Canon 75-300

[Sydney_Portraits]

Hi all, my name is Tom. I’m a professional photographer based in Sydney. I’ve had a Canon EF75-300 for years now. I don’t use it much for stills but I find I do increasingly for video. However, I notice sharpness (or lack of it) can be a problem – even in the f8-11 range – and with any kind of wind or movement camera shake can be disastrous.
The lens doesn’t have image stabilizer. Has anyone used the image stabilizer version for video? Does it make a big difference?
The other option is the L range 70-300. I’m hesitant because of the bulk and weight. Can anyone comment on this lens vs the EF version?

 

[bpgoll]

Hi all, my name is Tom. I’m a professional photographer based in Sydney. I’ve had a Canon EF75-300 for years now. I don’t use it much for stills but I find I do increasingly for video. However, I notice sharpness (or lack of it) can be a problem – even in the f8-11 range – and with any kind of wind or movement camera shake can be disastrous.

The lens doesn’t have image stabilizer. Has anyone used the image stabilizer version for video? Does it make a big difference?
The other option is the L range 70-300. I’m hesitant because of the bulk and weight. Can anyone comment on this lens vs the EF version?

Unfortunately I do not use it.
Maybe others can help
Blessing

 

[a_auger]

The 75-300 Non-IS is just about the cheapest lens you can get in that focal range. I've used it and promptly upgraded. It's pretty much designed to make the range accessible to entry-level shooters. As for performance, just about ANYTHING is better. If you don't want to break the bank on L glass, you can buy the midrange Canon 70-300 IS or the Tamron 70-300 Di VC USD. Both are stabilized and a net optical improvement over the cheapo 75-300. I can't speak to the improvement a stabilizer could do for video, but it's awesome for still photography, especially for this focal range. That being said, it's not the quality of L glass.

Here are some reviews. Sigma also has offerings in this range, but I'm not familiar with them.
The 75-300 you're describing:
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Lens Review
Canon's 70-300 IS
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review
Tamron's 70-300:
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD Lens Review

If you have the chance, go to a camera store near you and try some of these on your camera and pick whatever feels best for you.