Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM | Final Review

[@cubs197]

Very nice review. Nice to see a reviewer who doesn't completely dismiss a lens just because it doesn't have a red ring. People who do that make you feel like any non L lens you buy will be a bad lens. But you're not like that, so thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do strive to be as subjective as possible, though I certainly have my own biases.

[@jonathanwise84]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I believe you meant to say "objective", but I guess that was a year ago at this point... What does the H on your shirt stand for?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@jonathanwise84 Hilfiger

[@darielwalker1058]

i realize I am pretty randomly asking but does anybody know a good site to watch newly released series online?

[@malikwesson9646]

@Dariel Walker I would suggest FlixZone. Just search on google for it =)

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Solid review Dustin. Liked and shared..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Joe

[@dstg62]

Great review as always Dustin.I received this lens as a gift from my kids and it performs great on my Canon SL2. As you have stated the nano autofocus is amazingly fast and accurate. It’s a solid daylight shooter and is comfortable to carry on hikes for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That sounds about right. A nice gift!

[@effeNovanta]

Anyone can confirm me that this lens mounted on a x1.4 Kenko Extender doesn't work on a Canon 5D IV?

[@steevemarcoux2288]

Great review as usual. I've been using that lens since it came out and I like it, as you said very fast AF ! IQ is certainly better than the first version (which I did owned in the past), as well as IS and AF are way better. Nice addition to Canon lens line-up.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's sounds like my feelings on the lens.

[@johng5819]

Recently bought this lens for my SL2. It works great. Finding the DoF sweet spot is the only issue I've found but otherwise very satisfied !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@jeffwoodcock15]

Dustin, thank you so much for all three videos you have made about this lens. Very in-depth and informative.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Jeff. I hope to eliminate a lot of the questions for potential buyers with this series.

[@nicolasthorpe7190]

Thank you for the review Dustin - I have just ordered one of these on the strength of your review and others on-line. I did try a Mk1 Canon 100 - 400mm USM IS but couldn't get along with the size and the push-pull zoom. I really appreciate your reviews that are very much based in the real world and don't just rely on charts and theory. One of my favourites is where you took a lens off to a frozen river near where you live.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@johnnyandmila65]

Thank you for the detailed reviews on Canon lenses! Could you recommend a telephoto lens for Canon T6I? Mostly to take pictures of kids ski racing. And indoor activity as well - kids swim meets. I was researching lenses and thinking about Canon EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS STM. A salesperson at the Camera store did not recommend this lense for action sports. He recommended Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM. Thank you. Mila.

[@justin-botha]

fantastic video Dustin! ive been wanting to get a zoom lens for my 80D for a while now and I want sure which version to go for, I have been talking to the guys at Canon on their live chat and they pointed me in the direction of this lens and were really helpful, that's actually how I came across your video! after searching for the lens, and after watching your review I think im sold! thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maximilianschramm8609]

Hi Dustin, I have a question. I want to shoot events (concerts, Weddings, etc.) and i need a Lens for this. I don't want to spend too much money and i thought of either the Canon 70-300mm from this video or a cheaper 70-200mm (like the canon 70-200mm f4). Have you any recommendations for me? Very good review by the way :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I like this lens in a lot of ways, though it does have a disadvantage in maximum aperture compared to the f/4 lens. I think you could make this lens work for you.

[@MohamedElsayedAbdelaziz]

Could you please make review Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid I don't have either lens on hand anymore. You'll just have to judge from the individual videos or reviews.

[@2006lilmoe]

I really appreciate Dustin's comprehensive and personal take on lenses. I believe some characteristics are impossible to measure with technical methods. You just got to give it someone with that amount of experience and personal taste. I tend to like, and appreciate, his rather classic, yet totally modern taste in photography more so than others on the web. I always anticipate his personal, yet practical opinion in regards to image rendering and out-of-focus fall-off quality before I even consider buying a lens. Really, thanks. Great review as usual.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Aw Snap Thanks for the nice endorsement.

