Canon's cheapest EF telephoto zoom — very basic optics, no IS, but extremely affordable.
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II was released in 1995 as one of Canon's most affordable telephoto zoom lenses. It was commonly bundled as a second kit lens with entry-level Canon EOS film and digital bodies throughout the 2000s.
Optical quality is poor by modern standards — soft at 300mm even stopped down, with noticeable chromatic aberration. Autofocus uses a DC motor which is slow and audible. No image stabilisation makes handheld use at 300mm challenging.
Canon EF mount with 58mm filter thread. Weighs just 480g. Full-frame coverage. No weather sealing. Minimum focus distance 150cm. The Mark II differs from the Mark I only in minor cosmetic and coating changes.
Extremely common used — one of the most produced Canon lenses. Very cheap, often under £30. Known for noisy AF motor and mediocre optics. The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is vastly superior in every respect for a modest premium.