6022. Canon 75-300 mm lens review by Amateur Photographer Jan 2026

 The Canon RF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 is an entry point into longer lens photography - tests the waters of wildlife or travel photography economically. Price, lightweight, compact dimensions. 

Performance, autofocus operation and general build of the lens are reflective of the price.  Lens has NO built-in IS

A higher standard of build or quicker (and quieter) autofocus will need
Canon R5 100-400mm F5-6.8 IS USM which has built-in SI (image stabilisation) but costs twice as much.

 

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minimum focusing distance of 1.5m - allows users to make more of the smaller subjects in the frame.
 

Filter thread of 58mm. UV filters or circular polarises will be more affordable.

Canon ET-60 lens hood  

Canon's Super-Spectra coating enhances image quality by reducing ghosting and flare. Doe NOT have Flourine coating to protect the front element against water or fingerprints.  Not samel levels of weather protection as pre-level L series lineup.

NO image stabilisation to get sharp images iwht a long lens. Mitigated if camra body has in-body stabilisation e.g. EOS R7.

 

No tripod collar, cannot pair with a monpod, no need a support tro share the payload. Write uses a small beanbag cushion to rest bewtten the ledge in a wildlfie hide and the lens to protect lens barrel.

 

BUILD AND HANDLING>

manual focus ring is significantly smaller than the zoom ring
No zoom lock but barrel does not slip forward, no worry about movement during transit or lens tilted own the floor.
 

AUTOFOCUS

Focus moter is the slower DC type, not the faster STM or USM .

In BRIGHT light, AF operation is a little sluggish for wildlife photography while in lower light, performance drops off.  Not ideal for fast-moving subjects (moving toward or away from the camera). Sharp image for static subject.  

Operation is distinctly audible - recording video trickly. the hum picked up by the camera's microphones.

PERFORMANCE

Tempting to use the largest aperture  f/4 at 75mm rising to 5.6 at 300mm, the best optical result occur at mid-range apertures between f/8 and f/11. Need to raise ISO if shooting in lower light conditions. 

Disadvantage - colour fringing wherfe purple outlining clearly visible around high-contrast  edges.
Vignetting is visible butr isnt'a huge issue that cvan be corr3ected in Lightroom. 

 

Possible to capture sharp images, but nmot the same sort of clarity expected from more expensive Canon telezooms. 

Verdict; 3-star.