Canon's best consumer telephoto zoom with Nano USM AF and an on-barrel LCD info display.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM was released in 2016 as the second-generation version of Canon's popular consumer telephoto zoom, replacing the first-generation IS USM with Nano USM — a linear motor providing significantly faster and quieter autofocus compared to the original's micro USM. The Nano USM enables smooth, continuous AF tracking suited for video in addition to stills. The 70-300mm range covers standard through moderate super-telephoto on full-frame, and 112-480mm equivalent on APS-C.
The optical design uses 17 elements in 12 groups. Nine aperture blades produce smooth out-of-focus rendering. The 67mm filter thread is the Canon mid-range telephoto standard, consistent with several Canon zoom lenses for filter carry-over. At 710g the lens is moderate for a 300mm consumer telephoto zoom. Minimum focus distance of 1.2m suits the telephoto use case. IS is built in. The Nano USM motor provides fast, near-silent AF suited to both stills and video continuous tracking. Variable aperture from f/4 at 70mm to f/5.6 at 300mm.
The Nano USM is the IS II's defining practical improvement: the fast, quiet AF motor enables smooth continuous focus pulls in video mode that the IS I's micro USM could not achieve cleanly. For wildlife, outdoor events, and travel where the 70-300mm covers most telephoto subjects, the IS II provides the modern AF experience expected for both stills and video. IS extends handheld capability at 300mm for static subjects in outdoor conditions.
On the used market the IS II is widely available at affordable prices for an IS-equipped consumer telephoto. Condition checks: Nano USM response (test video continuous AF for smoothness), IS engagement, zoom ring smoothness, and front element for cleaning marks. The IS I is available at lower prices if video AF performance is not required. The Canon RF 100-500mm provides longer reach with L-series quality for EOS R users. Compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR and R bodies via EF-RF adapter.