EF 75-300 4-5.6 III delivering after PP.

I was wondering how far can PP take us.

Can this lens (I know is low-end) deliver the goods with some well done PP using RAW, (CA correction, etc) ?

I'm thinking this and other "low-end" lenses have been underrated mostly by the film legacy crowd.

Sure the good lenses are always going to be good, but can some good PP narrow the gap in terms of quality ?

Am I right ?
If yes, can you please post some good PP shots using this lens.
Especially at the tele end?

Thanks !

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I don’t know about the mark III version of the lens. I have taken many reasonable bird shots with the IS USM version of the lens, sometimes in poor light conditions. None of the versions of the 75-300mm are reckoned to be very sharp at 300mm, but that is the focal length I use most of the time with this lens.

Northern mockingbird, overcast and snowing, f/10 @ 300mm



Ring-billed gull, in flight, f/11 @ 300mm



Brian A.
http://www.pbase.com/barthur/birds

Wow, great shots.
This quality is what I was thinking.
Did you made some PP or cropping to this. ?

Thanks, for sharing.

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I have this lens, that is the non-IS USM version. As I bought the 350D twin lens kit that included this lens for a very good price, meaning this lens was pretty much free.

I have done a fair amount of experimentation with this lens in an attempt to optimise or get the most out of it (prior to post-processing). This included taking numerous pictures at various focal lengths and apertures. All tests were performed on a tripod and using the camera's 8 second self-timer functionality to take camera-shake out of the equation.

What I found was I could very noticably improve sharpness by reducing the focal length to no more than 200-210mm and use a maximum aperture of f11 (f8 could be used in a pinch, but I could still see a difference in sharpness between f8 and f11, and it wasn't due to DOF).

Even at 200mm f11, I'm still less than impressed with this lens. In fact after doing this test I had to go back and test my camera's autofocus just to convince myself it wasn't my camera mis-focusing. A few focus tests with the kit lens (18-55mm) proved that wrong.

This lens is just very soft all round, I find bringing out detail on anything at acceptable distances near impossible.

Sorry, what I forgot to mention was all my testing was performed in RAW, with camera in Manual mode and Parameter Set 2 (sharpening, etc set to zero - which i dont think gets applied in RAW anyhow).

Also it depends on what you what to do with this lens, sharpness and detail would probably be acceptable for standard size 2x3 photo prints, however blow them up any more in size then you'll start to notice.

So your main quibble with this lens is softness right ?
How about CA or PF.

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Yes, I didn't notice too much CA or PF, nothing that stuck out anyhow.. but I was paying more attention to sharpness in my tests.

Hello Lucem,

I've also got the IS version of the 75-300...

Here's some pics taken through it with the 300D, not too much cropping on any of these photos, all shot in RAW & PPed...

Hummingbird shots (large hummershots taken with 75-300, others taken with Sigma 150 macro)

http://johnny0.smugmug.com/gallery/753837/1/33245820

Yardbirds...

http://johnny0.smugmug.com/gallery/424805

An airshow shot with this lens in overcast conditions...

http://johnny0.smugmug.com/gallery/576528

I've stepped up to the 400 5.6L & my 75-300IS isn't seeing much action lately. But I like the lens because of the IS, I'm prolly going to sell it & replace it with the new 70-300IS eventually. But then again maybe I'll go for the 300 f/4 L IS instead because this is a good macro lens with close focus as well as a tele, dunno, but one thing for sure, the L glass is very addicting, LoL. ;-)

Good to see you're stepping up to a DSLR, what body are ya looking to get?

I'd strongly advise you to go for the IS version of the 75-300 because it is much more versatile, or even better yet, if ya can swing it, get the new 70-300IS.

Zarathustra said:

Wow, great shots.
This quality is what I was thinking.
Did you made some PP

Click to expand...

Definately, with this I would normally increase contrast with levels and sharpen with USM

or cropping to this. ?
Probably, 300mm isn't really long enough for most birds.

Zarathustra said:

Thanks, for sharing.

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Click to expand...

Interesting.. pictures shown by both of you with the IS ISM version look 100x better than my non-IS non-USM version, so much more detail on the birds, you can actually see feather detail!

