Canon - EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

[Treg]

I know its not a reef lense by any means but I was wondering if any of you pros in here have any experience with This (http://www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/lenses/ef_75-300_4is/ef_75-300_4is.html) Telephoto Lense.

Ive read some not so Encouraging consumer reviews on it but its hard to say who is writing those sometimes. Plus I have the chance to get this at a VERY nice price new.

[aquababy]

Not knowing what this lens can do, my opinion is to be sure any lense you wish to take reef pictures with has MACRO capability.

[Treg]

Yeah I guess I should have stated this wont be for reef pictures, it will be used outside. Things like auto races, when the kids are playing and so on...

I'll be getting a macro for the reef shots. Just got the Canon 300d last weekend and my wife brought it to my attention that she can get this lense for me if I want it.

[TS]

If the price is right, I say go for it. The EF75-300 is my mother's favorite lens, though she has the non-IS version. You can see some of her photos at www.sacredimages.net The 75-300 is her longest lens, chances are most of the nature shots on her site were taken with it.

I have heard very mixed reviews, but if you're happy with the lens that came with the 300D (assuming you got it) you can expect similar results from the 75-300IS... and yes, IS is definitely a blessing!

T

[Treg]

Ohh My.

I see where Travis gets his talent! :D

Yes I did get the lense that come with my 300d and again yes I am pretty happy with it. Although Im having a little troubles getting that crisp image.

Thanks TS, For what its going to cost me I think I have to atleast try it out. I just wish I could get that macrolense on the same deal! :D

[Mekong]

From the review I read it seems that image stabilization in that lenses is kind of sloppy, and will give a soft focus. I have a Digital Rebel and was considering that lenses but think I might look into sigma for a zoom tele with macro.

[TS]

Mekong stay away from the Sigma 70-300 APO macro super.

Blech.

Good consumer zooms that get you in the 300mm range are tough to come by. Canon 100-300 and 75-300 are reportedly mediocre, then you get into the $$$$$ L glass for better quality. Not much in between, and most of the sigma/tamron options are no better than the Canon lenses.

I'm trying to get my grubby hands on a Canon 70-200F4L and 1.4x teleconverter... now that's a sweeet setup!

T

[Mekong]

God I wish I could afford and L series...

Thanks for the warning about the sigma. What do you guys think of the Canon 55-200 USM?

I have a Canon Digital Rebel with the kit lenses, also got a 35mm Rebel can I use the 55-200 on the 35mm also? or will I get vingetting?(I cant spell)

[texasaggie]

I have that lens and I like it...I use it for nature/landscape photography and sometimes portrait (depends on who I am shooting and their needs). I think its a great lens.

[texasaggie]

Sigma lens are bad - cheeply made. for a good aftermarket lense try a tamron - i beleive they are made by bronica

[TS]

Mekong, you can get the 70-200/4L for around $500 lightly used... not bad for an L series and everyone raves about it.

The 55-200 should work fine on the 35mm Rebel, but the lens quality would be another issue.

[Treg]

Speaking of used...

Is there a Prefered place to shop for a used lens?

[photobarry]

The following pic was taken with the 75-300 IS lens on the digital rebel.

full zoom at 300mm
ISO 400
1/60 5.6

[TS]

Nice shot. Looks plenty sharp to me. Is that after sharpening in Photoshop or before?

[JazzMan]

I have the EF75 - 300 USM (Not IS) and its great. I have it on my Digital Rebvel it it takes amazing shots. I use it as my all around lens until I get my new macro lens thats in the mail!!!

[Tim]

Treg,
here's a good place to look for a used lens

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10

[Treg]

Thank you Tim.

[photobarry]

Originally posted by TS
Nice shot. Looks plenty sharp to me. Is that after sharpening in Photoshop or before?

Thanks. I did some minor sharpening after I shrunk the pic down. It didn't really have a major effect though. Since I shot it at ISO 400 it was a bit grainy (it was after sunset).

[OUinLA]

I've used that lens on film camera shooting sports outside and was pretty happy with it. If it's a good deal go for it.