[@emerilnut]

Great review and thank you for the detailed notes on the Tamron which is the lens I'm interested in.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@tejaswinisanth]

Can you help me to choose between canon 55-250mm STM and canon 70-300mm is ii usm lenses. I have 80D and I need to think of future -- me being a good photographer, where as at present I am a newbie I know you are busy, but your help will be highly appreciated. Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

As I say in the review, if you think you might upgrade to full frame in the future or need the faster autofocus of the 70-300 IS II, then I think it is the right choice. If you are on a tight budget, the 55-250 STM is a solid choice.

[@cau8365]

How is this lens compare to the 18-135 IS nano USM, optically?

[@deannafink8901]

Thank you for this review. I am currently using this lens on a canon T7i and am having trouble photographing in low light (evening football games). Will this lens work better on a canon 5d mark iv?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It will because of the more robust focus system on the 5DIV

[@piotrstanczak8319]

Tamron rated as better quality??? How much do they pay you that you so hugly recommend Tamron which has much worse picture quality

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

LOL. Not enough, since I got nothing.

[@RussSchampers]

I've been looking at this lens primarily because I own: canon EFS 18-135 with IS canon 100-300 ultrasonic w/o IS Recently I tried to take pictures of loons on the lake and needed a bit more range so I strapped on the 300mm but had terrible results without IS. My go-to lens tends to be the EIS lens. In passing you mentioned a range extender. I am now left wondering should I really be looking at an entirely new lens or simply an extender to get the extra range. Do you have insights for a new shooter here? You mentioned extenders are touchey with bodies so will mention I'm on a EOS rebel t4i and do not plan to update the body in my lifetime if that helps for your response.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would go either with this lens or the Tamron 100-400mm VC lens. Both will suit the bill for you.

[@LexJones]

I would love to know if this lens will work on a A7iii with the MC-11

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't tested that combination, but I wouldn't be surprised if it works reasonably well because of the focus motor in this lens.

[@ryanwilson5936]

From your sample images, the is ii usm seemed to really excel at portraits. This lens is on my short list. Thanks for the review.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very solid lens.

[@ryanwilson5936]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I’ve had it for a while now and it’s been fantastic. I’m waiting for some batteries to charge then it’s time for some moon shots!

[@vinayakjadhav7248]

Thanks for review... i have watched entire series and it was helpful... Cleared all doubts... Getting this lense now..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it helped out!

[@dariuszdrozdowski5736]

Hi Dustin. quick question. Tamron 18-400 or canon 70-300 IsII USM

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If image quality is a priority, then the Canon is vastly preferred. If you want the convenience of one lens covering everything, then go with the 18-400.

[@engineeringVirtue]

Great review-- appreciate that you went out of your way to be comprehensive, in depth, and include comparisons to alternative lenses.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the nice feedback. I do want to report in ways that actually helps photographers!

[@huwpenson2678]

nice 80's music on the intro,, classic - one love

[@paulgill3785]

Hi Dustin, Thanks for that info. I will wait and buy with confidence an R mirrorless body as and when they come onto the shelves.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sounds good!

[@sunghoonjjoo]

Great non-biased review! I am considering to purchase EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM lens and this review helped me to learn a lot! Thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to help out.

[@RGilMS]

Dustin, nice review, as usual, thumbs up! Would you say that is it worth to switch from do 55-250 STM to this one? After watching your videos I'm tempted, but still not sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Noroel I think it is a worth upgrade over the STM version because of focus speed.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

