Need advice....return lens?

[Liz]

I have a Canon 70-300 IS lens which is a great lens. I get sharp images with great color. It's way better than the older 75-300 IS - no comparison actually.

Here is the problem. I read that many people who own this lens have a "portrait problem" with it. In other words they get fine results except when using portrait mode in the longer end. The problem is apparently build quality - the weight of the lens when extended and in portrait mode makes the lens sort of "wobble" for want of a better description. The result is always a very soft or blurred image in this mode at the long end.

Although I don't have this problem "yet" people have complained that after use, this problem has evolved even with lenses who haven't had the problem.

Up until the past week Canon has denied a problem. However, now if you call Canon or an official Canon repair, they will either replace the lens (?) or give you a refund if you have the receipt.

I don't want to give up this lens. However, I haven't had a chance to use it a lot yet, and intended to this summer. I'm happy with it now, but won't be happy if my lens gets this problem. On the other hand, I don't do a lot of portraits. However, the 70-300 is a relatively new Canon lens, so how do we know that it might even develop a worse problem with more use. I don't know how long Canon will offer refunds.

Another thing is that some people who own or used the Canon 70-200/f4L lens have stated that the 70-300 is comparable and even sharper with better color, and have sold their 70-200 for the 70-300. I'm quite amazed at the image quality of this non-L lens.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks.

Liz

[Trevor Ash]

Are you satisfied with the quality of it now? If so, keep it and don't fret. That's my thought.

[greghalliday]

I have a Tamron lens that wobbles at 300mm. I can count on one hand the times I have taken portraits at 300mm. Your's should be fine.

Altough the 70-300 is indeed a nice one, anyone who has traded in a 70-200L lens for the 70-300 has something wrong with them.

[walterick]

Moved into Helpfiles per Liz's request. Good luck Liz!

[another view]

300mm is pretty long to hand-hold at less than 1/500 - maybe 1/125 with IS, but I think I'd try it tripod-mounted without IS at 1/500. You would need to be outside on a sunny day (not very good light, but just a test) or bump the ISO up but that wouldn't be my first choice. Shoot carefully and see what the files look like.

Honestly, I think most of the reported problems on forums are a good "heads up" but often not worth much other than that. It's good to know that there might be a situation and you can test it out to see if it works properly. If not, there's a way to fix it. I wouldn't worry too much - how long is your warranty?