Canon 100-300 5.6L lens - how good is it?

[Feinwerkbau]

Hi all,

Just wondering if this lens is a good buy.

Any users who may have positive or negative ffedback about this lens in a variety of situations this lens would most probably be used?

[David]

Buying a used lens posted here?

This is a very old L lens. Back then it's considered not bad especially when you compare it to the other consumer zooms in that range. But today, if you compare it with the L whities, this lens is not anywhere near them in terms of built and image quality.

No USM, focusing relatively slow and noisy, optics generally good but like I said, it loses out to the recent L's, 70-200mm, 100-400mm, etc. And above all, at f/5.6 for the focal lengths, I think it's a very slow lens. No IS also!

You'd do much better with a 70-200mm IMHO if you don't need the 300mm. Get the 100-300 2ndhand only if you are on a super tight budget.

Just my 2cents worth...

[Feinwerkbau]

Thank you David, for your open and honest feedback.

A newbie like myself is in the process of learning, and with every little bit that is learnt, the realisation that a lot more is not learnt.

"The more I know, the less I know..."

Thanks and cheers me8!

[mpenza]

believe the image quality is good but focusiing is a little on the slow side due to the dated autofocus engine.

[r32]

At the $500 posted price it is about half the price of the nearest L lens, which would be the 70-200mm F4/L; your other options for a zoom include the pair of ring USM 70-210mm F/3.5-4.5 and 100-300mm F/4-5.6, as well as your gaggle of 75-300mm topped off with the 75-300mm IS.

If visual quality is paramount, you'll find it hard to walk past the L lens with its image quality (it has some expensive bits of glass in it). If you are feeling techy, the L lens would be primitive, when you see some of the other lenses have fast focusing or image stabilization. Of course, you're paying more as well. Its up to you to choose which is most important to you.

If you're ultimately going to go for good L lenses, you might as well go for cheap nasty glass that do the job adequately while saving up for that.

[nightwolf75]

wow.... david is right... this is an old lens. i had to hunt a bit b4 i can find a review on this lens.

http://www.pcphotoreview.com/35mm,Zo...9_3128crx.aspx

from the reviewers' comments, looks like a steal if u can't afford the latest L-lens. the faults are already said my mpenza, tho there are some reviewers who liked the colours from the lens.

[Stoned]

Its really quite slow at f5.6. IMO it would be better to get the current Sigma 70-300 APO Macro Super II/F4.5-5.6 The optical quality doesnt lose out to the 100-300/5.6 except at the extreme tele end and it's cheaper too.

If you want, I have a 100-300/F4 for sale Guaranteed good optical quality,build and fast focusing due to HSM.

[Feinwerkbau]

I like this user's feedback:

"Despite it's obvious faults in the area of autofocusing technology, it's outmoted push/pull zoom, it's suspect build quality, and it's small maximum aperature (f/5.6) this lens is a real steal if you can find one. That is, because the principal reason that we purchase a lens is the quality of the optics it provided and this outmoded stinker is one fine piece of glass at an affordable price. I used this lens extensively on a choral concert tour of Central Europe. When I had the prints developed, they looked like fine slides - sharp as a tack with eye popping color saturation. "They look like postcards" was the response I got from many viewers.

Strengths:
Incredibly sharp optics even wide open. Nice contrast and beautifully saturated colors.

Weaknesses:
many, but they are also rans in light of the optical quality."

Thing is, I'm using a 70-210 3.5/4.5 USM that focuses fast enough in most situations, except v low light where it hunts on my 10D.

I'm not against old optics but I'm really concerned about the slow AF. I often shoot relatively fast moving subjects that can change direction very suddenly. However, the 300 end of the deal is the thing that's really chioing my kacheng leh...and 'L' lens quality!

Oh well, we can't have everything...so I might shift focus, stick with my 70-210 USM for the moment and think about the next major choice:

Should I go for a SIGMA 18-50 (which at 28.8mm equivalent, is kinda enough but restrictive) at a very low price for the glass, or splurg on a SIGMA 15-30 (24-48)? Assume I have an indoor shoot like a party or am covering a wedding.

Sigh...you guys must be getting tired with all my ignorent questions. I apologise; I am really very outdated when it comes to all these new lenses

p.s. Thanks for the offer Stoned. Will keep it in mind!

[sriram]

I've used the 100-300L a couple of times when I borrowed it from a friend. Image quality is very good, but using the lens was not a very pleasant experience because of the slow autofocus and the f/5.6 aperture. Ultimately I went for the 70-200/4L because AF rips, it is 1 stop faster and image quality is tops.

[boopoo]

believe me bought new at patama last time closing down at 550 WOO>>>years back very good optic but u cant ready shoot on low light cant focus slow lah... ok if shoot at day light try shooting on iso 25 last time believe me but the weather is very very hot on that day ,remember is the air show.....500 too ex maybe 350 can consider ..now nikon using that was history......

[Feinwerkbau]

Thanks for all your replies. I have found the discussions thought-provoking and must thank you all for sharing from your range of expertise and experience!

Hi Siram! How's things with the family and daughter? I hope I didn't cause you to be late when we met...BTW, instead of gathering dust on my shelf, a particular OM-2 is being kept in pristine condition in a dry box...just thought you might like to know!

SIGHZZZ...life was in many ways 'easier'...and somewhat cheaper in the days of film. If you've ever gotten the hang of working a 4 x 5 or 8 x 10, you would know what I mean when I mention 'sheer engineering nirvana'!

Thanks all...I think I now know the direction I must take.

[sriram]

Thanks for the update. Sent you a message.

[Feinwerkbau]

Originally Posted by sriram Thanks for the update. Sent you a message.

Hi Siram...din get any messages...

How have you been doing?

I'm not sure if my PM box was full when you messaged me, but it has space now. Alternatively, please SMS me at 9435 7047.

BTW, I'm now shooting with a 10D, SIGMA 15-30, Canon 38-76 and USM 70-210. A modest set-up, but one which is adeauete, except (perhaps) for the 38-76 due to its slow focusing...pretty sharp lens when stopped down a little though.

Oh, nothing will make me give up my Vivitar 285HV...except sponsored Canon strobes!