The 75-300mm IS lens was popular because of its useful focal length range, small size, light weight, midrange price and Image Stabilization. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens improves this overall package (sacrificing only price somewhat). In my opinion, image stabilization is the best feature of this lens. It is a significant help when shooting stationary subjects without a tripod. READ FULL REVIEW
The new EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM is a better lens than the original EF 75-300/4-5.6 IS USM, as it should be since it costs more, in fact it’s more expensive than the EF 70-200/4L. The original lens has been discontinued, so the decision as to which is the better value of the two is now moot. I’d say the new lens is probably better value than the DO lens, as long as you can live without a silent ring USM motor and full time manual focus and don’t mind the extra 1.5″ in length. If you shoot at 300mm a lot, I’d say pay the price for the EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM. If you shoot most of the time at the shorter end, you can save by getting the original lens used (or maybe you could find a new one if you’re quick), so if funds are tight that’s not an unreasonable option. I can tell you that I have upgraded to the new lens. Whether the EF 70-200/4 L or the EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM is the better buy depends a lot on your application. If you’re shooting from a tripod and don’t need to zoom to 300mm, the EF 70-200/4L is a very good buy. On the other hand if you’re shooting handheld and need the ability to easily zoom from 70 to 300mm without stopping to add a TC, then I think the EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM might well turn out to be the better choice. READ FULL REVIEW
If you own or have used this lens, let us know what you think! Leave your comments and thoughts below.