In 2018, which seems like some time ago, I wrote an article on (all but the DO version of) the range of Canon EF 70-300 lenses, in consideration of their value as an upgrade from kit lenses, but at a lower level than the much more expensive L series of optics.
See: Canon EF 70-300mm Lenses
A lot has changed since then. We have had the arrival of R-series MILCs and with them a range of fine optics at different price points, and it is clear that this is the platform for future development. This brings up the question, for those who are still staying on the DSLR platform, of what to buy? There is a huge mass of DSLR equipment out there still and the platform still has its enthusiastic users - I use both, myself.
So the question still is valid for those who are either starting up, or just upgrading an existing system: what are the options, and are they still worthy of consideration? Some people might want to know if they can use such optics on RF mounts if they have very limited funds and are able to afford a body, but don't have much left for optics - but I shall not deal with that question this time around.
I am going to assume that if the reader has not done so, they will review the above link to the original article - which I have done some editing on to improve the flow.
This follow-up series will look at each of the lenses in turn and provide some comments on the viability of the lenses and their place in the marketspace.
THE CANON EF 70-300 IS USM f/4.5.6 (2005)
For brevity sake I shall refer to this as the 70-300 MkI. Without doubt, this is a throwback, and cannot pretend to match the optics or focusing of the latest generations of lenses, especially on the more demanding RF systems. So, who might want to get or use such a lens?
As I see it, this lens is a potential option for those with the EF 75-300 kit lenses common on many of the lower-end DSLR bodies, even today. Those don't offer image-stabilization, have mediocre optics and made of less durable materials. For someone with extremely limited funds, seeking to add to the 18-55 kit lens, or replace that 75-300, the EF 70-300 MkI may provide the answer. The price point will vary by location, but given the age of the lens design they are going to be about as cheap as one can get in Canon's 70-300 range. Recently, Canon was selling refurbished MkI units on their US website, so it appears they see a market for these too.
One person in my area, a teenager with very limited funds, but unlimited enthusiasm, was keen to find a telephoto solution for their venerable EOS 60D camera. This is an oldie but a goodie and is, IMHO, a bit of a classic. It too sells for a much-reduced price and offers a good platform for someone just starting out and wanting a good learning camera.
I decided to resurrect the combination from my museum of gear and take it to a place that would challenge both the lens and camera, particularly in the areas of stabilization, optical performance and usability. I shot in RAW, imported in PS, and did the usual basic default lens profile corrections, and some cropping, and of course massively reduced the image sizes to post here.
I went to the local museum, which is quite dimly lit, to try my hand at shooting static displays and get some candids of visitors, in some of the darkest areas. The following are the results, all taken in available light, hand-held. I shot with the 60D using spot metering and spot autofocus, IS on, single shot.
Image 1: Shooting in high-contrast but generally lower light conditions with people. Challenging for lens sharpness, clarity and for camera focus and dynamic range. To get the exposure on the lit subject, I had to let the background suffer from a bit of noise.
Image 2: In a far less contrasty, but still dimly lit area. The challenges here were speed of focus lock, holding it and getting a lock on the face. In this case the subject and background offered few DR challenges, so the noise was much reduced.
Image 3: Back to a very contrasty area, I went for monochrome here to test the tonal range of the system. Again focus lock on the eyes and image stabilization were tested. In particular, I was looking for focus precision, tonal range and stabilization
Image 4: As for Image 3
Image 5: Static image - dimly lit, with very subtle colour and tonal changes in the exhibit. Shot at much shorter FL. This was a test of tonal and colour ranges, focus and noise
Image 5: Extremely dimly lit but with some high contrast, with masses of fine details, taken at moderate tele FL. Test of IS, sharpness, focus and colour rendition.
Image 6: Peter the Dinosaur, looking for detail here as well as tonal coverage
My conclusions:
I have maintained that if a camera or lens took decent images when it was first released, it will continue to perform at that level unless it is damaged or worn out. The 60D is in perfect condition, as is the 70-300 on it, so no issue there.
Much really depends, as always, on what one is going to produce. However, for digital publishing, modest size prints and as a learning platform, such a system may offer a viable solution.
Obviously, the conditions of specific units will have a significant bearing on the results. Personally, looking a the images, if I was just starting out, with very limited funds - both of which were my premises, I would say that this combination offers a viable platform.
CC welcome!