Thank you for this great review and I also read your review on your website. I have to warn people that I just bought the Canon EF 70-300 IS II USM lens from Canon's Amazon store and unfortunately it had lens aberrations on the front glass. I contacted the seller and they immediately sent me a return label and sent me a replacement lens within 3 days. They also asked if I would consider keeping the lens if they took $60 off the price... I told them no and that I wanted a new lens. These lens are selling for $514 on Canon's Amazon store which is $35 cheaper than what they are going for through Canon's website or BH at $549. Well after receiving the new replacement lens guess what? It had the "exact same aberrations as the original one did... I again called the seller and told them I wanted my money back which they agreed to immediately with no problem upon receiving the second lens back through UPS. I am going to order a third one through Canon's main website but not before letting them know I am not happy about this. I purchased my T7i camera and 3 lenses from Canon's main website with no problems with anything and they were refurbished! I suspect Canon's Amazon store is were they try to unload their factory rejects at a discounted rate. That would be OK if they told the customer that up front but they do not. Your review was encouraging though for what I want this lens for which will be wildlife and mostly birds in flight. I do a lot of kayaking the shallow saltwater lagoons here in Central Florida and the opportunity for this kind of photography is amazing. I am a bit nervous about ordering another of these lens though even from their main website. If I get a third one with lens aberrations I very well may sell my gear and go with Sony or Nikon and I will tell them that when I call and order it... I know I should have known better "buyer beware" and all that but, again, Canon did not honestly advertise these things as being factory seconds and after buying their refurbished products with no problem I figured I was good to go. On hindsight I should have read the negative reviews as this problem was mentioned many times. Sorry to be so long winded but I'm just hoping to save someone else from the same aggravation. Thanks again!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's an unfortunate experience. I've never really bought "refurbs", though I have bought used with good success in the past.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I just recently bought a used wide angle lens from ebay with no problems. It's really disappointing that Canon would do something like this! As long as I get a good one from their main website I will just write it off as a learning experience. Love your videos and reviews by the way.

[@sweetblueman]

thank you.. I've recently got efm 55-200 stm as well as this one 70-300 mm for my m50mii.. is it worth to have both these? by the way your indepth explanation was so useful and good to learn your observations are so sharp.. thanks.. i'm from India

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You can probably best answer that question for yourself. Which lens works better on your camera, and is there one that end up reaching for most of the time. If you aren't really using both, keep the one that best suits your needs.

[@gerardferry3958]

nice on a speedbooster too

[@Moon0525_]

Thank you so much for your highly in depth review!! I was given a 1200d as a hand-me-down birthday present, and found this lense secondhand for $500 AUD (brand new 1k)... Amateur bird and wildlife photography being my current "thing". Extremely impressed with it and I cant wait to grow and learn with it :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's awesome. Enjoy.

[@rpvideos4118]

Hey! I've heard that this lens might not be the best when used on a Canon Mirrorless camera? Have you heard of any issues with this lens or the auto focus not working well on Mirrorless bodies? I have a Canon R6 and was thinking about buying this lens (the Canon EF 100-400 IS II USM)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The CAnon 100-400L II works great on Canon mirrorless via adapter.

[@zdrankowskiphotography3348]

Nicely done! Keep going with the good reviews ! :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@bowieknife]

Hi Dustin, thanks for the review. What would you suggest if I'm deciding between this new mark 2 70-300 and the 70-200 f/4 L IS? I'm shooting on a 6D. Is the image quality worth the price difference? Assuming I accept the loss of 100mm on the tele end, and no weather sealing.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The image quality is not radically different, so make your choice based on whether your prefer the fixed aperture or wider focal range.

[@bowieknife]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks so much for your insight.

[@KevinNordstrom]

This comment solidified my decision to not spend the $1,000 on the L and get other gear with it and keep my 70-300. As just a hobbiest and KZbinr, In post with PS/LR can really fix the minor issued I believe and bridge the gap between the 2 lenses in my opinion. And sense I shoot mainly landscapes, I don't need a fast aputure as I normally shoot between f 8-11

[@gimaru1]

Exactly what I was looking for. Going with the L version. Good glass is good glass even if it’s old glass. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough.

[@davidhanif1983]

I have the 18mm 135mm is nano usm too but never make that sound.

