Canon's first stabilised 70-300mm telephoto zoom, better than the 75-300mm but still budget.
The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM was launched in 2005 as Canon's first image-stabilised consumer telephoto zoom. Positioned above the basic 75-300mm III, it added IS and a USM autofocus motor. It covers the classic telephoto range for both full-frame and APS-C Canon bodies.
Optical quality is a clear step up from the 75-300mm III with noticeably better sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration. IS provides approximately 3 stops of stabilisation. The USM autofocus is fast and silent with full-time manual override. Build quality is improved over the 75-300mm with a more substantial feel.
Canon EF mount only, 58mm filter thread. This was superseded by the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM in 2016 which added Nano USM and improved optics. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM is a lighter and often sharper APS-C alternative.
Moderate value used. Check IS operation and USM motor for responsiveness. The IS II version is noticeably better optically and worth the premium. This original IS version remains a solid budget telephoto with stabilisation for Canon full-frame shooters.