Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
The Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is a 70–300mm f/4.5 lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. Used copies start from $358.7 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
Used Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
Key Features — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
Diffractive Optics Element: Canon's DO multilayer diffractive optical element reduces the lens's physical length compared to conventional telephoto zooms of the same range.
70-300mm Telephoto Zoom: Covers a versatile focal range suited to wildlife, sports, and portrait photography from a comfortable shooting distance.
f/4.5-5.6 Maximum Aperture: Variable maximum aperture provides reasonable light-gathering ability across the full zoom range.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in IS helps counteract camera shake for sharper handheld results, particularly at longer focal lengths.
Ring-Type USM Autofocus: Ultrasonic motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override without switching modes.
Compact 720g Build: At 720g, this lens is notably lighter than most full-frame 300mm telephoto zooms, reducing fatigue during extended handheld use.
Lens Specifications — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO 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/4.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical (OIS) |
| Filter Thread | 58mm |
Description — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is a full-frame telephoto zoom lens built for the Canon EF mount, compatible with Canon DSLR cameras. It spans a 70-300mm focal length range, making it a practical choice for telephoto applications such as wildlife, sports, and travel photography. The lens starts at a maximum aperture of f/4.5, with optical image stabilization to help manage camera movement at longer focal lengths.
Weighing just 720g, it is a relatively portable option in the telephoto zoom category, reducing fatigue during extended handheld sessions. The 58mm filter thread provides access to a broad and affordable range of filter options. Focus operation supports both auto and manual modes, offering shooters precise control over their focusing approach.
Whether mounted on a full-frame or APS-C Canon DSLR, this lens delivers a versatile telephoto range in a package that prioritizes manageable size and weight.
Pros — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
- ✓Covers a useful 70-300mm focal length range, offering solid telephoto versatility for a zoom lens
- ✓Lightweight at 720g for a full-frame telephoto zoom, making it comfortable for extended handheld use
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce the impact of camera shake during handheld shooting
Cons — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
- ✗Maximum aperture of f/4.5 is relatively modest, which can limit performance in lower light conditions
- ✗Maximum aperture is variable across the zoom range, which can affect exposure consistency when zooming
- ✗No information in specifications regarding minimum focus distance or maximum magnification
Videos — Canon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens review with samples (full frame & APS-C) — Christopher Frost






