This is one of the cheapest telephoto lens from Canon. Designed as consumers’ "First Telephoto Lens", don’t expect too much is what I will say. Yes you heard it. People always say "you get what you pay for" and that is certainly true when used in Canon’s context. I bought this lens (Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM) as my 2nd lens and mainly due to its cheap price. Of a price for this focal range is definitely value for money. However, the results are a tad disappointing. Photos are soft at 75mm and it only starts to improve from 135mm onwards. Sharpness is acceptable, but not without first mounting this lens on a steady tripod. For the price I paid, I am not complaining. Made from the same material like the little 18-55mm brother, the plastic construction made the lens feels cheap and definitely NOT for abuse. What surprised me was, this lens has 7 apeture blades, and the micro ultrasonic motor (USM) indeed made focusing faster and more quiet.

* Picture:  EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM.

Before I sold this lens away, I took it to the zoo once and to Indonesia once to try out. Zoo photos turned out fine when used on a tripod but not for those handheld shots. For Indonesia’s shots, under bright sunny condition, this lens performed well and fast enough. Once darkness creeps in, this lens is better left in your dry cabinet. If you are looking out to buy your first telephoto lens and with a tight budget, this is one good starter telephoto lens. Otherwise, I will recommend getting the slightly more expensive IS version or the EF 70-300mm IS USM, which is a better performer anytime.

Though the time I spent with this lens is short, I enjoyed using it for its friendly carry-about weight and shortened length when it’s not extended during zooming. Oh, be warned too in case you get confused. There is another even cheaper version known as Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III. That is the really the worst cheap range telephoto lens that one will buy. I sold off this lens soon after I bought my EF 70-200mm F4L USM. I guess I may never know how good are the L-Lenses if I don’t first try out the bottom range lenses. But I must also state that I have never regretted buying this lens as my 2nd lens.

* Picture:  The "Lesser Version" EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III. (Non USM version)
 

Some User Facts/ Information:
(If you are looking for the specs, please google yourself, it’s all over the internet.)
– Filter Size is 58mm
– Lens Hood is ET-60 (Sold separately).
– This Lens is NOT suitable for Infra-red Photography (IR)
– Do not confuse this version with the lesser EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III. (Non USM)
– Focal Range when used bodies with smaller APS-C sensors – 120-480mm.
– EF Mount is designed for use on Canon’s EOS Full Frame & Cropped Bodies (with corresponding increase x1.6 APS-C or x1.3 APS-H).

What I Like:
– Light and good for travelling
– Sharp photos from F14 onwards.
– Cheap to replace if damaged.
– Micro USM is cool & near silent.
– Sharp photos at 200mm and 300mm stops.

What I Hate:
– No Distance Scale.