Super-sharp, light and portable. Does .25x magnification as is (becomes .40x on crop-sensor cameras -- from a zoom!), so makes a handy macro-substitute for a macro when traveling.

Push-pull zoom is fast to operate. The lens sports both a fluorite and a UD element which contribute to the great images (in contrast, I had it's amateur variant which was unremarkable). Infrared users note that after 135mm setting both IR and visible light are focused on the same plane (that is, it is apochromatic). No hotspots means it is good for digital infrared as well.

It is small and thankfully black in color, meaning it doesn't attract attention.

The rotating front element makes using rotating filters troublesome. This is not such a huge deal as this lens HATES any filter that isn't essentially clear. The AF is slow, noisy, and doesn't like anything other than bright light. Mine hunts even in heavy overcast.

It is not weather-sealed as no L zooms of this generation were. This is mild annoyance but bear in mind fluorite doesn't like adverse environments. So the black color might be problematic as well in high heat. A 5.6 maximum aperture means you should also avoid low light, fast action, and lens accessories (teleconverters and extension tubes) although I've seen amazing macro close-ups using lens accessories. Bring and use a flash! Also has a tendency for zoom creep if used at significant angles. I find a thick rubber band works to stop this. ;)

From the weaknesses you'd think I have mixed feelings about this lend. I don't: it is superb! I buy lenses to make images and even in the film days I could immediately tell slides shot with this lens without even grabbing a loupe. It is light, too sharp for portraits (my first shot of a girlfriend revealed each individual microhair on her body -- on a 3/4 portrait!), and too slow for sports. But for my main work in architecture and cityscapes it is perfect. Macro work is another area in which it excels. It is also useful for product photography, although I find the similar EF 50-200mm 3.5-4.5 L a better choice for that.

This lens has a low-key but well-earned reputation as a stellar lens. Play with one if you get the chance; it beats out its later replacements. Worth seeking out and getting. I picked mine brand-new for $300 when Canon discontinued these in the late 1990's and it's still going strong. A great lens even with its limitations.

Similar Products Used:

EF 50-200mm 3.5-4.5 L; EF 80-200mm 2.8 L; EF 100-300mm 5.6 (amateur variant).

Forget the physical appearance, look the best pictures ever produce by this lens.
It can throw out newer non L canon lens could surpass the canon 70-200mm f/4 in pictures quality. I used it in sports too, quick AF if good sunlight. Very light to carry and most of all no distortion at focal range 300mm. I wasted money for buying Canon 70-210mm f/4, Canon 100-300mm f/4-5.6 and Canon 28-135mm IS no match with my Tamron 24-135mm. I am happy with this lens CANON 100-300mm f/5.6L. I bought it at $150 but the prices now goes up so high. I was lucky enough to have it. .

very very sharp

slow

I good L lens, just a little bit old, but sharp and light

Similar Products Used:

ef 300/4 IS (not mine, I'm a poor artist, having no money...)

Definitely L class image quality and contrast

not worth mentioning, but the building should be a little bit better.

A very good choice in term of image quality and price. It can blow a lot of newer normal Canon lenses out of water.

I have used some Tamron, Sigma and normal Canon lenses before using it. What impress me the most is image quality and contrast. Its bokeh and controll of depth of field is not bad (pretty good).

Lots of people complained about its noisy and slow AF, poor building but I don't think these are so important.

Weight and picture quality . I like pull and push . Very fast .

Not weathersealed .

A real good inexpensive telelens with some macro capability . I have had a Sigma 70-200mm f2,8 before and this is far superior . The quality and weight convinces most . Also AF is not as bad as people would think . Not USM but still good .
For 200 Euros it was a real bargain . It is like a prime lens .

Similar Products Used:

Sigma 70-200mm f2,8 .

10 of 10

Very sharp lens.10 of 10

Sharp photos.
Genuine Canon brand.

Push/Pull zoom.
Slow focus compared to newer ultrasonics.

