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Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS

Discussion

5 replies
Posted by Adam Schallau on May 19, 2011 at 3:07 PM
I've owned most of the Canon 70-200 lenses including the f/4L with IS and without IS, and I currently use and love the 70-200/2.8L IS II. I'm curious if anyone here is using the new 70-300/4-5.6L IS. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this lens. I'm considering it for longer hikes and backpacking trips paired with the 24-105/4L IS.

Thanks!
Posted by Bret Edge on May 19, 2011 at 6:06 PM
Adam: I've got it and so far I'm quite pleased. Much sharper than my old 100-400mm lens, lighter weight and smaller form factor. Image stabilization doesn't seem to be any better than on the 100-400mm despite Canon's claims to the contrary. One thing that really annoys me: Canon still doesn't have a tripod collar available for it yet.
Posted by Bob Karcz on May 20, 2011 at 8:33 AM
Adam- I also have this lens and replaced my 100-400. Bought it mainly for Wildlife and am quite pleased on it's fast focus, sharpness and lighter weight than the 100-400. Good walk around lens for birding. Have used it a few times for landscape and was pleased with results. You can pair this with a 1.4 tele from Kenko- canon doesn't make a 1.4 to fit.
Posted by Adam Schallau on May 22, 2011 at 11:42 PM
Bret,
Thank you for the feedback. I've seen a few tripod collars out there, but that was before the earthquake and tsunami. One of my workshop clients was lucky enough to track down a tripod collar.
Posted by Adam Schallau on May 22, 2011 at 11:44 PM
Bob,
That's great to hear that you are pleased with the focusing speed. Have you used it in low light, and if so, was the focusing still quick and responsive?
Posted by CAZ on May 24, 2011 at 5:46 PM
Adam and Brett: Have you considered a tripod collar from an off-brand? I use the Opteka for my 70-200 f4 and it works perfectly. Maybe that same size will fit the 70-300; maybe they make a different one that fits - either way it's considerably less expensive than the Canon version, serves its purpose well, and may be available even if the Canon collar isn't. (I've seen similar collars branded under CowboyStudio and RainbowImiging.)

Just a thought,

CAZ