[@supriyobasu7289]

Hi Dustin, your videos are very honest. Thanks for doing. I always look up to your videos. I have a decision to make. canon 70-300 usm is ii vs used 70-300L (Price ~1000 USD). I'm an amateur, doctor by profession. Just upgraded to 80D from canon T3i few days ago. Other lenses I have is 18-135 STM as main lens with , 10-18 STM, 50mm 1.8. Rarely do wildlife. Primarily use camera for travel, landscape, portrait, family events & baby. Travel to Europe mainly. 100-400 is out of my budget & probably I won't be able to do justice with it. 70-200 f4 IS very attractive but may be I need a bit more zoom specially already 18-135 in my kit. What do you think? Your suggestion will be very much appreciated.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Supriyo Basu If you can get the 70-300L for $1000 I think you will appreciate the quality.

[@supriyobasu7289]

Thanks a lot for your reply.

[@goldog2816]

Great review, look forward to seeing more of you're post ........

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@davidhanif1983]

Hello Dustin. I saw your review which I love. Today Jan 25- 2018 I bought this lens 70mm-300mm is nano usm and it's a nice lens but I was wondering that does the IS make some kind of noise. whenever I press the shutter button the lens makes sound and after a few seconds another sound. So my question is that only my lens makes this sound or all of them. please let me know. cause If it's the case with my copy I'll change it or refund it. please help. sincerely yours David.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

David, that's probably a question for Canon. I've probably used 25 lenses since then, so I would just be working off of a distant memory.

[@davidhanif1983]

Thanks a lot. May the blessings of heavenly Father be upon you and your family.

[@GTRMclaren722]

the new autofocus will work with and OLD 5D MK2?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, though the focus system itself is more limited.

[@esj200vs]

Thank you very much Dustin. It's been a long wait for someone to give a detailed review of this. I had high hopes though I'm really glad you made that little mention of general rendering in comparison to the 'L'. I have one 'L' lens so far and regardless of sharpness, the general arty look is what I find most amazing. Time to save for the 70-300L!. Thanks again!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a "feel" thing, but I think if you shot with both lenses side by side you would see what I mean.

[@esj200vs]

thanks for the encouragement! its big, its white, its expensive, but its probably going to happen :-)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a pretty fab lens.

[@charlesfisher2134]

Which lens is sharper Canon's 70 to 300 is II usm Or Canon's 55 to 250 stm lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 70-300, but not by a large margin.

[@charlesfisher2134]

Sold ordering it tomorrow. Thank you sir.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@canon5d3113]

Love your reviews! I was wondering if you would ever consider doing a review on 24-105mm F4L II IS compared to the old one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I had it planned for last year, then Canon kept delaying the release of the lens and it slipped through the cracks.

[@Chavy719]

What would be the best lens for kids sports 55-250 is 11 or 70-300 is11 on a t7i or a tamron lens

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say the 70-300. The focus is fantastic on it.

[@Chavy719]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you so much

[@chetancheese]

Thanks for the final thoughts.. Really loved it... This made things very clear to me.. Gonna buy this as soon as it is available in my country

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's good feedback. I'm glad that I was able to clarify things for you.

[@legin6487]

Very good review as always thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@ajazahmed2488]

I bought one yesterday I’ll use it Is it worth it I hope so Great review

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@ddesai1080]

please show us examples of image quality on APS-C bodies.

[@Miller1107]

He did. The shots @13:45 are on the 80D (APS-C).

[@19TREBOR43]

Excellent and very efficient explanation. Congratulations !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

How would this lens do with a speedbooster instead of a TC? Would the bokeh and brightness improve, for example 🤔

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The quality of the bokeh will never improve by adding more glass, unfortunately.

[@marknongkhlaw1674]

@@DustinAbbottTWI 😒

[@jameslarsen9814]

Once again, a great video! I agree with your analysis - Canon definitely put the lens in a perfect spot to be just a little different then the other variants.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

For sure.

