Choosing between camera lenses filters for a Canon camera can come down to a simple tradeoff: do you want the far-reaching 420-800mm focal-length range of a manual-focus lens, or a 70-300mm Canon EF lens with Auto & Manual focus? These two telephoto zooms cover distinctly different shooting preferences, filter sizes, and conditions.
Quick verdict
Pick the 420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS DSLR Camera 5D3 800D 70D when the 420-800mm range and manual operation are the priorities. Its listed price is the lower of the pair, and it is listed in new condition.
Choose the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens when a 70-300mm range and Auto & Manual focus type better fit your plans. It is listed in open-box condition. The listed price spread between the two lenses is $182.42.
At-a-glance comparison
| Detail | 420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 72.58 | USD 255.00 |
| Focal length | 420-800mm | 70-300mm |
| Aperture in title | f/8.3 | f/4-5.6 |
| Condition | New | Open box |
| Compatible filter size | 67 mm | 58 mm |
Where each lens stands out
The 420-800mm f/8.3 has the new-condition advantage. It also lists an aluminum exterior, optical glass with multi-layer MC coating, and distance and diaphragm scales on the lens barrel. Those details make it the more fitting pick for someone specifically seeking a new, manually operated super-telephoto zoom.
The Canon EF 70-300mm is the focus-flexibility choice. Its focus type is listed as Auto & Manual, while the 420-800mm is listed as Manual. The Canon lens title also includes the EF and IS USM designations, which may be meaningful if those are the lens terms you are seeking.
Product notes
420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS DSLR Camera 5D3 800D 70D
This lens is a compelling match for a photographer whose priority is the long focal-length coverage named in its title. Beyond the stated 420-800mm range, the description calls out an aluminum alloy body, multi-layer MC coating, and engraved distance and diaphragm scales. It is also listed new, which distinguishes it from the open-box Canon lens. The key limitation is central to its design: focus type is Manual. That makes this lens better suited to shoppers who specifically want to set focus themselves rather than those seeking an Auto & Manual focus type. Its 67 mm compatible filter size is another practical specification to keep in mind when matching accessories.
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
The Canon EF 70-300mm is the stronger fit when Auto & Manual focus is the deciding feature. Its stated 70-300mm focal-length range covers a different span than the 420-800mm lens, and its f/4-5.6 designation is also distinct from the f/8.3 designation on the other lens. The EF and IS USM wording in the title gives this Canon lens a clearly defined identity for shoppers looking for that particular model naming. Its limitation is condition: it is listed as open box rather than new. The 58 mm compatible filter size is smaller than the 67 mm size listed for the 420-800mm, so filter compatibility should follow the individual lens rather than carry over between them.
Final choice by use case
Choose the 420-800mm f/8.3 Super Telephoto Zoom Lens if a 420-800mm focal-length range and manual-focus shooting are your goals. Choose the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM if you prefer its 70-300mm range and Auto & Manual focus type, with open-box condition acceptable for your purchase.
