Canon

Canon 0571C005 EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

4.7 (548 reviews)

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM delivers sharp telephoto reach with built-in image stabilization and an informative LCD display.

$999.95*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a telephoto zoom lens that covers a highly practical focal range for everything from portraits and events to sports and wildlife. Its standout feature is the built-in LCD information display on the lens barrel, which shows real-time data including focusing distance, focal length, and the amount of camera shake detected by the IS system — information that helps photographers make faster, more informed decisions without chimping the rear screen or diving into menus.

Optically, the lens delivers sharp results across most of its zoom range, with Canon's image stabilization system providing up to four stops of correction to counteract hand movement at longer focal lengths where camera shake is most pronounced. The Nano USM autofocus motor is both fast for stills and smooth for video, operating near-silently so it won't intrude on recorded audio. At approximately 710 grams, the lens remains manageable for handheld shooting over extended periods, making it a practical everyday telephoto for Canon EF-mount shooters who need reach without the bulk and cost of professional L-series glass.

Specifications

Brand
Canon
Model
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
Lens Type
Telephoto Zoom
Focal Length
70-300mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4-5.6
Mount
Canon EF
Autofocus Motor
Nano USM
Image Stabilization
Yes (up to 4 stops)
Information Display
Built-in LCD
Compatibility
Canon EOS EF Mount (Full-Frame and APS-C)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Versatile 70-300mm zoom range covers portraits, sports, and wildlife from a single lens
  • Built-in LCD information display provides real-time focusing distance, focal length, and shake data
  • Image stabilization system offers up to four stops of correction for sharper handheld shooting
  • Nano USM autofocus motor delivers fast, quiet, and smooth focusing for both stills and video
  • Compact and lightweight for a 300mm telephoto zoom, making it easy to carry in the field

👎 Cons

  • Variable f/4-5.6 aperture narrows to f/5.6 at 300mm, limiting low-light performance at full telephoto reach
  • Not compatible with Canon EF teleconverter extenders for additional reach
  • EF mount only — requires an adapter for use on Canon's newer RF-mount mirrorless bodies
  • No weather sealing, which limits confidence shooting in rain or dusty environments

Frequently Asked Questions

It fits any Canon EOS camera with an EF mount, including full-frame and APS-C bodies. On APS-C cameras, the effective focal range becomes approximately 112-480mm due to the 1.6x crop factor.
The LCD panel on the lens barrel displays the current focusing distance, focal length, and shake amount in real time, helping you make informed adjustments without taking your eye off the scene.
The IS system provides up to four stops of stabilization correction, which allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds handheld and still achieve sharp results, particularly useful at the 300mm end of the zoom range.
It is a capable option for wildlife in good light. The 300mm reach and fast USM autofocus handle birds and animals well, though the f/5.6 maximum aperture at 300mm may require higher ISO settings in dim conditions.
No. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is not compatible with Canon's EF extender teleconverters due to its optical and mechanical design.