Additional Information on Canon EF lenses
Version History on Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto-Zoom lenses - Part III

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Canon EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 IS MK II USM, 2005
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens Marketed: 1995, Discontinued: 2005

The debut of these two lenses timed themselves at a time which we witnessed some brilliance of Canon EF lenses being introduced at almost the same time (such as the
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM) but the lens that caught the entire community in 1995 was the first zoom lens that incorporated with an innovative Image stabilizer technology. Rather surprisingly, Canon has chosen its immensely popular 75-300mm as its first trial. The resulting product, Canon EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II IS USM as it was called, stole the limelight among the new releases and thus, there are actually three versions of the Canon EF 75-300 tele-zoom lens in the EF lens family at this period.

Physically, it weighs heavier at 650g and can be easily differentiated from other Canon EF 75-300mm zoom lenses with an IS metal plate mounted onto the center section of the lens barrel. The zoom ring is narrower and the gold USM ring mark is moved to front section of the filter attachment ring. The center section has a control for adjustment or activation of IS function. It was hailed as the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras that incorporates with a built-in an Image Stabilizer to counter camera-shake or more accurately, blur correction effect equals to an increase of two steps of shutter speed. The inclusion of this feature greatly expands the working range of handheld photography where typically associated blur image deliveries with slow speed film under low ambient light or other difficult conditions. Optically, in terms of elements and lens group, the lens is differed from other EF 75-300mm tele-zooms, but actually there are redesigned as six lens groups, of which the second group is for IS activation. Level of camera shake is detected by vibration detecting gyro sensors. In addition, a micro USM (Ultrasonic Motor) in the drive system ensures silent AF.

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Introduction: What is the principle of camera shake which results in blurred pictures? 1. I guess no photographer can hold the camera perfectly still. 2. Whenever the camera moves with the shutter open, the image on the film moves too. 3. The film records the entire process of movement while the shutter is open, so the photograph is blurred. How to avoid camera shake and blurred pictures? The rule of thumb to equalize these issue for decades by photographers are usually use a tripod to hold the camera steady or sense the shutter speed drops to a level not comfortable to hold and shoot steadily; use a fast shutter speed to minimize the recording time of the film or simply use a flash. Each of these methods have its advantages and the other way round. Tripods aren't easily portable, and can't be used in some situations; High-speed shutters can't be used in even slightly dimmer locations and flashes aren't allowed in many places, useless with distant subjects and usually gives a flat impression.
Size, dimension and exterior comparion between the IS and standard Canon EF 75-300mm telephoto zooms
So, theoretically If a camera has a built-in function that compensates for the camera shake, you can be sure you'll have fewer blurred pictures. This idea became the concept behind development of a telephoto zoom lens with a built-in image stabilizer function to counter camera/lens shake. The Canon Image Stabilizer System actually has been used on video camcorders and binoculars has now been adapted for the EF lens. The result is the development of a new line, the IS lens (Image Stabilizer lens), distinguishing Canon from competing lens manufactures. Indirectly, development effort has also resulting in the emergence of a new class of EF lenses and realization of an IS functions within the lens has broaden the range of handheld photography. Naturally, telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses (esp. those with a slow starting aperture) will be the best lens group to incorporate this feature. The well-received Canon 75-300mm was chosen as the first Canon EF lens to try out consumer response to evaluate its marketing potential in 1995.

The main feature of the IS-powered lenses are:- 1. IS functions broaden the range of handheld photography as it enables to set up to 2 steps faster shutter speed. 2. IS effectiveness can be verified through the viewfinder. Press the shutter button halfway to activate the IS function, and verify the compensation for camera shake through the viewfinder. 3. Reliable optical quality and AF capability with Micro USM. First, it is a 4x telephoto zoom lens with built-in Micro USM; next, it is a design that represents substance and high quality.

Canon Image Stabilizer Telephoto range illustration Canon Image Stabilizer Wideangle range illustration

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II IS USM 1995
TECHNICAL APPEAL

1. Canon image stabilizer technology. The "shift method" image stabilizer technology used on the EF75-300 f/4-5.6 USM lens was developed for use on interchangeable lenses for the SLR camera. It operates on a different image-stabilization principle than the Vari-Angle Prism (VAP) method used on video camcorders and anti-vibration binoculars. a. Shift method (EF75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM) Feature: Provides satisfactory image quality for still images. b. Vari-Angle Prism method (Video camcorders, anti-vibration binoculars) and makes it highly adaptable to a wide variety of products. A question may raised here:- WHY uses the shift method ? Canon answered that since the front lens element of a EF lens is usually larger than that of a comparing video or binoculars, using a VAP system would require development of a very wide diameter VAP. Instead, the shift method stabilizes the image by shifting the group two lenses inside the lens, which have already a relatively smaller effective diameter, making it possible to minimizes the increase in SIZE from earlier lens models. The resulting Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0~5.6 II IS USM is not anything larger in dimension than the standard version(S) of 75-300 except the center part of the lens barrel is slight broader than normal.

