Which lens to buy?

[Labrador3]

I am debating between the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM and the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens. Which do you prefer and why? Is it really worth it to pay for the Diffractive Optics? Thank you guys!

[KJ Smith]

Hi Jen,

Welcome to the site!

I can help spend your money any time you want.....

Here are reviews of the lenses you have a question on.

If it was me, I would not buy either one.

Give us an idea of what you are planning on using the lens for, and a budget.

[Jim Victory]

Between the 2 you have listed the latter is the best buy. Every copy of the DO I have owned was lacking.

There is other options depending on your budget and needs. What do you intend on using the lens for? What is the most you want to spend?

There is a number of options available in the price range of the DO that would be better. Even a 70-200 f/4L IS + 1.4x TC will give you better performance at close to the price of the DO.

[Siv]

If you can afford the DO you can afford the new EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM which is another one to look at. The reviews I have read seem to think highly of it.

[Labrador3]

Thank you guys so much for your feedback! I am looking to spend between 500-1500 is my max. I want something for sports and also that I can use in outdoor photo shoots as well. I currently shoot with the 50 for portraits and stuff but I have busy kids and photograph lots of busy kids so something that will capture action real well... I was looking at telephoto but do not want to spend my money on the wrong thing.

[KenJulio]

If your budget is 500-1500, then I would consider the 70-200 IS f4, that will keep you under 1000 used, new is ~ $1250. If you can live without IS, the 70-200 f4 used is about 500.

[Jim Victory]

You may even bee able to pick up a 70-200 f/2.8L IS used for your price range. Definitely 70-200 f/4L IS and even the 70-200 f/2.8L non-IS new.