( 85 reviews )
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( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: Aug 13 2009
I bought this lens a few years ago before I got serious about photography. Since then everything else in my kit has slowly been upgraded, but I just never seem to find a good enough reason to replace the 70-300mm. The major downsides of this lens are its slightly kludgy focus with a rotating front ring, and its slightly slow aperture compared to whats available. But then the upsides: 1) 3-stop image stabilizer. I can't give this enough praise. I've taken crisp photos at 300mm with 1/15s shutter speed, sharp enough to make it onto Flickr's blog. 2) Lightweight - as a travel zoom you can't beat the versatility versus weight. 3) Sharpness, colours and contrast are top notch. People who've seen photos from this lens have assumed I had a big white expensive lens, and are shocked when they find out. Sure it feels very flimsy and isn't weather sealed, but the reality is, mine has been to dusty game drives in Africa and air shows on a windy beach, and is still like new. For similar money one can get a 70-200mm F4L, but for me the lack of IS on a 200mm lens is a deal breaker. I've often considered upgrading to the 70-200mm f2.8L IS or 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L, or primes such as the 300mm f4, but every time have to ask myself: as a serious hobbyist (rather than a professional), can I really justify the huge expense when this is almost always good enough?
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Posted: Aug 3 2009
I did quite a bit of research on zoom lenses in this range and decided that this would be the one I would purchase. I am glad I did. The quality is superb and having the Image Stabilization really makes it a pleasure to take pictures in less than perfect lightening conditions. I would recommend this lens to any and everyone.
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Posted: Aug 1 2009
I am interested in taking photos for about 5 years. This product actually open a new age for me. Considering the price of the product and comparing it with others, I admit that this lens is excellent and meets my need. From now on, everybody and every detail of everything will be the models on my new coming photos.
