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 =)

[@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!

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Solid review Dustin. Liked and shared..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Joe

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@goldog2816]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@charlesfisher2134]

Sold ordering it tomorrow. Thank you sir.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@emerilnut]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@LeonDieBoer]

Good review as usual Dustin, thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Leon.

[@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.

[@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!

[@teameakaray-grover6121]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the kind feedback.

[@huwpenson2678]

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

[@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.

[@legin6487]

Very good review as always thank you

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much!

[@moedergroe4239]

Great review, as always! Thumbs up!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks, Moe

[@zdrankowskiphotography3348]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks!

[@brucekirby1574]

Thanks for the quick answer.

[@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.

[@xiaoxinpeng8807]

Thank you for the review～

[@effeNovanta]

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

[@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.

[@peterbustin2683]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@19TREBOR43]

Excellent and very efficient explanation. Congratulations !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kqnmtl01]

tytyty I have the Tamron equivalent and was wondering how this compares. Appreciate the info!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Take a look at the image quality video to see a lot of direct comparisons. I link it in this video or you can find it on my channel.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@TheChromaKid]

Great review, Thank you :D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome.

[@utsavmewada45]

Your videos are really great..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks

[@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.

[@2Boi]

would this work on full frame camera

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, it is designed for full frame.

[@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.

[@sarborupsarkar2490]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Sarborup Sarkar you definitely can

[@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.

[@gerardferry3958]

nice on a speedbooster too

[@dinochirico5008]

hi dustin... so trying to decide if to go with this lens or not... my main purpose is to use it for videoing sport and need the zoom and stability... what do you think... oh i have a Canon 80D. thx

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Dino Chirico As long as there is decent lighting on the sports you need to shoot, you should be fine.

[@dinochirico5008]

Dustin Abbott how about stability? is this lens up there? i'm currently using a 35-135 usm and not that great

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Dino Chirico The stabilizer on the copy I used worked well

[@dinochirico5008]

Dustin Abbott thanks

[@aridgp1]

This lens or 55-250mm STM lens for apsc camera ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This lens has a little more refined focus and perhaps marginally better image quality, but if you never plan to move to full frame it's hard to deny the value of the 55-250

[@aridgp1]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks !! U really helped me decide :)

[@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.

[@markcataldo1012]

Nice review Dustin. I agree with you on your results completely. Having shot the Tamron before I will add the one thing I don't miss in the Tamron is the over exaggerated shake as it locks image stabilization the Canon seems a bit smoother. I'm sure I will have this lens in my bag for some time.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've seen what you mean before, though there is some sample variation in this behavior. The Canon is definitely smoother in transitioning on and off, but the absolute stability of the Tamron is a bit better.

[@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 :)

[@Sun_XY]

iszit worth upgrade from 70 - 300 Mark i?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think it is, yes.

[@poweller34]

Would it work with an ef to m adaptor ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it will.

[@brentdrafts2290]

Are the Kinco tele-converter, not just pass through connections?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't think I understand your question.

[@brentdrafts2290]

Dustin Abbott You said something indicating that the conveter causes a problem between lens versions. Does it not just pass the lens/body contacts to the body?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oh, I see. No, Canon changes focus algorithms when it introduces new bodies, and often third party components (like this TC) stop working properly.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gaby2759]

Fantastiv Reviews my Friend!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you!

[@nakibphotography]

Can I use the 70-300 in canon 750d

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely.

[@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

[@benec5816]

Loved your report how would these go on my M50 withthe canon converter please thank yoh and please stay safe

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It would work fine with the Canon adapter.

[@benec5816]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thank you stay safe

[@erikaptured]

hello, I just read ur comment, how is the lens in m50 sir?

[@tinujos8306]

Hi sir, does it suite canon 77d?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Sure, though you'll have to apply the crop factor of your camera (1.6x) to the focal length.

[@tinujos8306]

Dustin Abbott thank you for your reply!

[@ReadySetWalk]

can you use this with ef to ef-m adapter for canon m50?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely, and it will work well

[@ReadySetWalk]

Thank you!!

[@ReadySetWalk]

hi dustin, will this work on viltrox ef-efm speed booster adapter?

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jordan_Richman]

Would this work well for wildlife? How close will it get me?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Hi Jordan, that's a completely open-ended question. It would depend on the distance to your subject, what camera body you were using, etc... 300mm isn't a massive amount of reach, but it is often sufficient in a number of situations.

[@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.

[@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.

[@harshad6489]

Hello Sir!!! I am thinking to buy this lens, so should I go ahead with it? I also want to know whether it is compatible with CANON 600D?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Harshad Joshi it definitely is

[@harshad6489]

Thank u sir for the feedback, checking ur reviews for the lenses!!!

[@ajazahmed2488]

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

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@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.

[@Bishalchauhan2024]

I have canon eos77d so i am thinking about canon 70-300 lenc so should i buy???

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't see why not. It's a strong lens.

[@Bishalchauhan2024]

@@DustinAbbottTWI its good lens or not?

[@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?

