Quick verdict
Two Canon zooms, one decision. The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II is a compact standard zoom for everyday photography. The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Lens is the longer option, made for pulling distant subjects into frame. If you need a general walk-around lens, the 18-55mm is the practical choice. If your subject tends to be far away, the 75-300mm brings the reach you cannot get from the shorter zoom. Both lenses include auto and manual focus, so focus control does not separate them. The right choice depends on where your subjects usually are.
Lens comparison
The two listed lenses differ most clearly in how far they can reach.
| Lens | Listed price | Relative price | Condition | Focal length | Max aperture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II | USD 49.99 | Used | 18-55mm | f/3.5-5.6 | |
| Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto | USD 94.93 | Open box | 75-300mm | f/4.0-5.6 |
Where each lens wins
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II wins for close-to-midrange flexibility. It starts wider than the telephoto and ends at a short-telephoto view, making it easier to compose rooms, landscapes, and everyday scenes.
- Canon EF 75-300mm Telephoto wins for long-distance reach. Its range lets you frame subjects that the shorter zoom cannot bring close enough, which matters most outdoors.
Product notes
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
This standard zoom is the pick for everyday flexibility. It starts at a wide angle and reaches a short-telephoto view, so it can move from wider scenes to closer subjects without changing lenses. At 0.44 lbs., it is light enough for extended carrying. The item is listed as used, and the item description notes it is in very good condition with little to no signs of wear. The main limitation is that the purchase is lens only, so you are not getting extra accessories in the box. If you want one compact zoom for general walk-around use without needing extreme telephoto reach, this is the easier of the two to carry.
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 Telephoto Lens for Canon EF Mount
The telephoto is the pick when you need more magnification. It has the longest telephoto range in this head-to-head and is offered as an open-box item. The description says the original packaging may be missing and the item may be a factory second. That condition caveat is the main reason to be comfortable with an open-box purchase before deciding on this lens. If your typical subject is far across a field, down a trail, or beyond the first few rows of a venue, the telephoto's reach is what makes it worth choosing when distance is the priority.
Final choice by use case
Choose the EF-S 18-55mm IS II for everyday photography, group scenes, and subjects within a comfortable distance. Choose the EF 75-300mm Telephoto when your subject is far enough that the shorter zoom cannot fill the frame. The $44.94 price gap between the two listed lenses is the concrete tradeoff to weigh: you are paying more for the longer focal-length range, and you should use that extra reach or it will not earn its place in your bag. The deciding question is simple: can you get close enough, or do you need the lens to close the distance for you?
