Squeeze It Gently Whilst Shooting. (Canon EF - Telephoto zoom lens - 70 mm - 300 mm)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Canon EF - Telephoto zoom lens - 70 mm - 300 mm
Date:	08/02/07 (452 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Those distant shots

Disadvantages: Pricey

** What's It For? **
If you want to take a close up shot of somebody (for example a portrait) without making them feel inhibited or nervous, or without them even knowing you're taking their picture, then the use of a zoom telephoto lens is the way to keep your physical distance from your subject. A zoom lens usually has different focal lengths, usually with a ring to move to alter the focal length. By altering the focal length you simultaneously alter the angle of view of the picture that is taken while remaining focussed at the same distance. Always remember, it's best to focus before you zoom.


** Geeky Snapping Nerdies **
Have you ever met one of those people who talk all day about their equipment; its features, how much it costs, what size it is, etc? Well, I'm not one of those people. Whenever I meet a fellow photographer who starts telling me how many pixels he's got or how thick his wide angle is then I know he (and it normally is a 'he') probably doesn't take many pictures (I do apologise if I have insulted anyone's Dad). However, although I am forced in a brief review like this to mention a few technical bits, this does not mean that I'm some sort of techno geeky snapper. I assure you that this is not the case and I would be devastated to know if I was to acquire such a reputation.


** My Purpose of Zooming **
Zoom lenses are generally essential requirements for nature photographers, glamour work and secret agents. I have been a private detective for a number of years now. It can be very boring work waiting around in the car all day pretending to read the Daily Mail. In fact, I usually take my laptop in order to write a few reviews for Dooyoo. But seriously, I have always relied on my zoom collection to spy on those who are up to no good: terrorist suspects, people cheating on their partners, hoodies, loose women, delinquents, dodgy vicars and drug dealers.


** Not Too Long and Not Too Thick: Size Does Matter **
I wanted a lens with more zoom to add to my collection. Previous to this I had a Canon 80-200mm zoom and a Sun 500mm telephoto. The Canon EF 70-300mm really is a light and compact lens. It's not too long and not too thick which means that you can easily hold it in your hand and squeeze it gently whilst shooting. A few years back and a lens incorporating a 300mm zoom would have been at least twice as long. To take really accurate shots however I would still recommend the use of a tripod.


** Suitable for all types of Espionage **
The results of the photographs I have taken so far have been exceptional. The minimum focus range of 1.4m combined with the powerful zoom does allow you to capture some nice close ups: wrinkles, blemishes warts and all are magnificently captured in all their glorious detail. Even at full zoom there is plenty of detail and the light, colour variation and contrast are also excellent. The lens has manual and automatic focus options that are controlled by a small switch at the base of the lens. The Ring-type USM, inner focusing and innovative AF algorithms means that the autofocus function is quick, effective and quiet. Importantly for me there is manual override. You can manually adjust the focus even in AF mode. This is a common feature of most digital Canon lenses. The quiet function is an essential requirement for all forms of espionage.


** Don't Drink and Shoot without a Tripod **
This lens is designed especially for select Canon Digital SLR cameras. It comprises a circular aperture of f/4.5 that produces a shallow depth-of-field, creating background blur. This is a desired effect often used to draw attention to the photographic subject. The lens construction includes UD and aspherical elements, which deliver impressive image quality throughout the entire zoom range. The lens also has an Image Stabilizer to compensate for camera movement so that the image appears steady on the image plane, ensuring clear, crisp images, even in dim light. Obviously there are limits to this and if you've got really shaky hands or have been out on the booze the previous night then I advise you again to use a tripod.


Because of its compact size this lens doesn't come cheap. On the high street expect to pay around £800. On line you might get it at just less than £700. As such I would only recommend it for more enthusiastic hobbyists.


***Technical Summary***
Focal Length: 70 mm - 300 mm
Lens Aperture: F/4.5-5.6
Optical Zoom: 4.3 x
Magnification: 0.19
Image Stabiliser: Optical
Min Focus Range: 1.4 m
Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual
Zoom Adjustment: Manual
Max View Angle: 34 degree(s)
Min View Angle: 8.25 degree(s)
Lens Construction: 12 group(s) / 18 element(s)
Filter Size: 58 mm
Mounting Type: Canon EF
Features: UD glass, internal focusing system, Ultrasonic Motor (USM), full-time manual focusing, rear focusing system, diffractive optics

© Zmugzy February 2007

Summary: Compact Zoom

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