Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
Announced August 26, 2010
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/4-5.6L IS USM is a rugged, metal-bodied telephoto zoom that delivers sharp images and effective stabilization across its entire focal range. While it offers professional-grade build quality and quick autofocus, some photographers may find its variable aperture limiting and its high price point difficult to justify.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Fast, precise, and quiet ring-type USM autofocus performance
- Sharp optical performance with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
- Effective four-stop image stabilization system
- Exceptional build quality with a robust metal construction and weather sealing
- Compact and portable design relative to its L-series performance
Cons
- High price point and additional cost for a required tripod collar
- Unconventional zoom and focus ring placement
- Variable maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 limits low-light capability and background blur
- Significant weight and size compared to non-L alternatives
- Design prone to sucking dirt due to the extending pumper zoom mechanism
- Launch price $1,499 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-300mm f/4-5.6
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 1.2 m (0.21x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Autofocus
- Weight & size 1050g (2 lb 5 oz) · 89 x 143 mm (3.50 x 5.63 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The build quality of the lens is nothing short of outstanding - that's probably the very first time for me to praise a ~300mm zoom lens like this. The lens body is made of metal and everything is tightly assembled and also sealed against dust and humidity.
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With pro-grade image quality, pro-grade build quality, fast/quiet AF and excellent IS in a relatively light lens, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens may have your name on it.
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If size and weight are a premium for you, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS is one of the best choices you can make.
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It's overpriced like many Canon lenses, but if you need the best, you need the best, and this piece of kit will perform unquestionably. If you're willing to spend the money, it comes recommended.
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The Canon EF 70-300 mm f/4.0-5.6L IS USM is doubtlessly the best 70-300 mm class instrument we have had the pleasure to test so far and we think here about both mechanical and optical side.
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Although it may seem expensive for a slow 70-300mm zoom lens, this optic offers optical and build quality not currently matched by the competition covering this focal range.
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When we first saw the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM lens, we thought it just looked like a standard 70-300mm lens with a white overcoat on.
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When you put everything aside, you put the blowing out the background aside, you put the price tag aside, very, very, very solid lens. Fast focusing while shooting, easy to zoom, nice and smooth, IS was really quick, and it weighs a ton.
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[I]mage quality, and the 70-300mm L really excels. Distortions are remarkably low for a zoom lens and chromatic aberrations are practically non-existent.
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This is a really lovely lens that has been a positive pleasure to test. It is fairly expensive but this is a professional zoom and is priced accordingly.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
A high-performance zoom lens that covers a popular focal length range and provides up to four f-stops of stabilisation plus attractive bokeh.
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Excellent optics, superb mechanics, fast autofocus, Image Stabilization and excellent ergonomics make this an impossible lens to dislike.
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For the purpose of outdoor everyday photography, including a safari, this is a fabulous lens. With the current landscape of lens pricing, I don’t think it’s overpriced.
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[I]f you prefer to have a more metal lens, then I would suggest to get the 70 to 300.
- Photo Feaver 39/50
Now with a respectable score of 39 out of 50 this is a recommended lens to have in your camera bag, especially if you are after an incredibly well-built lens with superior optics over the non-L version.
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The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM is my new sweet spot; I think it's brilliant.