[@sarborupsarkar2490]

can i use this lens on my canon 700D??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Sarborup Sarkar you definitely can

[@WildStuff]

When you say that the newer bodies 'brick' your Kenko extender, are you still prevented from using the lens+TC combo completely manually? (ie.- manual focus, no exif data, and the custom function enabled to fire the shutter with no lens attached)? If this lens still worked manually with the Kenko TCs then it could still be used for great shots of the moon.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My experience was that the camera would throw a code and would not allow operation of the camera.

[@Mnorbert25]

9:07 Yeah but clearly I can tell that the Tamron Sharper but the image still darker and it has some cromatic abberation while the new Canon new lens actually performing great ! The other I don't ever get Tamron again is because the AF has failed for me and I found out that Tamron is notorius to have AF problem issues that is not so great ! Yeah forget to mention Tamron lens scratch easily plasticky feeling it has cheap materials the focus rubber grip get lose over time. Yeah It's sharp and affordable lens but it gonna fail over time 1 year 2 year and you have no warranty and it's gone ! I'm gonna stick to the Canon lens no aftermarket lens anymore ! That is my opinion and my experience with Tamron

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My experience with Tamron has not been like yours, and in many markets the Tamron warranty is 5-7 years. Still, I do think the Canon is the better overall lens here.

[@TheChromaKid]

Great review, Thank you :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@peterbustin2683]

I'm new to your site. Very good review, thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@jasonbourne2133]

how did the lens perform in snowy conditions ? i am looking to take this to -10C Temperature

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I had no issues, but, frankly, I very rarely ever have issues with lenses in cold weather.

[@jasonbourne2133]

Thanks for the quick reply man :) subscribed ! Looking forward to some more detailed reviews :)

[@timurselcuk1556]

Trabzonspor renklerine olan onemi nedir bordo mavi ozeligi varmi yoksa ise yaramaz

[@brucekirby1574]

Thanks for the quick answer.

[@alexandrelongaray3987]

Hi Dustin In short: this 70-300 II or EF 70-200 f/4 IS (“Mark 1”)? For use in 80D and 6D. Thanks in advance.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The right answer really depends on how important that extra 100mm is. The 70-200L will be sharper and "faster" over equivalent range.

[@gaby2759]

Fantastiv Reviews my Friend!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@2012stang302]

I have a canon m100, iv3 done lots of research.... does anyone have this canon lens with an m100? I see a few mint to near mint lenses for sale right now used and I'm just about to make the decision to go for it. Any idea's??

[@BigAntTVMedia]

Dustin would u recommend using this for HS football on a sunny day using a 5D4 or e.g: if I go too ny giants camp when the days are sunny and hot and the sun is overhead I need a decently sharp lens with great af

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work for that application.

[@moedergroe4239]

Great review, as always! Thumbs up!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Moe

[@imwporsche]

Dustin, fantastically thorough and informative review of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM, thank you so much. Did you ever do a review of the "L" version of this lens. I am looking to get a telephoto lens for my Canon EOS 5D mark iii and I am torn between the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM. The "L" version is twice the price of the non "L". I am a semi pro photographer and I wondered what your thoughts were, I assume getting the "L" is a longer term decision as the quality of the lens will prevail. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I did do a review of it back in the day. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYWqgXqVoNqdepI

[@nakibphotography]

Can I use the 70-300 in canon 750d

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely.

[@Karnosas]

In APSC it's 112-480mm f/6.4-8.9, is that right? Is it darker by the conversion factor?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Aperture with APS-C crop is complicated. Depth of field does require the crop factor to be applied to the aperture (so depth of field of 6.4), but the physical aperture size for light gathering remains the same. So F4 behaves like F4 either on full frame or APS-C - the shutter speed requirement will be the exact same.

