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

 
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70-300mm $549
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Buy the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM

(From Canon lens literature) Having the right tool for the job has long been the mantra for professional photographers and hobbyists alike. Canon's wide array of lenses provide users with a variety of creative options to help capture dynamic photos and videos with their DSLR cameras. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has announced the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens featuring NANO USM technology for high-speed and near-silent focusing in both still and video modes. The lens also features a new LCD information display and four-stop* image stabilization.

"To help photographers that are striving to create the most amazing pictures and videos possible, Canon is dedicated to developing the best tools to help them with their goal," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Having this new EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens in a photographer's camera bag will surely help them achieve their creative vision."

Designed with the user in mind, this affordable new lens includes technology to spark creativity and deliver excellent image and video quality from afar. This is the second Canon lens equipped with NANO USM technology, a focusing motor that combines the benefits of a ring USM (ultrasonic motor) for high-speed AF during still photo shooting and lead-screw type STM (stepping motor) for smooth and quiet video autofocusing (AF).

Features for the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens include:

  • High-speed autofocus for shooting stills and smooth, near-silent autofocus when shooting video is achieved by incorporating NANO USM technology.
  • New Lens Information Display shows focusing distance, focal length and shake amount.
  • One UD Lens helps reduce chromatic aberration and delivers outstanding high resolution and high-contrast results.
  • Image Stabilizer effect at up-to-4* stops of shake correction helps capture sharp images.
  • Circular aperture (9 blades) helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds.
  • Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in November 2016, for an estimated retail price of $549.99**.

* Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using the EOS-1D X digital SLR camera at a focal length of 300mm.
** Availability, specifications and price are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

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

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM User Reviews

10.0/10 average of 2 review(s) Build Quality 10.0/10 Image Quality 10.0/10
  • 10 out of 10 points and recommended by RocB4889 (2 reviews)
    Very fast and silent AF, Sharp, excellent zoom range, superb handling.

    The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM has very fast and silent AF. It is not a small lens but handles with excellent balance and very smooth zoom action.

    This is a medium weight lens. It weighs 1.5 lbs (750g) and can be awkward in small hands because the lens diameter is 3.1 inches. It balances well on the Canon R7. The manual focus ring at front focuses with a smooth action although it is not a mechanical linkage, it is focus-by-wire.

    Bokeh is excellent at all focal lengths. As a full-frame lens it renders sharp images at wide open aperture on APS-C sensors.

    As you zoom to longer focal lengths there is a change in aperture. Aperture shift while zooming is as follows:
    At 70mm aperture is f/4.
    At 78mm aperture is f/4.5
    At 106mm aperture is f/5.0.
    At 176mm and on onwards f/5.6

    This is an amazingly well built lens and a superb performer regardless of the price. That Canon can sell it at such a reasonable price is very surprising. It is an amazingly good deal.

    reviewed November 18th, 2022
  • 10 out of 10 points and recommended by Perry Rhodan (42 reviews)
    NANO, NANO! I suspect Canon was unsure to add this in the name. But serious, this has to be one of the nicest AF system drives in history. FAST AF. And I dont mean fast but like instant. Very smooth and accurate. Very nice IQ.
    None

    My second "nano" lens. And just as lovely as the first. You have to see tobelieve the speed and smoothness of AF acquisition. The new tech makes it borderline silent. Great, must buy. The display is a Nice gimmick that is something I hope canon will add it to all nano lenses in the future.
    Using this on the M5 is as Nice as on the 80D.

    reviewed May 17th, 2019 (purchased for $470)