DIffractive optics... worth the upgrade?

[photog1107]

I own a Canon 70-300 USM IS, which recently has been showing fuzziness when racked out at 300mm. I do a lot of sports shooting, so using that long zoom is important to me to reach across midfield... I am looking at a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens -- that says it's "pro quality." I assume the diffractive optics are the big difference. Anybody use this lens that has an opinion on whether this is a wise upgrade? It's about double the cost (B&H, $1200) so I am eager to hear any feedback before I take the plunge.

Thanks!

[hieu1004]

I doubt anyone has used this lens since it is new - but usually when you step up to L quality - you will get better build, sharpness, color rendition, contrast/saturation. Not saying this is always the case, but it is most of the time.

[RichardTaylor]

Its not new.. and it is not an L lens.

103 user reviews here.
FM Reviews - EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM


Lens review here.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens Review

I don't own it however I do own the 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 IS USM lens and the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 IS L lens.

[inkista]

From what I remember reading, the 70-300 DO isn't worth the money--the optics are less than impressive. The 400 f/4 DO IS, otoh, is definitely worth the price--especially if you have to haul it around the frozen tundra or like inhospitable environments that require lots of hiking.

You want to upgrade your 70-300 for four figures , I'd recommend looking at the new L version when it comes out. B&H is listing it for $1600. Although for that price, I'd probably go for the 100-400L, or the 300 f/4L instead.

[jdepould]

I have a friend who just sold his. Image quality was excellent, especially considering the size of the lens. Used prices have actually gone up in the last few years, and it seemed expensive at the old price.

[hieu1004]

My mistake - thought you might have been talking about this.

Canon launches EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM: Digital Photography Review

[photog1107]

Thanks everyone... I think I have seen enough to let me know this lens in somewhere in between Canon's L series and it's lower lines, so it may be worth checking out. The 100-400 is also a contender... but the size and weight of this one are pretty compelling.

[photog1107]

Thanks, inkista. Anybody have a lead on when the new Canon 70-300 L series will be available? It does look pretty sweet, albeit, pricey. Might be a real contender for an upgrade, and is slightly faster than the DO version.

[photog1107]

Hey, nevermind... just signed up for the online Digital Photography Review and I now see the news that it is supposed to ship on Nov 19. So now it's decision time!