1. Product Overview
The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is a telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF-mount cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range suitable for various photographic applications, from portraiture to capturing distant subjects. This lens is characterized by its lightweight and compact design, making it convenient for everyday use and travel.

This image shows the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens. It is a black lens with a textured grip for zooming and focusing, and features the Canon branding.
Key Features:
- Versatile Zoom Range: Provides a 4x telephoto zoom, covering focal lengths from 75mm to 300mm, ideal for diverse subjects including portraits, sports, and wildlife. When used on an APS-C format camera, the equivalent focal length range is 120-480mm.
- Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing approximately 16.8 oz, this lens is designed for portability and ease of handling.
- Autofocus System: Utilizes a DC micro motor for quick and precise autofocus operation.
- Super Spectra Coating: Applied to lens elements to minimize lens flare and ghosting, contributing to high contrast and accurate color reproduction in images.
- Smooth Bokeh: Features a seven-blade diaphragm that produces a smooth, pleasing out-of-focus quality, enhancing subject isolation and depth.
- Minimum Focus Distance: Capable of focusing as close as 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) throughout its entire zoom range.
2. Setup
Follow these steps to properly attach and detach the lens from your Canon EF-mount camera.
Attaching the Lens:
- Ensure the camera is powered off.
- Remove the rear lens cap from the lens and the body cap from the camera.
- Align the red index mark on the lens with the red index mark on the camera body.
- Insert the lens into the camera mount and turn it clockwise until it clicks into place.
Detaching the Lens:
- Ensure the camera is powered off.
- While pressing the lens release button on the camera body, turn the lens counter-clockwise until it stops.
- Remove the lens from the camera.
- Attach the rear lens cap to the lens and the body cap to the camera to protect them from dust and damage.
3. Operating the Lens
Understanding the controls and functions of your lens will help you achieve optimal photographic results.
Zooming:
To adjust the focal length, rotate the zoom ring located on the barrel of the lens. The focal length markings (75, 100, 135, 200, 300mm) indicate the current zoom setting. Rotate the ring clockwise to zoom in (increase focal length) and counter-clockwise to zoom out (decrease focal length).
Focusing (AF/MF Switch):
The lens features an AF/MF switch to select between autofocus and manual focus modes.
- AF (Autofocus): Set the switch to 'AF' for the camera to automatically focus on your subject. This mode is generally recommended for most shooting situations.
- MF (Manual Focus): Set the switch to 'MF' to manually adjust the focus. In this mode, rotate the focusing ring on the front part of the lens until your subject appears sharp in the viewfinder or on the camera's LCD screen.
For quick reference on lens features and operation, refer to the following video:
This video provides a detailed review of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens, showcasing its features and performance.
Another user's experience with the lens can be viewed here:
This video shares a user's personal experience with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens, highlighting its practical use.
4. Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life and performance of your lens.
Cleaning:
- Use a lens blower brush to remove dust from the lens surface.
- For smudges or fingerprints, use a clean, soft lens cloth and a small amount of lens cleaning solution. Apply the solution to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
- Never use abrasive materials, solvents, or harsh chemicals to clean the lens.
Storage:
- Always attach the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use.
- Store the lens in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- If storing for an extended period, consider using a moisture-absorbing desiccant to prevent mold and mildew.
5. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your lens.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Autofocus not working | AF/MF switch set to MF; Lens not properly attached; Insufficient light; Dirty electrical contacts. | Set AF/MF switch to AF; Re-attach lens securely; Use flash or brighter lighting; Clean lens and camera contacts with a soft, dry cloth. |
| Images are blurry | Incorrect focus; Camera shake; Dirty lens elements; Lens not fully extended (if applicable). | Ensure proper focus (AF or MF); Use a faster shutter speed or tripod; Clean lens elements; Ensure zoom is set correctly and lens is stable. |
| Lens not recognized by camera | Lens not properly attached; Dirty electrical contacts; Incompatible camera model. | Re-attach lens securely; Clean lens and camera contacts; Verify camera compatibility (this lens is for Canon EF mount). |
6. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 10.1 x 6.7 x 8.4 inches |
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
| ASIN | B018WN62NU |
| Item Model Number | 6473A003 |
| Brand | Canon |
| Focal Length Description | 75-300 millimeters |
| Lens Type | Telephoto, Zoom |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
| Manufacturer | Canon |
| Date First Available | December 3, 2015 |
7. Warranty and Support
For information regarding warranty coverage, technical support, or service for your Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens, please refer to the official Canon website or contact Canon customer support directly.
Keep your purchase receipt and any warranty cards in a safe place, as they may be required for warranty claims.
You can typically find support resources, FAQs, and contact information on the official Canon support pages.