[@FilmbyAunee]

Does this lens work with Canon 750D?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes it does.

[@77.88.]

Does the Tamron Zoom lens still have the LENS CREEP which renders it useless?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I owned the Tamron 70-300 for years and saw nothing that rendered it useless to me.

[@77.88.]

@@DustinAbbottTWIWhat years? My 28-300mm Tamron lens had very bad lens creep in both up and down positions,especially on warm days Nikon had the same problem around 2008 right out of the box, I tried to get it fixed and NIKON turned me down in both Taiwan and the USA this is the direct results of the lack of field testing and quality control, ( MY OPINION) I would like to see you adjust manual focus and and prevent the lens creep at the sasme time. of course both of these lenses were made during the 2008-2010. My Canon lenses seem to be much better design and quality.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ahmedelsheikh1987]

Hello Dustin, I am sorry if this might sound redundant, but could you please list down the Kenko teleconverter models which are compatible with the Canon 70-300 mm IS USM ii? I will be very very grateful!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid I don't have access to either of those items at the moment. That seems more like a question for Kenko than me

[@ahmedelsheikh1987]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I tried the Kenko Teleplus HD PRO 2.0X DGX TC and it gave me an error (Err 01) on my Canon 80D... I was more worried about the physical incompatibility but it wasn't the case.

[@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.

[@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.

[@juliehogan7546]

So would this lens not be good for high school sporting events then? The subjects will definitely be moving at high speeds and I don't want a lot of blur. Looking for sharp pictures and a lens that can focus fast.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The problem is not with focus speed (it's incredibly fast). It doesn't have a particularly bright aperture, though, so often indoor events are better served by using a large aperture lens (but that means big, heavy, and expensive!)

[@juliehogan7546]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you. Would the EF70-300 IS USM be better or the EF 70-200mm f/4L USM? Or something else? Sorry, kind of new to this.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No, if that is where your budget is at, I think this is your best choice.

[@actie-reactie]

thanks for your vid! the only thing i'm still missing is a comparisson for photography aswell as video between this lens and the 70-300 L version.....very strange that there is no comparisson to be found....because let's be honest.....is it worth to spend more than three times as much for the L-version.....and the AF comparisson for video and photography.....that would be absolutely great to know

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I no longer had the L version or I would have done that comparison. The L renders more special, bottom line, and has a professional grade build. Whether it it worth 2-3 times more is up to you. There isn't a huge difference in sharpness between the two, but there is a difference in rendering and the quality of the bokeh.

[@actie-reactie]

I appreciate your quick response! Helps me just a littlebit further....do you know by chance how The AF speed compares.... I'm an amateur photographer/videomaker..... using a canon 7D and 5D mark 3 .... so I'm very interested wat the difference in AF speed is.... thanks up front!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

AF performance is different more in the manner of focus than the speed. Nano USM operates differently. I would probably ultimately prefer the USM performance for other reasons (MF being one of them), but the Nano USM is incredibly fast and quiet.

[@actie-reactie]

thanks for your honest response!! will take it in consideration for my decision..thanks again also for your reviews!!

[@MrAyybee2cold]

Your camera bodies deserve an L lens. No reason to have a 5D and a 7D with 4-5.6 lens.

[@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.

[@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.

[@peterdisbury]

Very nice

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks.

[@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.

[@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.

[@annas.697]

Hello, I have a question for people who use this lens. Does it make a weird sound when you focus? Like a little click? Not very loud but noticeable enough?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I personally don’t remember any noise during focus. It was very quiet

[@annas.697]

@@DustinAbbottTWIThank you. My lens definitely makes this clicking sound. Maybe I got a lemon.

[@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.

[@SharpeICE]

I specialise in wildlife photography and own the older Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS I USM, I've been thinking about upgrading but was wondering if its worth upgrading to the mark ii or would the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VC USD be a better choice.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the Canon is the best bet, now.

[@SharpeICE]

Cheers Dustin, I find your review and breakdown videos very helpful, you provide so much more detail than I have seen with others on KZbin.

[@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!

[@joshbrathwaite104]

Will this lens work with the canon EOS M5? Also will it need the mount adapter to fit onto the camera?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You will definitely need the EF adapter to mount this lens, but it should work well.

[@joshbrathwaite104]

Dustin Abbott Thanks for the reply and info. New to your channel, has great content and keep up the good work!

[@brucekirby1574]

will this lens fit the canon M5

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

With the EF adapter, yes. It doesn't come in a native EF-M mount, though.

[@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.

[@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.

[@adriandbernardful]

Hello Dustin, I like your review. You just earned a new subscriber. What would be your pick for an all around zoom lens between this 70-300mm usm II vs 70-200mm F4 IS L on a crop sensor body? key considerations are portraits, wild life and sports. I am inclined to the 70-200 F4 IS L due to the weather sealing and constant aperture but the price and performance of the 70-300 usm II has been stuck.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 70-200 IS is an excellent lens, and it sounds like a solid choice for you

[@adriandbernardful]

Dustin Abbott thank you.

[@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.