[@joseantoniomartinez9785]

Hi Dustin! I´m interested in the Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A030), which is a revamped model of the one that you reviewed in Amazon, back in 2011. I looked for your youtube review but unfortunately you haven´t done it. I was delighted by having found that Amazon review, which makes me more confident of buying it. However, If you´re able to share a more recent comment about it I´d deeply appreciate it. Best regards

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It hasn't been distributed here in Canada, so I've never looked at it. Sorry

[@TheBijojose]

Hi Dustin I would like to get 70-300 mm IS USM II FOR MY 80D. But now looking at all your reviews it has been always my wish that i could get an L lense. So as per my budget i am in confusion. Whether to get 70-300 IS USM II or 70-200 f4 L ( non IS). I mostly take travel and portraits. NOn IS is a big deal if a choose 70-200?? Many thanks Bibin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would go the 70-300 IS II. It will be more practical for you in terms of size, quality of focus, and image quality will be as good. You'll get better pictures because of the IS with the 70-300.

[@paulgill3785]

I’ve got one and it’s excellent on my M50, 1D mk2n and 6D. Not great on my perfect 7D2? I have a 300L 2.8 and a 600L F4 which doesn’t like the M50 which has no lens adjustments.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In theory lenses shouldn't need adjustment on the M50, but I wouldn't be surprised if the M50 doesn't produce enough voltage to really drive your big 300 and 600L lenses.

[@judetan1549]

Hi there, I’m an enthusiast photographer and I take photos of airplanes. I’m considering between the 70-300 IS USM II and the 70-300 L lens. I heard that the IS USM II is comparable to the L in terms of sharpness in some aspects but definitely the L is better. Just wondering if it is worth that much more money. Please advice. Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would say the biggest reason to choose the L lens is for the build and smoother bokeh. If you work in decent weather and want to save money, the USM II is a fine choice.

[@geographerix7104]

Always like your reviews. But just yesterday I came across this article on lensrentals blog. Title:"Things You Didn’t Want to Know About Zoom Lenses" www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/02/things-you-didnt-want-to-know-about-zoom-lenses/ This article is quite interesting as it concludes, that the variation within a number of zoom-lenses from the same typ and brand is quite high also at different focal lengths. The thesis is supported by the fact that different youtubers, reviewers, forum guys etc. come to different conclusions on (zoom-)lenses. So one could get a lens which is sharp at 300mm but soft at 70mm and the next gets one with the opposite qualities and the third gets one which is average at all focal lengths. The lesson should be, try out your copy of a lens before buying to avoid bad surprises and disappointments. But who asks for three different copies for comparison when going to a retailer? And if someone does, would the shop do as asked? So far I believed that noticeable variation in optical quality of zoom lenes from one type and brand are the exception rather than the rule, but now I'm not so sure.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think the correct conclusion is that all zoom lenses should be mistrusted. I read the article, and I think that it is suggesting that there is more room for variability due to the complexity of zoom lenses. On a number of occasions they have tested multiple copies of a particular zoom lens and found sample variability rather low.

[@LeonDieBoer]

Good review as usual Dustin, thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Leon.

[@ashish0831]

I am wondering if this lens can be used with canon extender on EOSR + L mount adapter combo If yes .. what is trade off in terms of AF performance and Image quality

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If I'm not mistaken, the problem is that an extender won't physical fit. There has to be a certain amount of room in the back of the lens before the rear element, and, when that's not the case, the extender isn't physically compatible.

[@poweller34]

Would it work with an ef to m adaptor ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it will.

[@timotheus34]

Very nice Video! How would you compare it to the 70-200 f4 l? I am looking for a general purpose tele lens for my 6d mk ii and I want to use it for landscapes and sports photography. I could get the 70-200 f4 non is (not sure if I really need the is?) used for 300€ and the is version for 500€. I cannot find this lens on the used market so it would be 400€ new. I would love to hear your opinion on this.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would personally choose this lens over the non-IS 70-200. I think the optical performance is possibly better, and having IS is very important on a tele like this.

