Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished)

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished) — image 1
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished) — image 2
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished) — image 3
85%
90%
Value for Money
85%
Build Quality
88%
Zoom Performance
72%
Low Light Performance
91%
Ease of Use
89%
Portability
76%
Autofocus Speed
92%
Sharpness at Longer Focal Lengths
86%
Versatility for Different Types of Photography
94%
Compatibility with Canon SLR Cameras
84%
Refurbished Quality
78%
Focus Accuracy
More

Overview

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished) is a solid choice for Canon SLR camera users looking for an affordable telephoto lens. This refurbished version offers the same performance as a new model, but at a more budget-friendly price. With its versatile zoom range of 75-300mm, it's perfect for a variety of photography scenarios, from portraits to wildlife shots. The lens is also impressively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on outdoor shoots without sacrificing performance.

Features & Benefits

This lens comes with a f/4-5.6 aperture that performs well in a range of lighting conditions, though it is best suited for well-lit environments. The smooth zoom mechanism ensures seamless adjustments during shoots, providing a user-friendly experience. With a 4.9-foot closest focusing distance, it excels in capturing close-up shots. Its flexible focal length makes it ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography, delivering sharp, clear images even at longer ranges, making it an excellent addition to any Canon camera kit.

Best For

This lens is best suited for amateur photographers looking for an affordable way to dive into telephoto photography. If you're a Canon SLR user, the lens’ EF mount compatibility makes it a straightforward addition to your gear. It’s perfect for those who need a lightweight and portable lens for outdoor or travel photography. For anyone on a budget who doesn’t want to compromise on image quality, this refurbished zoom lens delivers impressive value without breaking the bank.

User Feedback

Overall, users are impressed with the price-to-performance ratio of this lens, especially considering its quality as a certified refurbished model. Many appreciate its light weight and portability for long shoots, though some mention that low-light conditions can sometimes affect image quality. Autofocus is generally smooth, but there are occasional reports of lag during fast movements, particularly in sports or wildlife photography. Despite these minor concerns, it garners praise for sharpness, particularly at longer focal lengths, making it a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly telephoto lens.

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Pros

  • This lens offers great value for its price, making it ideal for budget-conscious photographers.
  • The 75-300mm zoom range provides versatility for various photography situations, including wildlife and sports.
  • It is lightweight and portable, which is perfect for outdoor or travel photography.
  • The refurbished model is certified, offering peace of mind with reliable quality.
  • The smooth zoom mechanism allows for quick and seamless adjustments while shooting.
  • Sharpness and clarity are praised, especially at the longer focal lengths.

Cons

  • Low-light performance can be limiting due to the f/4-5.6 aperture, affecting indoor or evening shots.
  • Autofocus can be slow at times, especially when tracking fast-moving subjects.
  • The build quality feels less robust compared to more premium lenses, which may be a concern for heavy use.
  • At the maximum zoom, image sharpness can suffer slightly, particularly in less-than-ideal conditions.
  • This lens may not be fast enough for professional sports or high-speed action shots.
  • The focusing distance is not as close as some users might expect for macro-style photography.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback worldwide, across multiple platforms and languages, we have compiled the ratings for this Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished). Spam, bot-generated, incentivized, or off-topic reviews were carefully filtered out to ensure that only authentic, high-quality feedback contributed to the scores. Both strengths and areas for improvement are reflected, providing a balanced overview of what users think about this product.

