Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Greetings Y'all! A couple of days ago I stumbled onto a Canon EF 75-300mm zoom lens at the local Deseret Industries Thrift Shop for $15.00. I hooked it up to my Canon body and took several photos with it and it works fine. Does anyone have any idea what the new price was on this lens? It appears to be in new condition. I can't imagine why anyone would donate it to a thrift store.

TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas

Listed on eBay at $150 & up. A few different models so you can check.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

TBerwick identified it, there were several models, all but one would be "entry level" zooms:

EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 (1991)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM (1992)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II USM (1995)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II (1995)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (1995)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (1999)
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM (1999)

If you found an IS-enabled lens for $15, you'd be the savvy shopper. This lens was Canon's first IS-enabled lens, although with 2ish stops support and nowhere near as quiet as current technology. Of the other various versions, the USM (UltraSonic Motor) versions would be more desirable for speed of moving across the zoom range. Only the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III version is still being sold new by Canon, $199 this morning on their website.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I looked again and can see that it is the EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 II lens made in 1995 according to your chart. It has automatic and manual focus settings. I like to use automatic focus because my vision isn't as sharp as it once was due to glaucoma. I will try to make good use of this lens. Thanks for your input. Y'all have a nice day.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The currently widely available EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (unchanged since 1999) is Canon's cheapest tele-zoom and is found bundled with their most entry-level cameras. When in a kit with camera, it's about $100. Bought separately it is under $200... goes on sale for around $160 or $170 from time to time.

Step-up cameras are usually bundled with at least the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM, which costs a bit more (about $300 new), but is a much better lens in all respects: faster STM autofocus, image stabilization, closer focusing and better image quality. Of course, the EF-S lens can only be used on crop sensor cameras. For full frame (or crop) use EF 70-300mm IS II USM is even better, but cost around $500 last time I looked.

I don't know how the older "II" compares. That and the III were both also available with much faster USM autofocus motor, too, which typically cost a bit more.

eskimoky

Godd information!thanks!kenny

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

I had the next version, III. If it's like that one, don't open up the aperture all the way or you'll be disappointed with the sharpness. Also, make sure to use a fast shutter speed, or use a tripod since it has no image stabilization. You'll also experience some chromatic aberration, so make sure your software can remove that. Not an uncommon feature these days. Definitely a good starter lens, though. One up grade from that when you're ready might be the Canon 70-300mm IS II USM.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Thanks for the input everyone. I 'preciates it.

hj Loc: Florida

Even though it is a "starter lens" you got a real bargain. Congratulations! I agree that eventually you may choose to go to the Canon 70-300mm IS II USM. Got mine less than a year ago and am so satisfied with it I sold my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 which I used for soccer. I couldn't justify that much money in a lens just for soccer pics about three months out of the year. Love my current lens which goes for about $449 new and I found mine new for $379 with USA warranty. There are several models of the 70-300mm so do your research if you choose to eventually get a better lens. For now I think you will learn a lot using the 75-300mm.

Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand

We use one for sports and love it....