Eos 30D w/ 75-300mm vs Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS ?

[Saluki]

The Eos 30D I purchased used came with an older 75-300mm lens. Reviews seem to rate the newer 70-300mm w/ IS as a much better lens. But how much better? Also, the 70-300 is full frame - would that work with my older 30D? 

[jrhoffman75]

Both of the lenses you mentioned will work on your 30D. They are also compatible with newer full-frame EF mount DSLRs.

There are several versions of the Canon EF75-300mm lens. None of them were noted for image quality.

The newer 70-300 IS Mk II lens is superior.

But depending on your use case it may not be noticeable. What are you doing with your images? If you are posting on Instagram or the like or emailing to family and friends the 75-300 would probably be adequate. If you are ordering 16x20 wall prints not so much.

Use your current lens for a while and study your images. If they are acceptable to you keep what you have.

That would be my advice. 

[Saluki]

Thank you - will use the 75-300 into the spring and see how the images go.  I like to shoot birds and wildlife so spring should give me plenty of opportunity to see what's what.

[ebiggs1]

Newer tech is usually better than older.  If it is that much better is up to you. Newer lens vs older newer should be, you expect it to be, better.

[kvbarkley]

The number one reason to switch from the 75 to 300 to the 70 to 300 is the Image Stabilization. AFAIK, none of the 75 - 300's had it. You will find it really helps at long reach for birds and wildlife.

[Tronhard]

If you want a serious and comprehensive review with samples of the 70-300mm focal range, refer to my post: HERE 

[Saluki]

Looking to improve sharpness over my 75-300 for shooting birds and wildlife. Thus far it seems that the  EF 70-300 F4.0-5.6 IS II USM may be the way to go. Came across the EF 70-300 F/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM. Is this also a viable alternative?

[jrhoffman75]

I would not recommend the DO lens. The 70-300 USM II lens is a better choice. 

[Saluki]

Thanks. 

[ebiggs1]

I might caution you about the reviews you ar reading. You have a 15 year old 8MP camera. If the reviews are done with a more current camera with perhaps several times the MP of the 30D, your actual results may not be the same. The review may not be valid in other words for you.

The best you can take from those reviews is the newer lens is probably sharper but how much in your specific case is not known.