Canon EF 75-300mm f/4 - 5.6 III USM

02/11/2005 03:54:23 PM · #1

Does anyone have any opinions about this lens? I have two major vacations coming up and I'm wanting to move ahead from the 18-55mm kit lens to give me a little more versatility while I'm out of town experimenting (and learning.. always learning!)

Best Buy currently has this lens on sale for $216 here

Does anyone know of a reputable place I can order it that is any cheaper than that, or should I jump on that price and go ahead and place the order?

If anyone uses this lens and can share pictures/experiences/rants about it, that would be very helpful. Thanks!

Plexxoid

Canon EOS-30D

02/11/2005 04:01:21 PM · #2

While it has a decent range, it has several notable shortcomings, sharpness being the first. No sharp, 'nuff said. What's the point in buying a lens you will grow out of? Why not spend a little more and invest in some quality glass? The 70-200 F4L is the cheapest decent telephoto around, and I know from this forum, that everyone who buys it absolutely loves it.

75-300
//www.abesofmaine.com/viewproduct.asp?id=cn75300usm&l=Pricegrabber

70-200
//www2.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?ref=pricegrabber&sku=CN70200F4L

When you see the difference in quality between these two lenses, you'll wish you hadn't bought the cheap one. Buy the better one now.

krazyivan

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 50mm f1.2L

02/11/2005 04:08:07 PM · #3

Here ya go:

EBAY

Adorama

I would recommend looking on ebay, better prices. Just check the sellers feedback

bbower1956

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

02/11/2005 04:12:28 PM · #4

I had this lens and returned it for the IS version. It is better but still does not do well in low light. Spend the extra and get the L. I wish I had.

02/11/2005 04:14:56 PM · #5

I've used the IS (image stabilizer) version a dozen times and it's way too slow. The non-IS might be faster, I can't say as I've never used it.

02/11/2005 04:25:39 PM · #6

Originally posted by Plexxoid:

Thanks for the replies. I've read the good things about the 70-200 F4L, but my problem is that I simply can't come close to affording it right now (I'm still a student and my funds are limited)

My shooting is completely recreational and I don't mind a bit of work in photoshop to have an acceptable image. Am I really wasting $170ish if I go with the 75-300?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

02/11/2005 04:34:03 PM · #7

Originally posted by Erin_K:

Am I really wasting $170ish if I go with the 75-300?

I don't know about "wasting". It's still a good zoom lens. Depends on what you're shooting I guess. From my experience it's useless in low light and with motion shots. You could always try one out at a local camera store.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

02/11/2005 04:36:22 PM · #8

I don't really think it would be a waste. Even when you inevitably grow out of the lens, you'll still be able to resell it, and would not lose the entire investment.
I agree withthe idea of trying it out. Most stores won't let it off the premises, but most will let you buy it and return it no-questions-asked if it does not meet your expectations.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/11/2005 04:36:50 PM · #9

The 75-300 does have 'shortcomings' but it is still a very good lens for the money, I sold my IS version recently for the 70-200 f4, a world of difference!

awpollard

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

02/11/2005 04:37:09 PM · #10

May be late on this one but here is a not-so-kind review of the lens...

the-digital-picture

I test drove one and wasn't crazy about it...

Chiqui

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

02/11/2005 04:40:39 PM · #11

Originally posted by Erin_K:

Don't do it!!!! I had it and it sucks! It needs tons of light to be half way useful. If you can, save a bit more and get at leat the IS version, you won't regret it.

June

02/11/2005 04:55:31 PM · #12

Originally posted by awpollard:

May be late on this one but here is a not-so-kind review of the lens...

the-digital-picture

I test drove one and wasn't crazy about it...

I read that same review earlier today and that's what prompted me to start this thread to get other options. I probably will take one for a test drive and make my own opinion, since they seem to be mixed. Anyone know of images taken with that lens at 300mm?

02/11/2005 04:57:26 PM · #13

Originally posted by Erin_K:

I probably will take one for a test drive and make my own opinion, since they seem to be mixed.

hmm well I don't know about "mixed"..thus far everyone seems to be saying "sure it will take pictures: but they won't be great".

:-) The review even said basically if you can't afford anything else, and you don't intend to use it much, then yes, buy it. If that's not your agenda then maybe give thought to another lens.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/11/2005 04:59:54 PM · #14

This was taken hh with the IS version at 300mm but was cropped down a little.

Most of my (obvious zoom) images in my port were taken with that lens prior to October.

*edited to say*
If you look at the print version its almost full size (just cropped to fit dimensions)

Message edited by author 2005-02-11 17:01:57.

02/11/2005 05:01:37 PM · #15

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

that's beautiful. How'd you make it black?

02/11/2005 05:02:31 PM · #16

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

Originally posted by Erin_K:
I probably will take one for a test drive and make my own opinion, since they seem to be mixed.

hmm well I don't know about "mixed"..thus far everyone seems to be saying "sure it will take pictures: but they won't be great".

:-) The review even said basically if you can't afford anything else, and you don't intend to use it much, then yes, buy it. If that's not your agenda then maybe give thought to another lens.

Sorry, should have been more specific, the mixed opinions I was referring to was from an older thread here

Ecce_Signum

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

02/11/2005 05:10:08 PM · #17

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

that's beautiful. How'd you make it black?

Thanks lorri :) if my memory serves me correctly it was done with curves, I have a 15x10 on the wall, not a wow print but I like it. Oh, and it was taken a long time before I found the 'flood' plugin.

Oh, and my only other print on the wall is another 15x10 again taken with the 75-300

bbower1956

Canon EOS Rebel T6s

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/11/2005 05:12:28 PM · #18

Erin_K

The Best Buy prices on both of these lenses (non-IS and IS) seem high. I paid $466 for the IS version and $199 for the non-IS at a local camera store and have seen both for less than that online.

Use Froogle.com and compare prices. Make sure they have a good return policy. If you buy from a store, test it out first and make sure you test the different appetures. Try to test it in low light and try movement.

With the non-IS lens, I could not take a steady picture.

deapee

Kodak V803

02/11/2005 05:46:23 PM · #19

I have the same lens...just got it from best buy a week ago...here's my reasoning...

Like you, I don't shoot professionally -- it will get my focal length to where it needs to be. I searched pbase for sample images, and there's some decent ones there. I realize it won't be the greatest in low light -- especially with it being non IS -- but I don't have the money, and I'll crank up the ISO to keep my shutter speed fast.

Some say it's soft above 200 -- so should I just go get the 28-200 and spend the extra money with NOTHING above 200? I figured not -- I just won't take that many photos zoomed out all the way -- and if I want to, at least I can.

I haven't shot much with it as I've been working a lot and it's dark when I get home, but I say just get it -- you can always sell it in a few months for $100 or so.

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

02/11/2005 06:39:56 PM · #20

Originally posted by Erin_K:

Hi Erin,

Since you are a college student, I assume budget is a concern. Here are a couple alternatives you might consider:

If you decide to go with the Canon 75-300, you'll find it for $169.00 here.

Another option is the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DL Macro Super Lens at $144.99. Unlike the native Canon lens, this also offers macro capability.

Good luck,
Terry