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Nowadays, you will find a multitude of options when searching for a lens. However, if you are looking for the best, there is a huge possibility you will end up considering a Canon lens.
Canon has remained one of the most prominent brands for cameras and camera equipment. It is a Japanese brand that was founded in 1937 and is still one of the best, even today.
The lens being reviewed in this article is the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6. We will review it in detail, focusing on everything you need to know about this piece of camera equipment. Let’s dive right in!
Contents
Canon 75 300mm
PROS
- Comes with a comparatively affordable price tag
- Lens is lightweight and very easy to carry around
- USM feature makes autofocusing smoother and quieter
- Relatively more compact than other lenses, hence, easier to store
- Super Spectra coating makes sure ghost flares are reduced and color balance is retained
CONS
- The build quality is just average
- No image stabilization technology included
- Image is not as sharp when the lens is wide open at 75mm
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom...- Focal length and maximum aperture: 75-300mm 1:4-5.6
- Lens construction: 13 elements in 9 groups
- Diagonal angle of view: 32 Degree 11 ft. - 8 Degree 15 ft.
Main Features
This section will detail three of the main features of Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens. Though these are not the only features, they are the highlights of this lens. Let’s find out what this lens has to offer;
Focal Length
The focal length of a camera is stated in millimeters (mm) and is the distance between the image sensor and the lens when a subject is focused. This product is a zoom lens, meaning it has a variable focal length. It is a 4x telephoto lens with a focal length of 75mm-300mm.
Usually, a telephoto lens will have a focal range of 70mm-200mm. However, this steps up from that and adds extra zoom. That is why this can also be considered a super-telephoto lens. It is a great option if you are shooting from a distance.
Aperture
The aperture of the lens is very important, as it can have an effect on the final image. The aperture of the lens is the opening through which the light passes. There are a variety of different apertures ranging from f/1.4 to f/16 and beyond.
The tricky thing about aperture is that the smaller the number is, the larger the aperture. Meaning at f/1.4, the aperture will be wide and more light will pass through. The Canon 75-300mm has an aperture of f/4-f/5.6. Though this may not be the best aperture for shooting in low-light situations, it is just perfect for capturing landscapes and portraits, as well.
Micro Ultra Sonic Motor (USM)
Another feature of this lens is the Micro Ultra Sonic Motor or the USM. The USM is a small motor that Canon places in their lenses. This makes the autofocus more efficient and quieter, as well. Although Canon has two types of USMs, the Micro USM is famous for being the quietest of them all.
Pros
The features of this lens are pretty great; we have established that. Now it is time to take a look at the benefits of investing in this telephoto lens.
Lightweight
One thing we really like about this lens is that it has an extremely low weight. In fact, it only weighs around 1.06 pounds. It is almost unbelievable how light it is. You can easily carry around and take it absolutely anywhere without adding a lot of weight to your camera bag.
Apart from that, working with it will not be tiring either because of its weight. Its low weight can be really useful when you have to shoot for sports events and even for outdoor or wildlife photography where you may have to shoot for extended time periods.
Affordable Price Tag
This is another aspect that many users are going to enjoy. Lenses can be very expensive and that is why investing in one can be a really tough decision to make. This especially applies if you are just a beginner, a student, or just use photography as a casual hobby. The Canon 75mm-300mm is a lens that will attract a wide audience because it is inexpensive.
However, it does not cut down on features. It keeps what is necessary to get good results. As mentioned previously, it has a good amount of features like a good focal length and efficient autofocus.
Autofocus
Autofocus is a very important feature for any type of lens. The autofocus feature allows it to focus on a subject automatically. Depending on how good the autofocus is, the result of your shot can differ greatly. This feature allows you to have clearer images and never miss the opportunity for a great shot. Canon has equipped this with the USM feature, which makes the entire process of autofocusing quick and efficient.
Compact
In addition to being lightweight, this lens is pretty compact, as well. Its size makes it easier to store and more convenient for travel.
Super-Spectra Coating
The lens is coated with a super-spectra coating. According to Canon, it allows 99.9% of the light to reach the center of the sensor. It has two main functions. The first is to reduce ghost flares and reflection. The second function is to minimize aberrations and make sure the color balance is retained. It helps with the overall image quality and makes the photograph look as close to the original subject as possible.
