I bought this because I do a bit of "birding" and I wanted a long lens. The non "L" version was a bit disappointing. This is substantially bulkier, and heavier but oh my, it is terrific!

Sharp as a tack; good fast focusing

Big; heavy; (compared to non L version

A well-built, pro-spec lens boasting excellent performance

Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

Poorer sharpness past f/16

A bit too expensive than its tamron counterpart but they differ in quality. Amazing picture quality is given by this lens. Perfect zoom and sharp and fast focus. A nice lens to buy.

Handling and features Performance Verdict Specification Canon have given the 70-300mm range an L-series makeover and as a result this lens sports silent autofocus, with full-time manual override, weather sealing, optical stabilisation and tougher build quality than you might normally find on a lens...

Excellent build quality; Very good sharpness that is consistent through the range; Low CA; Low distortion; Effective optical stabilisation

May seem expensive for a f/4-5.6 zoom (although the premium is probably worth the extra in this case

The worlds best 70-300. This lens is amazing and will not let you down. Perfect for full frame or crop sensor Canon DSLRs. Great focal range for field sports such as rugby, soccer etc. The AF and stabilizer are awesome.

Canon users are spoilt for choice when it comes to lenses with a 70-300mm zoom range or similar. The full range of options is: the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (SRP £1,600); EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (SRP £650); EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM (SRP £350); EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (SRP £300); EF 70-300mm...

Ultra-reliable AF and IS systems

Poorer sharpness past f/16

Canon announced the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, on 26 August, 2010 in the lead-in to September's Photokina Trade Show. Targeted at professionals and advanced amateur photographers it's surprisingly compact for its specifications and usable with all of the company's DLSR cameras.

Candids of grandchildren, or anyone in fact. Easy to carry around on Canon 5d mk 4, even though a bit weighty! Well balanced. Excellent and consistent results. Would buy from Wex again, no problem.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Excellent image quality in a compact size. Image stabilization works very well. The downside is the F stop of 4-5.6 and the weight if you plan to...

Size and quality

F stop of 4-5.6

It is not my primary lens, and that is why it only got a 4star (my favourite lenses are always shorter - 50mm for example) but it still great glass. It does get a little heavy for continuous shooting, especially with the heavier camera bodies, but is perfect to shoot people with from a distance at...

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Easy to get the hang of; Nice Bokeh; Strong Construction

Challenge to spot subject; Heavy