Canon 70-300 IS USM... a worthy replacement for

Braeden · 30-03-2006, 10:09

My Sigma 70-300 APO DG?

The main difference on paper is IS (which I really want seeing as my hands shake like a leaf most of the time) but is there a reason to change optically?

I am wanting a zoom lens of around 300mm mainly for trackside at motorsport events (and mode 2 of the IS lets you pan without messing up the IS) but also for wildlife etc.

I know the canon won't be any faster, but will it be any better?

My budget is £400 for the lens so it's not L glass territory I'm afraid :-(

dod · 30-03-2006, 10:37

seems to get a pretty good review, haven't used it though. A few links in the attached link, check out the remarks at the bottom of the photozone page.

http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/70300is

SammyC · 30-03-2006, 11:04

A friend at work has it and I have the Stigma, he's off to safari soon but I'm hoping to get my grubby mits on it after that.

***Steve*** · 30-03-2006, 11:28

Although Canon have not made a big song and dance about it, the 75-300 is was recently changed/upgraded to include the latest generation of IS and better more refined optics. I now believe it is much improved and much sharper through the whole range (the old version was known to become soft above 200mm) Providing you get a new version I am sure that you will be very happy with the results but as always, try before you buy is my recommendation

SammyC · 30-03-2006, 11:36

Is there anyway of telling the two apart?

***Steve*** · 30-03-2006, 11:40

Thats a good question...I really don't know but the "improved" version has only been availible recently. As the lenses don't really interest me that much I have not gone into it in that much detail. I think there is a way to check manufacturing dates on all Canon lenses, you could use that as an indication once you suss out the coding. The info is availible on the web if you do a search.

HTH

Warspite · 30-03-2006, 12:16

Might want to look at this (if you aint already done so)

Linky

Believe its the new version and is quite recent.

SammyC · 30-03-2006, 14:24

One weird thing is that it doesn't seem to have full time manual which suggests that its a micro USM rather than ring USM.

**stepheno** · 30-03-2006, 15:20

Well...I've had the 70-300 for about five weeks now. Mine is NOT the DO version. I am well pleased with this lens and would endorse everything in my review and more. But this not L glass - you are getting a very good lens optically, for that price and I think it's a steal.

Sammy is right, it doesn't have full-time manual but I don't miss that 'cos I've never had it. I can't compare it to the Sigma but it is lighter than the mark 1 75-300 and a tad shorter. The IS is superb. I can't think of anything more to add and I am not trying to convince you. Have a look at these reviews at Fred Miranda and Bob Atkins at photo.net.

One last point. There has been a lot of talk about softness on portrait at 300. I think this is valid which is why I bought over the counter. I took my first lens back and tried two more until I was satified that I have sharp portrait at 300. Oh...and the hood is extra and rarer than hens teeth. HTH.

regards

Braeden · 30-03-2006, 15:50

Well, I went ahead and tried to order one this afternoon only to be told of a backlog that could take up to 4 weeks to clear and maybe longer.

Since I wanted the lens for british superbikes at donnington park next saturday there was no point in ordering it just yet.

A couple of people have suggested the 70-200 F/4 L lens that retails at about £100 more, but I have a feeling that 200 just isn't long enough for trackside work even with the 1.6 crop factor.

Unfortunately there just isn't another lens for under £400 that offers 300mm and IS

**stepheno** · 30-03-2006, 16:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Braeden

....to be told of a backlog that could take up to 4 weeks to clear and maybe longer.(

I'm glad I got mine when I did

regards

***Steve*** · 30-03-2006, 16:16

Where have you tried to order from Braeden ?

Glen · 30-03-2006, 18:22

If you can get away with 70-200mm T4cameras have got the 'L' f4 in for £469 + delivery. Not sure of stock levels you'd have to phone. 70-300mm is £369 again you'd have to check stock. I've ordered a fair bit from these, can't fault them for service.

Braeden · 30-03-2006, 18:50

I tried warehouse express and my wife was searching for me from home this afternoon - I'm not sure where she looked though.

I'm still not convinceed a 200 is long enough or I would seriously consider the L lense.

Warspite · 30-03-2006, 19:33

Try T4Cameras.co.uk - I've tried to buy 4 lenses so far from Warehouse express over the past 6 months and everytime they could not supply, or it would be weeks/months, last thing I asked about was a 70-200 f4 and they said no chance.

T4 however will tell you if its in stock and claim to deliver next working day.

**stepheno** · 30-03-2006, 19:52

I got mine from Dale Photographic in Leeds - they have them in stock but it's £419. Have a look here.

30-03-2006, 10:09	#1 (permalink)
Braeden Getting Comfy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 131	Canon 70-300 IS USM... a worthy replacement for My Sigma 70-300 APO DG? The main difference on paper is IS (which I really want seeing as my hands shake like a leaf most of the time) but is there a reason to change optically? I am wanting a zoom lens of around 300mm mainly for trackside at motorsport events (and mode 2 of the IS lets you pan without messing up the IS) but also for wildlife etc. I know the canon won't be any faster, but will it be any better? My budget is £400 for the lens so it's not L glass territory I'm afraid :-( __________________ Canon EOS 350D + BG-E3 Battery Grip Canon EF-S 17-85 IS USM f/4-5.6 \| Canon EF 70-300 IS USM f/4-5.6 \| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 mkII Last edited by Braeden : 30-03-2006 at 10:18.