Cons
The following are a few downsides to this lens. While it is important to know what a lens can do, it is also important to keep in mind what it does not have or is not capable of. This helps you a lot with the final decision. So, let’s take a look at what the downsides of the Canon 75mm-300mm are.
No Image Stabilization
Image stabilization is a feature that helps to minimize the shaking of the camera caused by various reasons. It can be due to an unsteady hand or due to the movement of a vehicle, etc. Image stabilization helps you get a clearer, more focused picture.
Unfortunately, this camera does not have the image stabilization feature. However, if you are using equipment to keep your camera steady, then this should be no problem.
Sharpness
If you like to capture extra-sharp pictures, this may be a problem for you. While the 75mm-300mm is pretty sharp, the sharpness is not very uniform. When the lens is set at 75mm, which is its widest, the image will come out softer at the edges. If you do not mind a little softness in your photographs, then this should not be that big of an issue.
Build Quality
The build quality of this lens is not bad. However, it is not excellent either. This could be because it is so lightweight. Therefore, you will have to use it with gentleness and care. You may have to part ways with it soon if the lens is mistreated.
What is the Canon 75-300mm Lens Best For?
Now that we know all the specifications of this lens, as well as the good and the bad, it’s time to find out what it is made for. Knowing the specialty of your lens is very important as you can achieve the best results only when you utilize them the way they should be.
Wildlife Photography
This is one of the best lenses to use if you enjoy wildlife photography. It will be able to capture significant details, even from a distance. In that regard, this lens has the perfect focal length for this type of photography. Apart from that, the autofocus feature of this lens is quiet, it will not alarm or scare your subject away.
Sports Events
Since this is a telephoto lens, it would be great to use in sports events where your subjects are at a considerable distance. The lens will help you capture your subjects just the way you want. Plus, the autofocus feature will help you get a better shot of moving subjects.
Landscape Photography
This lens will also do well with landscape photography because of its variable focal length. You can capture beautiful shots by adjusting the focal length to get the perfect shot without having to reposition yourself time and time again.
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
This section will focus mainly on a few things you should keep in mind before buying this lens. Keeping these few pointers in mind can help you with your purchase.
Warranty
Canon offers a one-year warranty on its lenses. This is really helpful as it can cover the cost of repairs and even provide replacements if your lens is damaged when you receive it, malfunctions, or becomes damaged while you are using it.
However, it is important to note that this warranty is only applicable when you purchase from official retailers. If you buy from a third party, it is very possible that the warranty will be voided.
Consider The Type of Camera You Use
Yes, lenses are important and play a major role in photography. Even so, we cannot ignore the camera completely. There are two types of cameras. Full-frame and crop-frame. The names refer to the size of the sensor. Full-frame cameras are compatible with lenses that have a focal length of 35mm and above. Meanwhile, a crop-frame camera body is made for lenses with a focal length of less than 35mm.
Style of Photography
It is very important to consider your style of photography before choosing a lens. This can also help you choose the type you want. For example, you could either opt for a zoom lens or a prime lens depending on what and how you like to photograph your subjects.
People Also Ask
The following are a few questions buyers are usually curious about. Let’s take a quick look at what these questions are and discover the answers to these questions.
Is a 70-300mm Lens Good For Portraits?
While we will not say this is the perfect lens for portraits, it will definitely get the job done. That is because it has the appropriate focal length, as well as the appropriate aperture.
Is a 300mm Lens Good For Wildlife?
Yes. In fact, we could say that the 300mm lens was built for wildlife photography, as it can capture subjects beautifully, even from a considerable distance.
What is the Difference Between a Telephoto Lens and a Zoom Lens?
The zoom lens and the telephoto lens both have variable focal lengths. That is why they can sometimes be confused. However, there is one major difference that sets them apart. A zoom lens only has an adjustable focal length. On the other hand, a telephoto lens will have a narrower field of view. That is because this lens is made to photograph subjects at a distance.
Conclusion
Considering all the aspects of the Canon 75mm-300mm, we have come to the conclusion that it is a very good lens. It offers you a lot to work with at a very affordable price point. It is an excellent option for wildlife photography or sports photography. In fact, it is a good option for all other styles of photography where you shoot from a distance.
The only thing is that it needs to be handled with care. This is not such a surprising factor, as camera equipment, in general, should be loved and cared for.