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 replaced the ageing EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM in 2016. It was the first Canon consumer lens to feature Nano USM autofocus — the same technology used in the flagship L-series — delivering fast, near-silent focus acquisition suited to both stills and video.
Image quality is a noticeable step up from its predecessor, with improved sharpness across the frame and better-controlled chromatic aberration. The Nano USM motor focuses almost silently and locks on rapidly, making it genuinely usable for tracking moving subjects. IS provides around four stops of stabilisation, adequate for handheld telephoto shooting.
Canon EF mount with a 67mm filter thread. The lens features a unique LCD info display on the barrel showing focal length and focus distance — a first for a consumer Canon lens. There is no L-series equivalent at this focal range; the closest comparison is the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM which offers more reach and weather sealing at significantly higher cost and weight.
Common on the used market and good value. Check the IS mechanism for unusual noises during operation. The LCD display occasionally develops dead pixels on heavily used examples but this does not affect image quality. An excellent choice for wildlife and sports on a budget, especially paired with a 7D Mark II or 80D body.