2. The Principle of the Image Stabilizer Whenever the camera vibrates due to hand shake or other causes while the shutter is open, the light passing through the lens also vibrates, and the results are recorded on the film as a blurred image. The image stabilization system built into the EF75-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens causes a portion of the lens groups (compensative optical system) to move in parallel with the external movement, refracting the light rays in a direction that neutralizes the camera movement and holds the light rays steady as they reach the film surface. The result stabilizes the image. (see illustrations below):-


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3. Image Stabilizer Control The image stabilizer starts to operate when the shutter button is pressed halfway. When hand shake is detected by gyro sensors, a signal is sent to drive the compensative optical system, which is controlled by the first high-speed 16-bit microcomputer to be used on any EF lens. The Canon EF 75-300 IS USM lens was the worlds first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras.
However, there was also a Nikon compact Zoom 700VR (Zoom 105VR) lens on the market, and is the world's first lens shutter camera to feature Vibration Reduction function (released in April 1994). The following is a comparison of the two models (Highlighted numbers are Canon):- Focal length/Aperture: 75-300mm/4-5.6 / 38-105mm/4-7.8; Image stabilizing system Shift type (2nd group lenses) Shift type (3nd group lenses); Maximum correctable angle: ±0.70/ ±0.60; Verification of stabilization image through viewfinder:- Available / Not available; Operating noise from image stabilization operation:- Quiet / Noise from reduction gears; Type: Interchangeable lenses / Lens shutter camera SLR cameras

The result makes it an excellent tele-zoom lens for PORTRAITS and OUTDOOR SPORTS . When use on digital cameras with focal multiplier of 1.6 (i.e, 5D, 20D, Rebel XT/350D, 10D, 300D, D1, D30, D60), the Image Stabilizer 300mm is equivalent to a 480mm on a film camera (like a cropped effect on astandard 35mm film, hehe..).
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5~5.6 MK II IS USM tele-zoom lense with lens cap Loading ......
Designed exclusively for Canon EOS cameras; this world's first interchangeable lens with a built-in Image Stabilizer (IS) dramatically reduces the chance of a blurred photograph due to camera motion ("shake") especially when shooting at long focal lengths with slow shutter speed. Controlled by a built-in 16-bit microcomputer, a series of gyro sensors and micro-motors instantly shift one of the lens groups to compensate for inadvertent camera motion. A very practical benefit of the IS system is a reduction in the old "focal length = shutter speed" rule by 2 F-STOPS. for an example, you can expect sharp pictures at 200 mm with a shutter speed of only 1/60th sec. greatly enhances possibilities.
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Below are extracts from a Q&A session on questions relating to effective application of IS in an optical lens for 35mm photography:-

Q: Is the image stabilizer effective even for moving subjects? A: When tracking a fast-moving subject (planes, cars, etc.), hunting might occur. Such panning shots will take practice.

Q: Can the image stabilizer be used while taking pictures on a moving boat, plane, car, train, etc.?
A: If the camera shake is not too severe, it can be corrected.

AF/ MF mode switch body texture coating USM ring and lens designation of Canon EF 75-300mm IS zoom Image Stabilizer setting / control on Canon 75-300mm f/4.0~5.6 IS USM MK I
Q: When can't the image stabilizer be used? A: Turn off the image stabilizer before taking pictures in the following cases: 1. When using a tripod. (Using the image stabilizer while the camera is mounted on a tripod will cause the image stabilizer to misoperate.)

2. During bulb exposures. (Using the image stabilizer during a long exposure may cause the image to shift and blur.)

Q: Are there any other precautions for using the image stabilizer?
A: When the image stabilizer is turned on or off, the image may appear to shake in the viewfinder. This occurs when image-stabilizing lens group is unlocked and centered. It does not affect the actual picture. Also with certain EOS cameras, the image in the viewfinder may appear to shake in the following cases: 1. After a picture is taken. 2. While the camera's built-in flash recycles. 3. After a picture is taken in the DEP mode. This momentary image shake does not affect the actual picture. When the self-timer or EF-M is used with the EOS 55, the image stabilizer cannot be used.

Q: Is there any indication in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel when the image stabilizer is on?
A: Since the image stabilizer operation can be confirmed by looking at the image in the viewfinder, there is no indication in the viewfinder or on the LCD panel.

Q: What happens when the image stabilizer is not used?
A: The image-stabilizing lens group is centered and locked in place. The lens then becomes an ordinary 75-300mm zoom lens.

Q: Why does the image stabilizer still operate for a while even after the shutter button is released?
A: If the shutter button is pressed and released repeatedly within a short period of time, it would be inconvenient for the user if the image-stabilizing lens group locked in place immediately after the shutter button is released each time.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5~5.6 MK II IS USM tele-zoom lense metal plate shown Loading ......
Q: What is that snapping sound when the,image stabilizer is turned on and off ? A: It is the sound of the image-stabilizing lens group's locking mechanism.

Q: Why is it better to take the picture after waiting at least one second after pressing the shutter button halfway?
A: The gyro sensor's output need this much time to stabilize after the camera is turned on.

