The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a mid-range telephoto zoom lens for Canon's DSLR cameras, incorporating both optical image stabilisation and a new, fast and silent Nano USM motor for autofocus.

Fast autofocus; Up-rated image stabilisation; Build quality; Offers great balance between portability and image quality

Hood costs £75 extra; Lacks a weather seal around lens mount; Highlights can look hard-edged towards the long end of the zoom

Despite the fact that the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens is not an "L" series lens, it is still capable of producing excellent images. Thanks to its relatively small size and light weight, it would make an ideal companion for photographers who want to have a long telephoto length in...

There is a tendency for reviewers to consider the performance of a lens without considering the investment, e.g. comparing a non L zoom to a L fixed-focal lens. They are apples and oranges as far as I am concerned.

Excellent lens for the price. Used on a crop sensor camera gives a very useful range of 480 mm. Quality of images very impressive, almost as good as my L series 70-200 f4. Only down side is there isn't a lens hood included. Excellent service from John Lewis as usual.

So far so good ... Enjoying this lens... Using mostly for birding ... On a crop sensor so it ends up being 480 mm but you still have to be close enough to fill the frame ... Delivery within tht two days i requested pick up a post office nearby .

Fast autofocus; Up-rated image stabilisation; Build quality; Offers great balance between portability and image quality

Hood costs £75 extra; Lacks a weather seal around lens mount; Highlights can look hard-edged towards the long end of the zoom

Took delivery of this lens today and after a couple of hours wandering along the local canal these are my initial thoughts. Good bits: On my 760D, AF is blisteringly fast and really accurate even in poor light. Much, much faster than the old version and probably faster than my L lenses!

Consistent Output; Easily Interchangeable; Lightweight; Quick Focus; Sharp Focus

Focus By Wire Mf

Close in on the action with the EF 70–300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. With a wide zoom range and fast, near-silent autofocus, it can be ideal for anyone looking to capture distant subjects.

Price is great for this lens. You can take very good pictures and quite even very sharp if using a tripod. The sharpness is getting lost towards the edge of the picture. Not by much though, and you need to scrutinise this to see it. This is the best zoom lens at this price/ level.

Another great lens, excellent zoom range on the APS-C camera I have, plus very quiet, and so far nice focusing. Recommended.