Canon offers dozens of prime (single focal length) and zoom lenses for their EOS SLR cameras. The Canon EF 75-300mm IS (Image Stabilizer) telephoto-zoom lens is the first lens to include one of the more unusual and practical design improvements in many years. A built-in stabilizing system dampens and minimizes camera/lens movement that could result in degraded or blurred images in most handheld situations. Any zoom lens that includes a long telephoto position either should be used with a fast shutter speed or the camera should be steadied on a sturdy tripod with slower speeds to minimize any shaking or vibration. With this 75-300mm lens, a minimum speed of 1/250 or 1/500 second would be recommended unless a tripod is used. But, with the IS feature switched on, you can use shutter speeds several speeds slower, such as 1/60 second or slower--if you can hold the camera very steady--and still obtain respectably sharp images. This is important for low-light situations when it is not convenient or practical to use a tripod to minimize camera shake. The Canon IS zoom lenses look like similar focal length lenses of other brands and operate similar to other lenses--except they have an on/off switch for the IS feature on the barrel. Test prints had excellent sharp detail at the focus plane at 75mm, 300mm, and focal lengths in between. Comparison results of various subjects made both with and without the IS feature in low-light conditions were particularly impressive. Even images made at 300mm with a moderate 1/60- or 1/30-second shutter speed were acceptable with the IS switched on. An IS lens should be well worth the premium price.

Warranty
1 year