30-03-2006, 15:20	#9 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,848	Well...I've had the 70-300 for about five weeks now. Mine is NOT the DO version. I am well pleased with this lens and would endorse everything in my review and more. But this not L glass - you are getting a very good lens optically, for that price and I think it's a steal. Sammy is right, it doesn't have full-time manual but I don't miss that 'cos I've never had it. I can't compare it to the Sigma but it is lighter than the mark 1 75-300 and a tad shorter. The IS is superb. I can't think of anything more to add and I am not trying to convince you. Have a look at these reviews at Fred Miranda and Bob Atkins at photo.net. One last point. There has been a lot of talk about softness on portrait at 300. I think this is valid which is why I bought over the counter. I took my first lens back and tried two more until I was satified that I have sharp portrait at 300. Oh...and the hood is extra and rarer than hens teeth. HTH. regards __________________ "upgrade your ability before upgrading your kit" Some new photographs here.

30-03-2006, 10:37	#2 (permalink)
dod Feet under the table Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nairn Posts: 1,911	seems to get a pretty good review, haven't used it though. A few links in the attached link, check out the remarks at the bottom of the photozone page. http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/70300is

30-03-2006, 11:04	#3 (permalink)
SammyC Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bristol Posts: 1,466	A friend at work has it and I have the Stigma, he's off to safari soon but I'm hoping to get my grubby mits on it after that.

30-03-2006, 11:28	#4 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,491	Although Canon have not made a big song and dance about it, the 75-300 is was recently changed/upgraded to include the latest generation of IS and better more refined optics. I now believe it is much improved and much sharper through the whole range (the old version was known to become soft above 200mm) Providing you get a new version I am sure that you will be very happy with the results but as always, try before you buy is my recommendation

30-03-2006, 11:36	#5 (permalink)
SammyC Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bristol Posts: 1,466	Is there anyway of telling the two apart?

30-03-2006, 11:40	#6 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,491	Thats a good question...I really don't know but the "improved" version has only been availible recently. As the lenses don't really interest me that much I have not gone into it in that much detail. I think there is a way to check manufacturing dates on all Canon lenses, you could use that as an indication once you suss out the coding. The info is availible on the web if you do a search. HTH

30-03-2006, 12:16	#7 (permalink)
Warspite Feet under the table Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newcastle Sunderland Middlesbrough (UK) Posts: 1,736	Might want to look at this (if you aint already done so) Linky Believe its the new version and is quite recent.

30-03-2006, 14:24	#8 (permalink)
SammyC Forum Regular Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bristol Posts: 1,466	One weird thing is that it doesn't seem to have full time manual which suggests that its a micro USM rather than ring USM.

30-03-2006, 15:50	#10 (permalink)
Braeden Getting Comfy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 131	Well, I went ahead and tried to order one this afternoon only to be told of a backlog that could take up to 4 weeks to clear and maybe longer. Since I wanted the lens for british superbikes at donnington park next saturday there was no point in ordering it just yet. A couple of people have suggested the 70-200 F/4 L lens that retails at about £100 more, but I have a feeling that 200 just isn't long enough for trackside work even with the 1.6 crop factor. Unfortunately there just isn't another lens for under £400 that offers 300mm and IS

30-03-2006, 16:16	#12 (permalink)
*Steve* Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: An Englishman living in Germany Posts: 16,491	Where have you tried to order from Braeden ?

30-03-2006, 18:22	#13 (permalink)
Glen Been here a while Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 333	If you can get away with 70-200mm T4cameras have got the 'L' f4 in for £469 + delivery. Not sure of stock levels you'd have to phone. 70-300mm is £369 again you'd have to check stock. I've ordered a fair bit from these, can't fault them for service.

30-03-2006, 18:50	#14 (permalink)
Braeden Getting Comfy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 131	I tried warehouse express and my wife was searching for me from home this afternoon - I'm not sure where she looked though. I'm still not convinceed a 200 is long enough or I would seriously consider the L lense.

30-03-2006, 19:33	#15 (permalink)
Warspite Feet under the table Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Newcastle Sunderland Middlesbrough (UK) Posts: 1,736	Try T4Cameras.co.uk - I've tried to buy 4 lenses so far from Warehouse express over the past 6 months and everytime they could not supply, or it would be weeks/months, last thing I asked about was a 70-200 f4 and they said no chance. T4 however will tell you if its in stock and claim to deliver next working day.

30-03-2006, 19:52	#16 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,848	I got mine from Dale Photographic in Leeds - they have them in stock but it's £419. Have a look here.

30-03-2006, 19:53	#17 (permalink)
stepheno Pixalo Crew Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,848