[@MrMonfabio]

My copy has arrived from Canon Brazil today, but I have found on my 80D an issue with the focus motor at 300mm. When I focus on the both limits nearest and infinite the focus just don't work again. I already send them an e-mail about the issue asking how to send them back.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's odd. It's unusual to have a focus issue like that with a first party lens.

[@oliverlime5589]

You are amazing sir! Could you please tell me about it's video quality whether it allows to shoot it 4k or just hd Or just 720p.please do reply.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The lens is perfectly capable of providing sharp 4K footage on a good camera.

[@teameakaray-grover6121]

As always, thank you for your time and in-depth review! Fantastic!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@FleyEnder]

how does this differ from the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD Telephoto Zoom Lens?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A number of ways, from build to maximum aperture comparisons. They are both solid lenses, but the L has the pro-grade build that you'll want if you're going on safari or shooting in hostile conditions.

[@jenny_nim]

Thank you for this review. The last few pointers have helped me decide to keep it and not buy the cheaper 55-250mm STM lens instead.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad it was helpful!

[@himanshualwaria]

Hello Dustin, how would you rate this lens against Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD ? Would be a great help if you could reply. Thanks.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you watch the image quality segment you will see that comparison.

[@tuanhieutran9870]

is this lens has zoom creep?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been too long since I've done this review to remember that. If I noticed an issue, it would be noted in my text review.

[@frandualmeida]

Hello Abbott, d you think this lens is suitable for video? I mean, L lens are great, but heavy for run and gun docs. So i was thinking about this lens. Any comments on this? I already own the 18-135 nano and find it great.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It should work fine. Focus is great obviously.

[@ТарасГалишко-х9ц]

It's parfocal lens or not?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don’t know that. I haven’t had this lens in my hands for 7-8 years.

[@davidhanif1983]

Hello. Dustin I love the way you review. I saw your review on Tamron 18-400 and I bought it just after I watched your video on KZbin but in a week I wasn't happy with the lens specially with the Image quality so I sell it back as a second hand. so I wanted to buy this lens since I have the 18-135 is usm I'm really satisfy with it. do you recommend to but this I want a to have a long range zoom lens. please tell me I have Canon 80d. Sincerely yours David.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you like the 18-135 USM, then you will certainly like this lens. It’s a nice pairing.

[@sjakob52]

Does it realy mattet with weather sealing if you don't have a canon camera house that also is. As for the prices I have seen the 5dlv weather sealed house is out of the question for ordinary people

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Well, obviously some sealing on one of the components does help, but you're right in that if your camera isn't sealed, the lens being sealed isn't going to radically change things.

[@xiaoxinpeng8807]

Thank you for the review～

[@ShazammtheProducer]

Hey Dustin How does this lens work on the canon eos R in 4K video mode? Does it convert to APC at all to help with the super crop factor in video or does it just act like a Full frame lens like the rest.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Shazamm - I'm not sure you understand how APS-C lenses work. All lenses are given in their 35mm (full frame) designation. Thus, as 10mm APS-C lens acts just like a 10mm FF lens does - on Canon APS-C it becomes a 16mm equivalent focal length. The crop factor on the EOS R is going to affect all lenses equally whether they are designed for APS-C or FF. The only reason an APS-C lens might be better for dealing with the crop factor is that it might have a wider focal length than what is commonly available for full frame. For example there are 10-22mm APS-C zooms, while the common full frame zoom starts at 16mm.

[@ShazammtheProducer]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Ok now i totally get it. Thank you for explaining it sir

[@AUSTOGO]

I'm a amatuar to DSLR so will this lens be ok on a 4000D ,I only do photography as a hobby

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely would

[@ashishtiwari1912]

I bought this in 2020 for some amateur bird photography. The problem I had with 55 250 is stm was that the AF was very slow. And it was hard to capture birds in flight. Your review reinforced my opinion about this lens. 70-300 l is way above my budget so I think I am left with this one.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a solid choice.

