Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

I find this to be an overall useful lens to have in my SLR Bag when I am out and about -- going to local events, and even for trial runs at photographing specific projects. Although not fast on the AF mode (it is far better to focus manually when you are photographing Wildlife -- especially Birds) ... it does respond well enough when you are awaiting that 'perfect' moment (you have the patience to wait for -- like with landscapes). This is one lens that I keep in the bag all the time. Eventually ... I'll upgrade to the IS version, but for now .. a good economical alternative to use in the meantime.

I borrowed this lens off a friend of mine and have used a couple of times. It is certainly not an amazing lens. But it's only $200 and considering that it's very respectable considering what it can do. I used it to shoot a protest a few weeks back and got some very high quality shots with fair consistency. Things went downhill as the sun began to set, though. It's a slow lens and needs near-ideal light conditions to use it without a flash.

The USM is not lightning fast, but it's actually not bad and it's very quiet. I shot a soccer tournament with this lens the other day and got plenty of keepers and most of the shots that weren't had more to do with me than the lens. I'll post some shots from the tournament to show you what I mean. Contrast and what not could be better, but if you have photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop (and you should) you can handle that from your computer. All the pictures I've uploaded have been edited.

The build of the lens is very unimpressive. It's fairly flimsy, but it is metal on the upside. There's a bit of wobble to it, which is undesirable. For someone starting out and just looking to take pictures outside, this is a perfectly decent lens to start out on and learn with.

Personally, I'm saving up to buy a telephoto in a very different price range, around a $1000. If you can afford to spend $600, get the 70-200mm f4L, but at triple the price that's probably beyond the budget of anyone considering this lens.

A good lens bearing in mind the price. The real downside is it's weight. If you don't frame that shot reasonably quickly, you will end up with numerous shots of your shoes....as I did!
Use a tripod.

In the short time I've owned the lens I've been very pleased with the performance of the lens. It's not perfect but very good for my needs.I take a lot of pictures of birds this lens allows me to shoot from a range where I don't scare the birds.

I would have preferred a higher end lens but for the price is can't be beat. For shooting outdoors and in bright light this lens is very good. I would like a little better low light performance but for that I would need a lens that cost more than double this one. I shoot my nephews playing flag football and the shots I got from the side lines were great. Unfortunately at night they were not so great. Guess I will have to save my dollars for those more expensive lens. If you have the money for a Canon L lens get it. If not, this will do in a pinch.