Q: What happens if the user cannot wait that long to take the picture after pressing the shutter button halfway?
A: Although the picture can be taken, the image stabilizer's maximum effect may not be obtained.

Q: When the image stabilizer is operating, there is a slight vibration. Does it affect the picture?
A: The slight vibration is due to the image-stabilizing lens group's high-speed control operation. It does not affect the picture.

Q: When the lens is shaken, there is a rattling sound. Does this pose any problem?
A: This is to prevent the image-stabilizing lens group from sticking. It does not degrade the optical performance.

Q: When Custom Function No. 4 is on, how does the image stabilizer turn on?
A: Pressing the AE lock button turns on the image stabilizer. With the EOS 55, pressing the shutter button halfway turns on the image stabilizer as usual and pressing the AE lock button activates the autofocus only.

Q: How different is this lens' image stabilizer from Nikon's Zoom 700VR image stabilizer?
A: The Nikon also has an image-stabilizing lens group and gyro sensor. However, the Nikon uses a coreless motor to drive the image-stabilizing lens group while the Canon lens uses a moving coil to drive the lens group directly. Also, the Nikon's telephoto focal length is 105mm. Since Canon lens' telephoto length is 300mm, the image stabilizer control is more precise.

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<<--- The 0.25-0.26X Magnification ratio of the range of Canon Tele-zoom is good enough for some detail works, if you wish to get in closer, add a telescopic tube (Extender) in between, it will works with Extension Tube EF25 (II) 0.39X-0.09X ; EF12 0.32X ~0.04X

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Q: How superior is the Canon lens compared to the Nikon Zoom 700VR? A: Since the image-stabilizing lens group is driven directly, the response is faster and it can correct camera shake over a wider frequency range.

Q: What is the camera shake correction range in degrees?
A: ±0.7*. (The Canon 12 x 361S binoculars is 0.9*.)
Q: What power source does the image stabilizer use?
A: The camera supplies all power.
Q: What is the power consumption?
A: If the image stabilizer is used for 10 sec. per picture, the battery life will be about.30 percent less than usual.

Q: What about the optical performance? Also, does the image stabilizer degrade the optical performance?
A: The optical performance is virtually the same as that of the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 11 USM lens. The image stabilizer does not degrade the optical performance.

Q: When the lens is not being used, must the Image Stabilizer switch be turned off?
A: When the camera is turned off, the image-stabilizing lens group locks. Therefore, the image Stabilizer switch need not be turned off.

Front lens element of Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5~5.6 MK II IS USM tele-zoom lense Loading ...... rear lens mount of Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.5~5.6 MK II IS USM tele-zoom lense Loading ......
Front and rear view of the revised Canon EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II IS USM telephoto-zoom lens version

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Technical Specification for Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 II IS USM Telephoto Zoom lens: -

Type: - Autofocus lens type with manual focusing mechanism as well as Image Stabilizer feature
Focal Length: Variable focal length from 75-300mm
Focus Adjustment:- Autofocus ; single zoom ring with manual focusing ring design
Manual Focusing:- possible via AF/M switch;
Zoom Adjustment:- via zoom ring rotating type; indicative zoom settings: 75mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm, 300mm
Closest Focusing Distance:- 1.5m (4.9ft); Maximum Magnification:- 0.26X @300mm; MACRO setting indicated
Drive System:- Micro-USM, FTM may not be possible; Distance Scales: Nil

Original lenscase Canon LH-D16 II

Original lens hood Canon ET-64II

Angle of View:- 27°~6°50' / 18° 11'~4° 35' / 32° 11'~8° 15'; Aperture range:- f/4.0 - f/32/f45
Number of Diaphragm Blades: - 8 blades; Minimum Aperture: - f/32~f/45
Filter rotation: no; Filter Attachment Size:- 58mm front mounting;
Lens construction:- 15 Elements in 10 Groups
Extenders: Usable but not advisable.
Others: - Extension Tube EF25 (II) 0.39X-0.09X ; EF12 0.32X ~0.04X
Diameter:- 138.2mm x 78.5mm (3.1" x 5.4");
Weight:- 650g (1.4 Ib)

MTF for original EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 IS USM WIDE angle MTF for original EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 IS USM TELEphoto angle Optical Contruction of Canon EF 75-300mm IS version
Accessories:- Lens Cap/pouch E-58U; lens hard case: LH-C16II or LH-D18B; lens Hood:- ET-64; Soft Case:- ES-C17; Gelatin Holder III: (5); Holder IV: (4); Other Canon general filters and macro accessories.

Status:
Discontinued.

Seperator line

Previous | NEXT | 3/6 The MK III of the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0~5.6 III (USM) telephoto zoom lenses (current version)

Canon 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 (1995) | EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II USM (1995) | EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 II IS USM | EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 III (1999) | EF 75-300mm f/4~5.6 III USM (1999) | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5~5.6 DO IS USM (2004) | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4~5.6 IS USM (MK II) (2005)

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