[@brink3565]

I just purchased this lens, did yours have a small spot on the glass? I returned my first one because I thought it was defective but the second one they sent has the same spot.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Alan, this has been like 50 lenses ago. I wouldn't have any recollection of that. I obviously didn't note it in my review, however.

[@marcp.1752]

Hello Dustin, i'd like to say "thank you" personally for this comprehensive Tamron 70-300 VC vs Canon 70-300 II Review - well done, excellent. Also very interesting onto your Website, that the Canon Mk. II does go faster into smaller Apertures than the Tamron. I'd say the Tamron holds up very well into comparsion, and still could be had (2nd Hand) for a bargain. Wondering if the Mk. II here would be better in terms of AF Speed & IQ perhaps a bit.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's about right. The Canon is a more polished lens, but the Tamron still holds it's own fairly well, though it's loses a bit at 300mm.

[@billperry6101]

hi dustin i have a canon 80D with a tamron 18-400 lens can i fit a kenko or tamron extenders on this set up

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No. The lens isn’t physically designed to where a TC will fit.

[@camofelix]

Hi Dustin, thoughts on this lens vs the 70-200 f4 non-is? Currently have one on a crop sensor body, and wondering how YOU think it stacks up both in terms of optical performance and day to day usability

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Felix LeClair I suspect you will find this lens easier to use due to the IS, more compact form factor, and greater focal range.

[@paulsellen1694]

Great review and have now subscribed, really like the way you do your reviews!...so I actually own the Tamron SP70-300mm and do not find it that great on my 7D, was going to eventually upgrade to the Canon 70-300L (still around £1100 in the UK) but this throws another in the mix! Do you think a worthy upgrade from the Tamron, or as I already own the Tamron I am better with plan A, going for the L glass? Many Thanks

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The L lens is still my favorite of the bunch if you can afford it. If you would rather spend your money elsewhere, however, the new IS II is a nice upgrade, I think

[@lobsterb7379]

hi! will this fit on my canon EOS M50 with an adapter??

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it will

[@DPH1975]

Hello from Spain !! my current lens is a 70-300 is usm. I'm planning a trip to Japan through "mapcamera" and I have doubts between 2 lenses: Canon EF 70-300mm f / 4-5.6 II IS USM ... NEW. and Canon EF 70-200mm f / 4 L IS USM ... of 2nd HAND in perfect condition. the difference between the two is around $ 300. the change to L range is worth it for $ 300 + 2x converter (to have 300mm) ?? I have read that with the 2x it loses a lot (autofocus and sharpness) ... is that true? can you help me?? Thanks in advance

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My recommendation is that if having 300mm of reach is important to you, go for the lens with the native focal length that covers that range (unless you have other lenses for which you want to use the TC. I rarely recommend a 2x converter to anyone. 1.4x seems to be the limit with most situations that you retain excellent image quality and AF.

[@DPH1975]

thanks!

[@charlesaldous5389]

Hi. I have recently bought this lens as I wanted a 'proper' telephoto one for an airshow I have coming up. I partially took your advice, as well as some stuff I read on other sites. I would say about 50% of the decision was helped by your three videos about the lens. Anyway I love it! Mostly. It's stunning how fast this lens finds focus, except when it doesn't. that is, I was following a, fairly slowly moving, aircraft the other day. (It was going in to land at a nearby airport) and although I managed to focus on the jet, after I took that first shot, the lens refused to focus on it again! I suppose that's what you mean by focus hunting? My camera was set to AI Servo, as I read it should be for fast moving objects, so I'm rather annoyed by that one little thing, which I hope won't mess up my first attempts at airshow photography. But having said that, in all other instances I am in love with this lens. Especially the bokeh I am getting when shooting flowers for my gardening partner! So many thanks Dustin. I'm hooked to your channel now!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out. And yes, that's what hunting means. As you gain experience with the lens you should be able to mitigate that somewhat.