This has led me to do a bit of research.. it seems that the IS USM version of the lens is optically different lens to the non-IS, non-USM and USM lenses. It dosn't just have IS added.

75-300mm IS USM:

Lens constuction (groups/elements): 10/15
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Max Magnification: 0.26 @ 300mm

75-300mm and 75-300mm USM:

Lens constuction (groups/elements): 9/13
Diaphragm Blades: 7
Max Magnification: 0.25 @ 300mm

I would like to see if anyone could provide some example pictures with the non-IS versions. As I'm starting think my lens may need to go back for replacement, calibration or something...

Zandri said:

Interesting.. pictures shown by both of you with the IS ISM version
look 100x better than my non-IS non-USM version, so much more
detail on the birds, you can actually see feather detail!

This has led me to do a bit of research.. it seems that the IS USM
version of the lens is optically different lens to the non-IS,
non-USM and USM lenses. It dosn't just have IS added.

Click to expand...

Any IS lens has to have extra lens elements for the 'optical' image stabalization. There is always at least one group that is used with the gryro to correct for shake. That doesn't mean that they are not optically diferent, but it does mean that you can't simply go by the elements/groups spec. to determine the differences for the lens.

Brian A.

Ok, thank you. I dont know a great deal about IS.

Do you know were or what information could be used to better compare the two?

The addition of IS is not the only change. The optics is different too. Here's a quote from photozone.de:

"The most significant change is a redesign of the optical construction which now features a UD element - something that we usually only see in Canon L grade lenses."

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_70300_456is/

I didn't know you had a Rebel, so it was a surprise to find you here.
I just visited your Smugmug gallery and I really enjoyed.

What happens is that I'm thinking in getting a Rebel XT before the triple rebate expire, and this lens the 75-300 is almost free when combined.

I did some search on PBase of pictures taken with this lense and the results surprised me.

But I'm not sure if wait a couple of months since I'm happy with my Pro1, and lots of new cameras are coming out soon.

Thanks for the link to your gallery.
Are you on the road as we speak?

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dylanbarnhart said:

The addition of IS is not the only change. The optics is different
too. Here's a quote from photozone.de:

"The most significant change is a redesign of the optical
construction which now features a UD element - something that we
usually only see in Canon L grade lenses."

http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/canon_70300_456is/

Click to expand...

This is good to know.
I was thinking this was the case with this lense.

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This review is talking about the newer 70-300mm IS USM - seventy, not seventy five millimeter. The 75-300mm IS USm has no UD glass, it was introduced in 1995 when UD glass would have been prohibitly expensive for a consumer lens.

There are certainly differences between the optics of the 75-300mm III USM (intro. 1999) and the 75-300mm IS USM (intro. 1995 as Canon's first image stabilized lens). But how significant they are is really hard to tell. If you look at he block diagrams for both lenses you will see that the main lens (the front element group) is very similar. The rear group of the mk III is similar to the second group of the IS lens. But the IS lens has an extra group, as one would expect, and the middle groups are somewhat different.

The differences between the III USM and the III are negligible optically. They appear to be the same lens, one with an ultra sonic motor, the other without.

If you want compare block diagrams then have a look at the Canon Camera Museum: http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/f_lens.html

Brian A.

Brian A.

The canon 75-300mm III can deliver excellent results if used with good technique. And held below 250mm. And shot at f/8 or f/11.

Here are a couple of my examples:

Anything over 75mm shot in this gallery. OK I didn't follow my own advice because I had only had the camera and lens 2 weeks.
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/alaska04

A few more from after I learned how to use it:
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/image/47466282
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/image/39260529
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/image/39260522

I replaced mine with the canon 70-200mm L, but I still use it when I ski.

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CityLights
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/favorites
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/favorite_animals
.

Yes, I have the 300D & 350D.
Thanks for your compliment!