This was one of the few "L" series lenses that I could afford. The choices for good Canon glass are limited unless you have the big bucks. I have been pleased with the results of this lens. I shoot it on my 10D and have taken many good shots with it. I don't care for the push/pull zoom. It's too loose and moves too easily, but you get what you can afford. The photos are sharp up thru 200mm and even at 300mm, it's sharper than any other aftermarket lens I have tried.
I also had the non- "L" version of this lens and the difference in sharpness of this "L" lens is immediately apparent!
Overall I think it's one of the best affordable lenses for Canon EOS. I would rather have a genuine canon, than aftermarket, due to compatibility issues. At least I knoe that this lens works on all Canon EOS.
I would recommend it over the Sigma and Tokina lenses in the same price range.

Similar Products Used:

Sigma and Tokina lenses in the same focal length range and price range.

High optical quality Low price used

Slow focussing 5.6 aperature push pull if you dont like that Low resale price today

I got this lens because its the best option for this price range. The Canon cosumer zooms are just not up to par optically, and I couldn't afford the L zooms at the time. I will eventually replace this with a newer Canon L zoom. The optical quality of this lens is quite high. If you can deal with its very slow focussing, push pull design, and its 5.6 aperature- then this is a good lens to get. I shoot mostly landscapes with it, so it works for that. There are times though I had to put it into manual focus to track fast objects or keep it from hunting. Its an old design lens, but for what these are going for used these days- a decent option.

all-sharp sharp sharp-super colour ..no distortion...simply L class..

none

NEED I say more that has NOT been said hmm?? I was in the market for a very pro quality BUT easy to carry and light lens this time. well,i got an arsenal of midrange lenses but was tired of the heavy lenses. i found this pearl true research and reading reviews and wau maan! this one is a hidden jewel!! it is so sharp crystal clear and with all of the qualities you think of bearing the L name on it. The former reviewr is d**n right it is soo close to the 70-200 F4 and f2,8 that the differ is none.Its a tad slower than the other two L lenses ;on my 10 D and 1D is almost equal furthermore, the noise is much less than other says. But Best of all ; ITS much lighter and easier to handle..great!! i also compared it to the 100-400 L but no big deal..This 100-300 5,6 lens rules! The 5,6 is only a problem you can fix by adjusting the ISO ,and i do.No probs at all. I now use daily for all kinds of work and i am so greatfull form this piece of wau! Canon make it again please. Buy one IF you can find one.

Customer Service

nope

Similar Products Used:

canon 100-300 usm,canon 70-200 f 4 (super too)L,canon 70-200 F2,8, sigma 100-300 F4(super too)canon 300 f 4 is(great!) sigma 70-300 (best buy) tamron 70-300.

AF speed Sharpness Colour Saturation Contrast Usability Handling

Need a long ERC

Its been a couple of years since the last review was posted so this is my update. Prices for this lens in the UK have rallied and used ones are in shop windows for £400.00 or $800.00 on current exchange rates. P/x value is £300.00 in the UK. The Linear Zoom has never been outmoded, as the 100-400L and more recently the 28-300L zooms have all been linear. Users of consumer rotational zooms think linear is old fashioned, through some sort or ignorance or predjudice. The Autofocus is very fast, on my EOS 10D but hunts on my EOS1 in low light. When compared against the 70-200 F4L used on a EOS 10D the F5.6L is almost as fast, only about 15% slower. and yes it makes a noise, but does not deserve the slating it has recieved. Currently there is no other Zoom to match it in the Sub £400.00 price range, but shop around for a good one. It is not very heavy and the linear zoom makes for perfect handling. Build quality is on par with the 70-200 F4L as is contrast/sharpness/colour saturation. I tend to use it at 300mm for wildlife and I often find a grin on my face as I see with crsytal clarity my subjects in the viewfinder. This lens is wonderful and every EOS owner should have one, unless they already have the 100-400 L or the 300mm F4L.

Similar Products Used:

17-40 F4L, 70-200 F4L, 50mm F1.8, 75-300, 100-300 USM, 28-135 USM IS,