Canon 75-300 III USM: Inexpensive and handy!

This lens was very cheap, and very nice addition to my gear. I bought the lens for a little under $200 through an internet retailer. The 75-300 range is very useful in many situations including close-ups and portraits.

I want to stress that I have the version III USM lens and not the version II USM lens. I am stressing that because Epinions.com does not have a review spot for the III USM lens, and there certainly differences between the versions. The lens has performed up to my standards giving me prints that are clear as far as I can tell, although I have nothing to compare it against.

The zoom barrel does not creep at all when pointed either down or up, which was very appreciated. I have dealt with that frustration on other lenses, and it is not fun. On any zoom position it will stay there no matter where the lens is aimed.

The filter size is 58, which is the same size as the USM 28-80 (a very common lens-usually sold with the Canon bodies) which makes swapping filters both easy and economical.

The autofocus works almost perfectly in well-lit situations and on the 75mm position. As you zoom out more, and as the ambient light gets lower, the autofocus becomes less responsive. This is probably due to the higher aperture (f/4-5.6) of the lens. I do not know the extent to which different camera bodies may change the autofocus ability, but with my brother's EOS-3, the lens does focus slightly faster and better in low-light situations.

I would recommend getting a long lens hood since Canon does not supply you with one. This will help reduce lens flare and give more contrast to your prints.

There are no zoom lens that end at 300mm which have an aperture lower than f/5.6. If you want a lens that is faster than f/4 with a long range (around 300mm), you will be looking at buying a prime lens that will cost you big bucks ($2,000 or more - depending on the brand. Get an issue of SHUTTERBUG and look at the ads in the back or browse websites like cameraworld.com for prices.) If you are looking at an after-market brand like Sigma, Tokina, or Tamron, the prices for a 75 or 100-300mm zoom are pretty much around $200. Sigma makes a Macro Super 70-300mm which may be worth checking out. Some after-market companies also make 100-400mm zooms which are around $230, but are extremely slow (f/6.7). It all depends on what you're willing to sacrifice - money or speed of the lens.

Overall, I have had no big problems with this lens. Be sure to research comparable lenses from different makers like Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Vivitar, etc. As I said before, most of the prices are around $200 though web retailers (which are almost always the cheapest!). I would have liked to try the Sigma Macro Super 70-300mm, but I didn't have the chance when I bought my lens. For nearly the same price, I would have liked to have the addition of a macro setting.

If you want a low-price lens which gives you big results (wow that's catchy!) I would recommend the Canon 75mm-300mm III USM lens. But, do you research before you spend your money and look at all your options.