Value for Money
90%
Many users find this telephoto lens to offer excellent value given its affordable price point. The refurbished quality doesn’t compromise performance, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious photographers. Buyers are especially satisfied with how much they get for the price, considering the lens' versatility and focal range.
Some buyers feel that the lens could be priced even lower, especially considering it is a refurbished model. While the quality is generally good, a few users mentioned that it still doesn't match the performance of higher-end models at full price, especially in extreme conditions.
Build Quality
85%
The build quality of this refurbished lens impresses most users, especially given its price. The design feels solid and durable, yet it maintains a light weight that makes it easy to handle during extended shooting sessions. Its compact size contributes to a portable setup, ideal for outdoor activities like wildlife photography.
Despite its solid construction, a few users have noted that the lens feels a bit plasticky, especially when compared to higher-end Canon lenses. Some also reported occasional concerns with the zoom mechanism feeling slightly less smooth after prolonged use.
Zoom Performance
88%
The smooth zoom action is a standout feature for many users, who praise the lens for providing consistent performance across the 75-300mm range. This allows for flexible composition, making it ideal for capturing wildlife, sports, and portraits. The zoom function feels intuitive, with minimal jerkiness when adjusting focal lengths.
A small portion of users mentioned that the zoom mechanism could be a bit slow, particularly when quick adjustments are needed in dynamic shooting situations. Some also noted that the lens loses sharpness at the extreme ends of the zoom range, though this is common in lenses at this price point.
Low Light Performance
72%
28%
The f/4-5.6 aperture allows for a reasonable amount of light to enter, and many users are satisfied with the lens' performance in daylight or well-lit environments. For casual photographers, this lens performs decently in low light when paired with higher ISO settings on a compatible Canon camera.
Users often highlight the challenges of using this lens in dimmer settings. The aperture is narrow, meaning low-light performance can be suboptimal. Some reviewers also mention that images tend to become grainy or blurry without a tripod or higher ISO settings, especially in darker conditions.
Ease of Use
91%
This lens is highly regarded for its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it easy to handle during long photo sessions. The clear controls and compact form factor make it user-friendly, particularly for beginners who want a telephoto zoom lens without the complexity of heavier, more advanced models.
While most users find it comfortable to use, a few have mentioned that the lens can feel slightly awkward for those with smaller hands. The zoom ring could be more finely tuned for those who prefer precision adjustments during critical shots.
Portability
89%
One of the most appreciated aspects of this lens is its portability. Weighing just 1.06 lbs, it's light enough to carry around during outdoor photo shoots or while traveling. Many users report it being the perfect balance between size and performance, making it ideal for spontaneous photography in various environments.
Some users feel that while the lens is portable, it could still benefit from being even more compact. Although light, a few photographers find it slightly bulky when compared to more compact primes or mirrorless options in the same focal range.
Autofocus Speed
76%
24%
The autofocus is generally fast enough for most casual users, especially when shooting still subjects like landscapes or portraits. For the price, many feel the performance is quite adequate for everyday use. The autofocus operates quietly, which is a nice touch for video shooters.
For more professional or fast-paced shooting, some users have found the autofocus to be sluggish, particularly with moving subjects like wildlife or sports. A few reviewers also mentioned occasional autofocus hunting, which can be frustrating in dynamic environments.
Sharpness at Longer Focal Lengths
92%
At longer focal lengths, this lens delivers impressively sharp images, especially for its price. Many users are pleased with how well it captures detail at the 200-300mm range, making it a great tool for wildlife and distant portrait photography. The image quality remains solid even at full zoom.
Some reviewers have noted that sharpness starts to degrade slightly when the lens is pushed to its limits at the far end of the zoom range. Though acceptable for casual photography, users who require top-tier image quality may find this to be a limitation.
Versatility for Different Types of Photography
86%
This lens is highly versatile, excelling in a variety of photography types. Whether it’s capturing wildlife from afar, shooting sports action, or taking stunning portraits, the 75-300mm zoom range provides a great amount of flexibility. It’s a solid all-around lens for most outdoor enthusiasts.
Some users found that the lens wasn't quite as versatile as they had hoped for fast-paced or low-light photography. While it performs decently in most situations, a few buyers expressed that a faster lens or one with a wider aperture would suit certain types of photography better.
Compatibility with Canon SLR Cameras
94%
The lens is fully compatible with all Canon SLR cameras that have an EF mount, making it a reliable choice for Canon users. Many users praise its seamless integration, especially for those upgrading from older lenses. It’s a straightforward fit for any Canon DSLR without compatibility issues.
While this lens is perfect for Canon DSLR users, those with other camera brands may be disappointed by its limited compatibility. Some non-Canon users had to invest in adapters, which can sometimes reduce overall performance or functionality.
Refurbished Quality
84%
The certified refurbishment process ensures that the lens performs like new for the most part, and many users are impressed by its near-new condition. A high percentage of buyers report no issues with functionality, making this refurbished product an excellent choice for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality.
A few buyers did report minor cosmetic imperfections or signs of previous use, which some felt were not adequately disclosed in the product description. While these issues didn't impact performance, some users found it disappointing to receive a lens with visible marks or scratches.
Focus Accuracy
78%
22%
The focus accuracy is generally good for most casual and amateur photographers, especially in well-lit environments. Many users are satisfied with how the lens locks onto subjects during slower or staged shoots. It offers decent results for still-life and portrait photography.
For more demanding users, the focus accuracy can be inconsistent, especially in fast-moving scenes. Some have reported difficulty achieving sharp focus on fast-moving subjects or during rapid action shots, especially at longer focal lengths.

