Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
Score: 35/100
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100Rankings
The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro offers an affordable telephoto zoom with a 1:2 macro capability, suitable for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. While it provides decent sharpness at shorter focal lengths, it suffers from softness at the long end, vignetting, and lacks image stabilization.
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom that offers a long reach in a lightweight plastic body. It delivers decent sharpness in the mid-range and quiet autofocus, but lacks stabilization and suffers from softness at the long end.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 75 mm | 70 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 300 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 fbest | 4 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 480 gbest | 540 g |
| ↓ lower better | 122 mm | 119 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 150 cm | 95 cmbest |
0.25 x | 0.5 xbest | |
12 monthsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Canon EF | Nikon F |
Autofocus Motor Type | Micro USM | Motorized |
Optical(4) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 75 mm | 70 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.0 f | 4 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 150 cm | 95 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.25 x | 0.5 x |
Physical(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 480 g | 540 g |
Length (mm) | 122 mm | 119 mm |
Professional reviewers label the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III as a solid budget consumer lens that excels in size, weight, and smooth zoom, delivering acceptable sharpness in the mid-range but note soft corners, distortion, and the absence of image stabilization as drawbacks.
Everyday users appreciate the low price, lightweight feel, and quiet autofocus, while complaining about softness at 300mm, lack of stabilization, and the cheap-feeling plastic construction.
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its sharpness at the wide end and mid-range, the inclusion of SLD glass, and the rare 1:2 macro capability at an entry-level price. However, they consistently note corner softness at full telephoto, noticeable vignetting on full-frame, slow autofocus and the absence of stabilization, making it more of a walk-around lens than a professional workhorse.
Everyday users love the macro function, the reach for wildlife and travel, and the reliable performance of the built-in motor on Nikon entry-level DSLRs. Common complaints revolve around softness at the long end, autofocus hunting, occasional internal haze, and the lack of image stabilization, but most owners consider the lens a durable, good-value tool for hobbyist photography.
“Great for beginners”
“Good value for the reach”
“Blurry at 300mm”
Sigma offers superior image quality and macro capability, making it the better choice for enthusiasts; Canon is only for ultra-budget users who need basic reach.
