperture design means maximum aperture narrows beyond 70mm (specifications: maximumAperture: 4, noted as variable f/4-5.6)
- ✗Canon EF mount only — not natively compatible with mirrorless camera systems without an adapter (specifications: mount.lens)
Videos — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM 'L' lens review with samples (Full-frame and APS-C) — Christopher Frost
Frequently Asked Questions — Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens is built for the Canon EF mount, making it compatible with Canon EF-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed for full-frame sensors but can also be used on APS-C Canon DSLRs with the same mount.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization. This helps reduce the effects of camera shake during handheld shooting, particularly useful at longer focal lengths within the 70-300mm range.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 67mm filter thread, so you'll need 67mm front-element filters such as circular polarizers or neutral density filters for use with this lens.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 1050 grams. Prospective buyers who plan on shooting handheld for long durations should factor this into their decision, as it is a notably substantial telephoto zoom.
Can this lens autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports autofocus as well as manual focus. Photographers can switch between the two focus modes depending on the demands of their shooting situation.
Is this lens suitable for full-frame cameras?+
Yes, this lens is designed for full-frame coverage and is specified as a full-frame format lens. It is compatible with Canon EF-mount full-frame DSLRs and will deliver edge-to-edge coverage on those bodies.