Suitable for:

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens (Certified Refurbished) is ideal for amateur photographers or hobbyists looking for an affordable telephoto lens with solid performance. Its lightweight and portable design makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want a versatile lens for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. The zoom range of 75-300mm allows for a wide variety of shooting situations, making it suitable for travelers and photographers who need a single, flexible lens. Budget-conscious users will also appreciate its value, as it provides a reliable and certified refurbished option at a lower price point compared to new lenses.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best choice for professional photographers or those requiring top-tier performance in low light or fast-action scenarios. The narrow f/4-5.6 aperture can struggle in dim lighting, and some users report issues with autofocus lag and image softness at the extreme ends of the zoom range. For high-speed sports or fast-moving wildlife photography, a faster lens with superior autofocus may be a better fit. Additionally, those looking for a more compact or premium build might find this refurbished model lacking in terms of construction and precision, especially when compared to more expensive alternatives.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: The lens offers a focal length range of 75-300mm, making it versatile for telephoto shots.
  • Aperture: The lens has an aperture range of f/4-5.6, allowing for moderate low-light performance.
  • Closest Focusing Distance: The closest focusing distance is 4.9 feet (1.5 meters), allowing users to capture relatively close-up subjects.
  • Lens Type: This lens is a telephoto zoom, ideal for capturing distant subjects with flexibility.
  • Zoom Mechanism: The lens features a smooth and consistent zoom mechanism for easy focal length adjustments.
  • Weight: The lens weighs 1.06 lbs (480 grams), making it lightweight and suitable for extended handheld use.
  • Dimensions: The lens measures 4.8 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches (122 x 71 x 71mm), making it compact and portable.
  • Mount Type: This lens uses the Canon EF mount, ensuring compatibility with most Canon SLR cameras.
  • Compatibility: It is compatible with Canon SLR cameras equipped with an EF mount, including both full-frame and APS-C sensor models.
  • Refurbished: The lens is certified refurbished, meaning it has been professionally inspected and restored by Canon.
  • Focus Type: This lens features autofocus with a built-in focusing motor, but some users have noted occasional autofocus lag.
  • Maximum Magnification: The lens provides a maximum magnification ratio of approximately 0.25x, suitable for moderately detailed subjects.
  • Filter Size: The lens has a filter size of 58mm, allowing users to attach compatible filters for photo enhancement.
  • Image Stabilization: This lens does not feature built-in image stabilization, requiring careful handling to avoid blur at longer focal lengths.
  • Construction: The lens is constructed with high-quality optics to ensure sharpness and clarity, particularly at longer focal lengths.
  • Use Case: Ideal for outdoor and nature photography, as well as sports and wildlife shooting, thanks to its versatile zoom range.
  • Warranty: As a certified refurbished product, it typically includes a limited warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship.
  • Build Material: The lens is built with durable plastic, making it lightweight but not as rugged as higher-end models.
  • Zoom Range: The 75-300mm zoom range offers significant flexibility for different types of photography, from portraits to distant wildlife shots.

FAQ

The refurbished version of this lens is pre-owned but has been inspected, repaired, and certified by Canon to meet manufacturer standards. It provides the same performance as a new lens, but at a more affordable price point. Users often appreciate the value for money, though it's important to check the warranty and return policy provided by the seller.

This lens is designed for Canon SLR cameras that have an EF mount. It works with a wide range of Canon DSLRs, including entry-level models. If you're using a Canon camera with an EF-S mount, you may need an adapter or to check compatibility, as this lens is primarily meant for full-frame or APS-C sensor cameras.

The zoom mechanism on this lens is smooth and consistent. To zoom, simply rotate the zoom ring located near the front of the lens. The 75-300mm focal length provides a flexible zoom range, ideal for capturing distant subjects like wildlife or sports action. Always rotate the zoom ring gently to avoid straining the mechanism.

The f/4-5.6 aperture limits performance in low-light situations. At smaller apertures (f/5.6 at 300mm), less light enters the camera, which can make focusing slower and reduce sharpness in darker environments. To mitigate this, you may need to increase ISO or use a tripod for stability.

Yes, this lens is suitable for portrait photography, especially in outdoor or natural light settings. The 75-300mm zoom allows you to create a beautiful background blur (bokeh) when shooting at longer focal lengths. However, the lens may not offer the same level of sharpness and depth control as more specialized portrait lenses.

The closest focusing distance for this lens is 4.9 feet (1.5 meters). This allows you to capture reasonably close-up shots, but it may not be ideal for extreme macro photography. For most general photography, this focusing distance is sufficient for clear, sharp images of smaller subjects.

Yes, the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens is a great choice for wildlife photography, especially for beginners or hobbyists. Its zoom range allows you to capture distant animals, and its lightweight design makes it easier to carry during long outdoor shoots. However, professional wildlife photographers may prefer faster lenses with better low-light capabilities.

This lens weighs only 1.06 lbs (480 grams), making it relatively lightweight and easy to carry around. Its compact design makes it a good option for travel photographers who need a versatile lens that won't take up too much space in their gear bag.

No, this lens does not feature built-in image stabilization. Without this feature, you may experience more noticeable camera shake when shooting at longer focal lengths or slower shutter speeds. To minimize blur, consider using a tripod or increasing the shutter speed to ensure sharp images.

To maintain the longevity of this lens, always store it in a dry, dust-free environment. Use a lens cleaning kit to gently clean the lens glass, and avoid touching the front lens element. When not in use, keep the lens capped and protect it from harsh impacts or moisture.