Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon's EF mount cameras. Although it has been around for a while, it remains a popular option among amateur and enthusiast photographers looking for an economical way to reach distant subjects without breaking the bank.

Design and Build Quality

One of the notable features of this lens is its compact and lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around for extended periods. Weighing in at approximately 1.5 lbs (680 grams), the lens is comfortably portable for a telephoto. The build quality is decent, with a plastic exterior that is relatively durable given its price point. However, it's worth noting that the lens lacks weather sealing, so it may not withstand harsh conditions as well as its higher-end counterparts.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Canon 100-300mm lens is generally satisfactory for its price range. It produces images with good sharpness in the center, especially at the wider aperture settings. However, when you zoom in to the longer focal lengths or shoot at the maximum aperture of f/5.6, a noticeable drop in sharpness can occur at the edges. Chromatic aberration can also be observed, particularly at the extremes, requiring some post-processing when editing images.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of around 4.9 feet (1.5 meters), which is decent for close-up shots. The autofocus system utilizes USM (Ultrasonic Motor) technology, providing relatively quick and quiet focusing. However, it's worth mentioning that the autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions or when tracking fast-moving subjects, which might leave some photographers wanting more.

Usability

In terms of usability, the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM has a reasonably smooth zoom mechanism and a comfortable grip. The zoom ring is well-positioned and allows for quick adjustments, which is beneficial for wildlife or sports photography where quick framing is essential. The lens also comes with a built-in lens hood, which helps reduce glare and increase contrast in your images.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design for easy handling
• Good center sharpness, especially at wider apertures
• USM autofocus system provides quiet and relatively fast focusing
• Built-in lens hood included

Cons

• Edge sharpness drops at maximum focal lengths
• Moderate chromatic aberration, particularly in high-contrast scenes
• No weather sealing, limiting outdoor use in harsh conditions
• Autofocus performance may struggle in low-light scenarios

Verdict

The Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM lens offers a solid option for anyone looking to get into telephoto photography without a significant investment. While it may not compete with premium models in terms of optical quality and low-light performance, its lightweight design and decent center sharpness make it a strong choice for casual shooting, wildlife, and sports photography. Just be prepared to handle some optical compromises, and you'll find this lens to be a competent addition to your Canon EF mount camera setup.