Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

Canon EF

Review

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM is a telephoto zoom lens that offers a versatile focal length range suited for a variety of photography needs, from wildlife and sports to portraits and landscapes. Its unique design features a diffractive optical element to reduce chromatic aberration while maintaining a compact size, which sets it apart in the crowded telephoto market.

Build and Design

One of the defining features of the Canon EF 70-300mm DO is its compact design, which makes it significantly more portable than many other lenses in the same focal length range. Weighing in at about 1.3 lbs (600g), it is lightweight for a lens with this zoom capability, making it ideal for photographers who need to travel light without compromising on reach. The lens is also weather-sealed, providing some level of protection against moisture and dust—a crucial factor for outdoor photography.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical quality, the lens performs well throughout its zoom range. The inclusion of the DO element helps in minimizing lens flare and producing images with good color reproduction. Users will appreciate the sharpness during most shooting conditions, though it’s worth noting that corner sharpness can decrease at the longer end of the zoom range. The lens’s f/4.5-5.6 aperture may not be as fast as some competing models, which may limit performance in low-light situations and impact depth of field control.

Image Stabilization and Autofocus

The lens features Canon's Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which offers up to three stops of image stabilization—helpful for capturing sharp images at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. The autofocus system is also reliable, utilizing a Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and silent focusing, which is a great advantage in both wildlife and event photography where being discreet is essential.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry.
• Good optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration.
• Weather-sealed construction for outdoor use.
• Effective Image Stabilization (IS) that aids in low-light shooting.
• Fast and silent autofocusing system.

Cons

• Slightly soft corner sharpness at longer focal lengths.
• Maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 is not the fastest, limiting low-light performance.
• Higher price point compared to other 70-300mm lenses without DO technology.

Verdict

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM stands out as a versatile and portable telephoto lens that caters well to photographers looking for quality and convenience. While it may not excel in extreme low-light scenarios or provide the absolute sharpest images at all focal lengths, its design and performance in typical shooting situations make it a worthy candidate for both amateur and professional photographers. With its blend of quality optics, convenience, and weather-resistance, this lens is an excellent choice for those who require a reliable telephoto option in their kit.