Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Announced September 15, 2016
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a lightweight, budget-friendly telephoto zoom that delivers sharp images and rapid, silent autofocus performance. While it lacks professional weather sealing and a bundled lens hood, it remains a high-value option for everyday photography and travel.
Weighted from 8 reviewer scores
Pros
- Extremely fast, quiet, and accurate Nano-USM autofocus
- Strong value with impressive optical quality and effective image stabilization
- Well-controlled chromatic aberrations and flare
- Compact and lightweight design suitable for travel
- Integrated multi-function electronic display
Cons
- Lacks weather sealing and does not include a lens hood
- Optical limitations including flare and vignetting
- Focusing ring lacks hard stops and features inconsistent rotation
- Expensive optional lens hood
- Not compatible with extenders or power zoom accessories
- Launch price $549 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-300mm f/4-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 1.2 m (0.25x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Autofocus
- Weight & size 710g (1 lb 9 oz) · 80 x 146 mm (3.15 x 5.75 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 8 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- OpticalLimits 6/10
Usually you can bank on Canon for delivering some of the best tele lenses across all classes and that also applies to the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USM IS II.
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It seems like everyone's kit can make great use of a telephoto zoom lens and with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens being the least expensive Canon full frame option, it garners attention.
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I was impressed by the overall handling and performance of the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM during my review period.
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Canon has produced a lens that provides a high level of performance in a fairly compact and relatively inexpensive form.
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Despite the fact that the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens is not an “L” series lens, it is still capable of producing excellent images.
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For the majority of Canon DSLR users looking for a lightweight telephoto zoom for everyday use, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is one of the obvious choices.
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The latest and by far the greatest in a long line of Canon budget telephoto zooms for full-frame SLRs, the Mark II represents a major upgrade over the first ‘IS USM’, with much higher-performance autofocus and image stabilization systems, plus a multi-function electronic display.
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The Canon 70-300 IS II USM sets a new standard in telephoto lenses. Its new AF system gives it instantaneous autofocus, and its optics and ergonomics are also top notch — all for a bargain price.
