Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Lens Review: A Decent Telephoto Option for Beginners

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens is a well-known telephoto zoom option from Canon, mainly because it offers a versatile range at an accessible price. It's been around for a while, so it’s definitely not the latest piece of tech, but it’s a familiar face for many entry-level photographers. With a focal length range that suits various types of photography, it's aimed at those who want to explore beyond the standard kit lens.

I've spent a couple of weeks using this lens in different settings, from casual outings to more planned shoots. I’ve mostly paired it with a Canon EF-mount camera, sticking to its intended design. It’s a lightweight piece, which is nice if you're carrying it around for long periods or adding it to a travel setup.

The lens comes bundled with a few extras like a UV filter, a lens cap keeper, and a cleaning cloth, which are handy additions if you're just getting started and don’t have your own set of accessories yet. The whole package is targeted at photographers who need a starter telephoto lens without breaking the bank.

Right off the bat, I’d say this lens is sufficient for those who are still experimenting with longer focal lengths, but if you’re looking for top-tier performance or features, you might want to keep looking.

In terms of value, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens is a reasonable choice for those on a budget. Its current retail price makes it accessible for beginners or hobbyists who want to try telephoto photography without a significant investment. Compared to similar lenses, it’s priced competitively, especially given the bundle with the UV filter and other accessories.

The lens isn't perfect, and it definitely has its shortcomings, but when you look at what you’re paying, it can be considered a fair deal. For someone who’s not ready to drop a lot of money on a more sophisticated lens, this provides a stepping stone into the world of telephoto.

One thing I liked is the inclusion of extras like the lens cap keeper and cleaning cloth. These might seem minor, but they add a bit of value, especially if you’re just starting to build your kit. On the other hand, the value diminishes if you require more advanced features or higher quality optics.

Ultimately, if you're okay with the trade-offs and understand the limitations, this lens can be a good starting point for exploring longer focal lengths.

When it comes to performance, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens is decent but it's clearly aimed at beginners. The autofocus is driven by a DC micro motor, which is okay for leisurely photography but can struggle a bit with fast-moving subjects. I noticed that in well-lit conditions, it did a fair job, but the focus speed and accuracy can be a letdown in low light.

The image quality is what you’d expect from a lens in this price range. The Super Spectra coating helps reduce flare and ghosting, but I found that images can sometimes lack sharpness, especially at the longer end of the zoom. You might notice some chromatic aberration around the edges, which is typical for lenses of this caliber.

I tried it out for some portraits and casual wildlife shots. At medium distances, the results were decent, but don’t expect professional-grade sharpness or bokeh. This lens gets the job done if you’re capturing subjects that aren’t too demanding.

In summary, the performance is hit or miss. It works fine for certain scenarios, but if you’re after crisp sports shots or detailed wildlife photography, you might find its limitations more apparent.