Lens prices..?

[Leadfingers]

I saw a Craigs List ad for a EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens for under $100.

If I recall correctly, this lens was recently referred to as the worst lens in Canon's lineup...is that true?

 

[JPAZ]

I actually have one in a box in my garage that I "found" recently while cleaning out some storage. It is from many years ago when I needed a cheap telephoto for my 35mm Rebel. That lens fulfilled my needs at the time (and at my budget at the time) and I actually got some fairly interesting B&W shots with it.

It is what it is.....nothing special, but it is useful zoom range. I'd say the price you are seeing is appropriate for what it is. If it fits what you need, go for it. Just don't expect a great lens.

JP

 

[Menace]

Probably about right

 

[HoneyBadger]

Yeah it is supposed to be not that good but then again it sells for $160 new so you get what you pay for. If you are interested in that focal length the 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS is a pretty good lens and costs about 500 new. I would definitely look for one of these used or a 70-200mm f4L used which is 650 new. Remember... a good zoom is never cheap.

 

[brad-man]

Yeah it is supposed to be not that good but then again it sells for $160 new so you get what you pay for. If you are interested in that focal length the 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS is a pretty good lens and costs about 500 new. I would definitely look for one of these used or a 70-200mm f4L used which is 650 new. Remember... a good zoom is never cheap.

+1 for the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. This was my first zoom tele and still stays with my T2i as my "emergency" rig that stays in the trunk of my car.

It is a great buy @ $380 @ http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190794432561&item=190794432561&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

 

[tcmatthews]

If you looking for a bargain 70-300mm and are in the USA the Tamron 70-300mmVC is $349 after a post purchase rebate on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003YH9DZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360717879&sr=8-2&keywords=tamron+70-300

I picked one up just before Christmas on a similar rebate as a backup. It is a good deal at that price but it is larger than the canon 70-300 and arguably better.

 

[kyle77]

Sounds about right for the price of that lens. I had one, and loved it when I had it paired with with my xti. It suited my amateur needs just fine. However, as I started to get more advanced, I quickly started noticing its limitations (lack of sharpness, saturation, SLOW focus, awful in low light). I upgraded to the 70-200 f4L and I still love and use it today. The only drawback of the 70-200 was that I caught the "L disease" with it being my first L lens. I now own all L lenses (save the 50 1.4) and shoot with one-series bodies.

In good light it's fine, and if you don't do paid work or pixel peep and just want a lens that will get you in close, buy and enjoy it. It's a fun lens to have.

 

[brianboru]

Not bad for the price. It was my first telephoto. The focus was slow so I did miss a number of shots more than I liked when shooting sports and upgraded after a year to a 70-200mm f4.0L.

The bug is a 100% crop from a jpg straight from the camera (40D). Nice colors but obviously not the sharpest and this was fairly good light - 1/125 - Ff.6 iso400 - I can't find anything sharper in the shots I took.

 

[sama]

If you looking for a bargain 70-300mm and are in the USA the Tamron 70-300mmVC is $349 after a post purchase rebate on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003YH9DZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360717879&sr=8-2&keywords=tamron+70-300

I picked one up just before Christmas on a similar rebate as a backup. It is a good deal at that price but it is larger than the canon 70-300 and arguably better.

+1 I have one and it is very sharp.

 

[mbpics]

If you looking for a bargain 70-300mm and are in the USA the Tamron 70-300mmVC is $349 after a post purchase rebate on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-70-300mm-4-0-5-6-Digital-Cameras/dp/B003YH9DZ4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360717879&sr=8-2&keywords=tamron+70-300

I picked one up just before Christmas on a similar rebate as a backup. It is a good deal at that price but it is larger than the canon 70-300 and arguably better.

+1 I have one and it is very sharp.

+2! A fantastic lens for the money. Very sharp in the center at 300/5.6 and very very good VC.

A few samples with the Tamron 70-300:

http://500px.com/photo/22312343
http://500px.com/photo/22314267
http://500px.com/photo/22313587
http://500px.com/photo/25804313