Wow, you'd better hurry & make up your mind because I think it expires at the end of the month. I did the rebate last year when I got my 300D & made out pretty well...I got the 100 2.8 macro, the 75-300IS, & the 50 1.4 for a triple rebate. Hmmm, just checked out the rebate form & I noticed that there's only a rebate on the lens you are asking about, last year they had the IS version listed but they want to push the new 70-300IS, I guess. I was going to do it again this year & buy the 20D but I saw a 350D with ultra-low actuations come up on the FM 'buy & sell' board from a seller that I had dealt with previously for a very good price so I grabbed it. I also got my 400 5.6L off that board & I don't think that the lens was ever used before I got it, LoL! You should keep an eye on that board for some bargains to come up but you have to be very quick over there!

I havent heard much about this 75-300 III to tell ya the truth, but you'll prolly want to use it on a tripod if the weather isn't sunny because lower shutter speed will bring handshake into play. Another thing to consider about this lens is that you have to stop down to get sharp pics so you'll have to bump the ISO up to get a better shutter speed...What other lenses are you thinking of getting?

You can wait but you'll pay a premium price for the new product...

Keep an eye on the inside of the outer element of your Pro1 for contamination & dust. I had to send mine to IL twice before they finally replaced the optical unit under warranty. I think you are in FL if memory serves me right & the humidity down there might put you at risk. Especially going in & out with temp & humid changes if you know what I mean...

YW & I'm home now but it's been very hectic! :-(

Kota2k2 said:

Yes, I have the 300D & 350D.
Thanks for your compliment!

Click to expand...

You are welcome.

Kota2k2 said:

Wow, you'd better hurry & make up your mind because I think it
expires at the end of the month. I did the rebate last year when I
got my 300D & made out pretty well...I got the 100 2.8 macro, the
75-300IS, & the 50 1.4 for a triple rebate. Hmmm, just checked out
the rebate form & I noticed that there's only a rebate on the lens
you are asking about, last year they had the IS version listed but
they want to push the new 70-300IS, I guess. I was going to do it
again this year & buy the 20D but I saw a 350D with ultra-low
actuations come up on the FM 'buy & sell' board from a seller that
I had dealt with previously for a very good price so I grabbed it.
I also got my 400 5.6L off that board & I don't think that the lens
was ever used before I got it, LoL! You should keep an eye on that
board for some bargains to come up but you have to be very quick
over there!

Click to expand...

It actually ends the 15th.

I am just waiting to see them in Amazon back to $825, the price has actually going up and never back since early December when I almost pulled the trigger.

I also found out tha the Pentax mount is a good idea since there is lots of second hand high Q lenses at good prices out there. But later I decide to stick with Canon.

Kota2k2 said:

I havent heard much about this 75-300 III to tell ya the truth, but
you'll prolly want to use it on a tripod if the weather isn't sunny
because lower shutter speed will bring handshake into play. Another
thing to consider about this lens is that you have to stop down to
get sharp pics so you'll have to bump the ISO up to get a better
shutter speed...What other lenses are you thinking of getting?

Click to expand...

I'm getting first the 50/f1.4, this Tele and the Kit lens. But these are just to take advantage with the Rebate, and to get me started covering a good range.

Kota2k2 said:

You can wait but you'll pay a premium price for the new product...

Click to expand...

Well, the wait is to see if something better comes along, to make a better desicion, but I never buy new released products. It seems that the 4/3 system is going to become interesting this PMA with several manufacturers releasing new dslrs. In that case I can go with a Oly Evolt with the two lens kit.

Kota2k2 said:

Keep an eye on the inside of the outer element of your Pro1 for
contamination & dust. I had to send mine to IL twice before they
finally replaced the optical unit under warranty. I think you are
in FL if memory serves me right & the humidity down there might put
you at risk. Especially going in & out with temp & humid changes if
you know what I mean...

Click to expand...

yeah, I'm in Tampa, FL and is really wet most of the time.

Already aware of the lens issue, but I only have a couple of speckles there that don't show up in the pictures.
My warranty expire in 3 months so I definetely will do that.

Kota2k2 said:

YW & I'm home now but it's been very hectic! :-(

Click to expand...

Is always hectic here too.
Thanks for the info.
I'll be checking the FM site for good deals.

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Very nice shots.
I'm convinced that this is the lens that will deliver my goodies.
Although ain't snowing here in FL .

The second shot of the skier titled 'hey' looks great.

Thanks for posting City.

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