© Robert I. Sadler, 2008
Review
Auto-focus, 300mm at f/5·6, light in weight and relatively cheap in price. All in all, this lens is not half bad and recommended for those who cannot afford an L-series lens. (Unfortunately Canon does not make an equivalent L-series lens anymore, so this is as good as it gets.)
| Focal Length | Aperture (f-stop) |
|---|---|
| 75mm | 4·0 |
| 90mm | 4·0 |
| 95mm | 4·5 |
| 100mm | 4·5 |
| 135mm | 4·5 |
| 140mm | 5·0 |
| 200mm | 5·0 |
| 230mm | 5·0 |
| 240mm | 5·6 |
| 300mm | 5·6 |
I believe that, even though this isn’t the best lens in its class, when used properly it is very much above average and produces excellent images. Remember that this is not a fast lens — where fast relates to the aperture — and by understanding how the Canon auto-focus system works, we should know its limitations. The performance of the auto-focus system of the camera is directly linked to the maximum aperture of the lens. Seeing as this lens is only f/5·6 at 300mm, I believe it is just unfair to expect stellar performance at this focal length. (I have also found that this lens auto-focus much faster on the EOS 3, than on the EOS 30D. Supplies!) Therefore, this is not the lens with which to photograph unpredictable fast-moving objects, like birds or soccer-playing kids, using an entry-level EOS xxxD / Rebel camera.
The rendition of colour is great, or at least great for me. Nice contrast and good saturation, especially greens. Chromatic aberration can be seen at 97% pixels.
Image quality is on par with, or slightly better than, most other lenses. The Takumar lenses still rule the yard and I haven’t tested it against any L-series lens. Obviously any good prime will knock its block off.
Lastly, due to the bad rep attached to this lens by inexperienced users (and L-snobs), they’re selling brand new for a song on www.bidorbuy.co.za. Go get one today — and insist on a free hood!
Update: I tested this lens against my EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM lens... bottom line is that you must decide if the extra reach of 300mm is worth the slightly lower image quality and reduced aperture. With both lenses you get what you pay for it. However, I stand by my opinion that if you are looking at a zoom in this range and cannot afford the better EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM (or siblings), then this is a good choice. And being a Canon, compatibility with future EOS cameras is guaranteed, unlike with other brands (e.g. Σ).
Update: Well, it seems that Canon does now offer a similar L-series lens. Whether it is worth the huge price tag, I sincerely doubt.
Recommended: Yes
Buy the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5·6 III USM lens from: mycamera.co.za