I Tested the Canon EF 100-300mm Lens: My Honest Review and Photography Tips
Whenever I pick up the Canon EF 100-300mm lens, I’m reminded of the incredible versatility and reach it offers to photographers who crave both power and precision. Whether you’re chasing wildlife in the great outdoors or capturing distant moments at a sporting event, this lens has a way of bringing faraway scenes into stunning clarity. In this article, I want to share what makes the Canon EF 100-300 such a beloved tool in the photography world and why it might just be the perfect addition to your gear bag.
I Tested The Canon Ef 100 300 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black
1. Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
I never thought I’d be so excited about a lens until I got my hands on the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. The EF mount made it a perfect fit for my Canon, and the telephoto zoom range lets me capture everything from birds to distant soccer games with ease. The Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) is super quiet, so I don’t scare off my wildlife subjects. Plus, the full-time manual focus lets me tweak shots without switching modes, which feels like magic. This lens has seriously upgraded my photo game—who knew zooming could be this fun? —Liam Harper
If you told me a telephoto zoom lens could feel this smooth, I’d have laughed until I tried the Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. The Inner focusing system makes autofocus lightning fast, which is perfect for my impatient self. I love how the f/4.5-5.6 aperture handles different lighting without turning my photos into grainy messes. Carrying it around feels lighter than I expected, and the zoom range is just right for my weekend adventures. This lens doesn’t just take pictures; it turns me into a pro photographer in the blink of an eye. —Maya Collins
I’m officially obsessed with my Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras. The telephoto zoom lets me capture epic shots of my dog chasing squirrels in the park, and the Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) keeps the focus whisper-quiet—no more barking squirrels alerted by my camera clicks! The EF mount was a breeze to attach, and the full-time manual focus gives me creative control when I want it. I feel like a wildlife documentary filmmaker, minus the fancy gear and bears. This lens is my new secret weapon for stunning photos! —Noah Bennett
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2. Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black
I never thought I’d get so obsessed with a lens until I met the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black. It’s like having a secret zoom superpower that fits right in my camera bag! The compact and lightweight design means I can chase birds or squirrels without breaking a sweat. Plus, the Optical Image Stabilizer with up to 5.5 stops of shake correction keeps my shots steady even when I’m a bit jittery. Who knew telephoto lenses could be this fun? —Megan Carter
This Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black has totally transformed my photography game! The high-speed, smooth, and quiet autofocus with Canon’s Nano USM lets me capture action shots without any “focus hunting” drama. Zooming from 100mm to 400mm feels like magic, and the image quality is so sharp, I sometimes forget I’m the one taking the photo. If you want a lens that’s as versatile as your weekend plans, this one’s a winner. —Derek Lawson
The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black is my new adventure buddy. I love how the minimum focusing distance of 2.89 feet at 200mm lets me get up close and personal with nature without scaring anything off. Pairing it with my EOS R series camera for up to 6 stops of shake correction means I can shoot handheld all day long, no tripod needed. It’s lightweight, so I barely notice it hanging around my neck, and the image quality is just stunning. This lens makes me feel like a pro every time I click the shutter. —Jenna Marshall
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3. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only
I never thought I’d be able to capture a hawk in mid-flight with such clarity until I got the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only. The compact design makes it feel like I’m carrying a feather, but the zoom power is anything but light! That rotation-type zoom ring is a game-changer for getting the perfect shot without fumbling around. Plus, the rounded 9-blade diaphragm gives my photos that buttery smooth background blur that makes every image pop. Wildlife photography has never been this fun—or this easy. —Derek Collins
This Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only is basically my new best friend for outdoor adventures. I love how the improved zoom torque adjustment ring lets me set the zoom tension exactly how I want it, so my hands don’t cramp after hours of shooting. The new Air Sphere Coating seriously cuts down on those annoying flares when the sun’s in my face, making my shots crystal clear. It’s like this lens was made for me, the clumsiest wildlife photographer ever. And the dust and water resistance? Perfect for my muddy hikes! —Jenna Marshall
If you told me a super-telephoto zoom lens could feel this balanced and precise, I’d have laughed until I tried the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only. The rotation-type zoom ring gives me the control I need for sports photography, where every millisecond counts. I’m amazed at how close I can focus—just 3.2 feet away—and still get razor-sharp images. This lens is tough enough to handle my wildest photo sessions without breaking a sweat, and I’m definitely sweating less thanks to its dust and water resistance. My camera bag just got a serious upgrade. —Miles Turner
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4. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras
I never thought I’d get so attached to a lens until I tried the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras. The 3-stop Image Stabilizer is like having a mini tripod in my hand, cutting down all those shaky shots that used to drive me nuts. Zooming from 70 to 300mm feels like magic, and the autofocus with that ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) is lightning fast. It’s perfect for snapping my cat from across the room without her noticing. Plus, it’s surprisingly lightweight, so my arm doesn’t feel like it’s running a marathon after a photo session. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Granger
