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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon 70-300mm IS v. 75-300mm IS, USA v. Imported
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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 05/21/2006 04:57:39 PM · #1
Hi,

I will soon buy a lens for long-range shots (birds, sports, etc.) and would like to know the difference between the Canon 70-300mm IS lens and the Canon 75-300mm IS (other than the obvious 5 mm difference). DP Challenge lists the 70-300 as a prime lens, but lists the 75-300 as a zoom lens. Your thoughts?

Also, is the USA-made model worth an extra $30 over the Imported model? Other than taking away a bit of business from a foreign economy, why would it be better?

Thanks!
 05/21/2006 04:58:28 PM · #2
Supposedly (and confirmed on the photozone MTF tests) the 75-300mm is much worse optically at 300mm than the 70-300mm (and bad in general at that length)
 05/21/2006 05:11:27 PM · #3
I have the 75-300 IS USM. It is a very finicky lens for sure. The sweet spot, on mine at least, is between @175-250 and shutter speed is a major concern. Also, it is a bit slow on the auto-focus and hunts a lot sometimes. On a tripod with a fixed focal distance it is a good lens. hand-held for wildlife it is not the best.
 05/21/2006 05:19:51 PM · #4
I don't know why it's listed as a prime lens, that's incorrect, and they should fix that error.
 05/21/2006 05:54:11 PM · #5
usa lenses you can send to manufactor to fix. non you have to send to where u bought it. I perfer USA lenses.
 05/21/2006 06:07:20 PM · #6
i love my 70-300mm. it's true that in the dark the focus hunts, but i still love it both for animals and sports. I think sports is the best test... all of these slideshow photos were taken with it.
www.mo5988.blogspot.com
 05/21/2006 08:44:37 PM · #7
Do you need IS?
Sigma 70-300 405.6 APO super 2 is better optically than than the canon on the long end.

do you need 300mm? the canon 70-200 f4, or add in a 1.4xTC to get the same 300mm at the same 5.6 and you much better optics overall.
 05/21/2006 08:58:08 PM · #8
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Do you need IS?
Sigma 70-300 405.6 APO super 2 is better optically than than the canon on the long end.

do you need 300mm? the canon 70-200 f4, or add in a 1.4xTC to get the same 300mm at the same 5.6 and you much better optics overall.


Agreed, just went through the same questions myself, had a 90-300mm canon lens but found it to be lacking in performance. Bought a 70-200f4 L lens, no comparison with the 90-300. Just back from 3 weeks travel found it brillant! The extra 100mmm would be nice so I may buy an 1.4x extender.
 05/22/2006 01:35:07 AM · #9
Thanks for the information and suggestions. This is my first DSLR, and my previous PNS digital camera really could have been improved with IS. I am aware that DSLRs are much better than my old Oly C-740. However, my previous experience in needing IS, but not having it; my lack of experience with DSLR lenses; and the fact that I'm shelling out $500 + for one zoom lens makes me think I should get one with IS. Do I "need" IS? I don't know. I am hesitant to buy an L-glass telephoto that has no IS and is 100mm shorter than the 75-300 IS for the same price.

I guess I won't know for sure whether I need IS with a telephoto lens until I buy one with or without IS and use it for a while. However, that is quite an expensive (and risky) experiment for a beginner hobbyist photographer.

05/26/2006 01:25:46 AM · #10
Anyone know of a website with test results of using the Canon 70-200 f4 L with a 1.4xTC? I'm wondering if the tele extender might reduce the quality of the shots to the point where I may be better off buying the Canon 70-300.

Thanks
 05/26/2006 01:46:38 AM · #11
I have the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. Here are a few 300mm examples with IS on.
- Close up shot @ 300mm / about 10 ft away from subject.
- Far away subject about @ 300mm / Subject about 30 or 40 yards away and running and through the front windshield of my car.
- Midrange subject @ 300mm / Subject about 30 feet away.

Message edited by author 2006-05-26 01:47:26.
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