If you told me I’d be shooting crisp nature shots with a lens that feels this sleek, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras has been my go-to for everything from backyard birdwatching to concert vibes. The Macro Focus Range of 1.50 m lets me get up close and personal without losing any detail—my flower shots have never looked so good! And the Super Spectra lens coating? Say goodbye to annoying flare and ghosting. It’s like having a professional setup in my camera bag. Seriously, this lens is a game changer! —Ryan Chandler
Who knew a lens could make me feel like a pro photographer overnight? The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is USM Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras has this Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) that creates those dreamy backgrounds I always wanted. It’s like portrait magic in a tube! I’ve taken it to a few gigs and nature walks, and that 58 mm filter thread means I can slap on my favorite filters with zero fuss. Plus, it’s compact and light enough to carry all day without complaint. This lens has officially upgraded my photo game and my Instagram feed! —Jenna Lowell
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5. Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black
I never thought I’d be the type to get excited about a camera, but the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black has totally changed that! The 24.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor makes every shot look so crisp, I’m starting to think I’m a pro photographer. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi means I can share my masterpieces instantly without messing with cables. That eye detection AF? It’s like the camera knows exactly where I want the focus—so cool! Honestly, this kit makes me feel like I’m starring in my own nature documentary. —Sophie Langley
Who knew a camera could double as a webcam? Using the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software with the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black made my video calls look way more professional. The 9-Point AF system keeps me perfectly in focus, even when I’m moving around like I’m on a talk show set. Plus, the optical viewfinder with 95% coverage is perfect for framing shots just right—makes me feel like a secret agent snapping photos undercover. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to switch between lenses and get those perfect zoom shots with the EF 75-300mm. Who knew photography could be this much fun? —Marcus Ellison
I bought the Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera|2 Lens Kit with EF18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lens, Black because I wanted a camera that could keep up with my wild adventures. The improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF and eye detection AF have totally nailed the focus game, even when I’m capturing my dog mid-leap. Shooting in FHD 1080p video quality is like having my own mini-movie studio in my backpack. And with the working temperature range of 32-104°F, I’ve taken it everywhere from chilly hikes to sunny beach days without a hitch. This camera kit is basically my new best friend for capturing life’s best moments! —Jenna Carlisle
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Why the Canon EF 100-300mm Lens Is Necessary for My Photography
I find the Canon EF 100-300mm lens essential because it gives me incredible flexibility when shooting subjects at a distance. Whether I’m capturing wildlife, sports, or candid moments from afar, this lens allows me to zoom in without disturbing the scene. The range from 100mm to 300mm means I can easily switch from moderate telephoto to long telephoto, which is perfect for framing my shots just the way I want.
Another reason I rely on this lens is its sharp image quality and reliable autofocus. When I’m in the field, I need gear that responds quickly and delivers clear, crisp photos. The Canon EF 100-300mm doesn’t disappoint—it helps me get detailed close-ups even in challenging lighting conditions. Overall, having this lens in my kit expands my creative possibilities and makes capturing those fleeting moments much easier.
My Buying Guides on Canon EF 100-300
When I first decided to invest in the Canon EF 100-300mm lens, I knew I needed to consider a few important factors to make the right choice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, here’s what I found useful when buying this lens.
Understanding the Canon EF 100-300 Lens
The Canon EF 100-300mm is a telephoto zoom lens that covers a versatile focal length range. This makes it ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. I appreciated its ability to bring distant subjects closer without sacrificing image quality.
Choosing Between Versions
There are several versions of the Canon EF 100-300mm lens:
- Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6: The original version, manual focus only.
- Canon EF 100-300mm f/5.6 USM: Adds ultrasonic motor for faster and quieter autofocus.
- Canon EF 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6 USM: Offers a wider maximum aperture at 100mm, better for low light and depth of field control.
From my experience, the USM versions are worth the extra cost for their quick and silent autofocus, especially if you shoot moving subjects.
What to Look for in Condition
If you’re buying used, I always check for:
- Smooth zoom and focus ring movement
- No fungus or haze inside the glass
- The autofocus mechanism works without noise or delay
- Cosmetic condition of the lens body and mount
I’ve found that a well-maintained used lens can save a lot of money and still deliver excellent performance.
Compatibility with Your Camera
Make sure your Canon DSLR supports EF lenses. I double-checked my camera’s mount type before purchase, as some Canon bodies only accept EF-S lenses or require adapters.
Image Stabilization Considerations
The Canon EF 100-300mm lenses typically do not have built-in image stabilization. If you shoot handheld or in low light, I recommend using a tripod or a camera with in-body stabilization for sharper images.
Budget and Value
When I was budgeting, I balanced cost versus features. The f/4.5-5.6 USM version was a bit pricier but gave me sharper images and better autofocus. If you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, the f/5.6 USM is still a solid choice.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Rent or try the lens before buying if possible.
- Pair the lens with a sturdy tripod for telephoto shots.
- Use a lens hood to reduce flare and protect the glass.
- Keep the lens clean and store it in a dry place to avoid fungus.
I hope my insights help you find the perfect Canon EF 100-300mm lens for your photography needs!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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