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Canon 70-300mm f/4

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM is a consumer-grade telephoto zoom for EF-mount Canon SLR and DSLR bodies, offering a variable maximum aperture across its 70–300mm range. It combines Image Stabilization with an Ultrasonic Motor for autofocus, and was aimed at enthusiast photographers wanting a single lens for wildlife, sports and portrait reach.

At recent UK auction, hammer prices for this lens have spanned £45 to £210, with a median around £80 — a working guide to what a clean copy is worth at saleroom level in 2026. Tidy, fully functional examples have fetched £190–£210, while scruffier or untested bodies have sold for as little as £45–£60, so condition and working IS are the main value drivers. These are wholesale hammer results rather than retail asking prices, and the lens typically sells for noticeably more through dealers and online marketplaces.

Variants

Select a variant to filter the sales history below.

Variant Years Edition Sales Price Range
f/4-5.6 — — 8 £45 – £210
f/4-5.6L — — 0 —
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Sales History

Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.

Prices updated: January 2026

Date Price Source Variant
Jan 2026 £81 Flints Auctions f/4-5.6
Jul 2025 £45 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
May 2025 £60 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
May 2025 £220 Tennants Auctioneers —
Oct 2024 £190 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
Jun 2024 £210 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
Feb 2024 £90 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
Jun 2023 £50 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6
Jun 2023 £80 Special Auction Services f/4-5.6

Frequently asked questions

What is a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM worth today?

Based on UK auction hammer results, typical value sits around £80, with clean working copies reaching £190–£210 and rougher examples trading from £45.

How much does a Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM sell for at UK auction?

Recent sales range from £45 to £210 at the hammer, with the median price close to £80 depending on optical and mechanical condition.

Why do prices vary so much for this lens?

The main drivers are working Image Stabilization, smooth USM autofocus, and clear glass; lenses with fungus, haze or a faulty IS unit sell for a fraction of a clean example's value.

Is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM still a good buy?

At a typical UK auction price of around £80, it remains an affordable telephoto zoom for EF-mount Canon DSLRs, provided the IS and autofocus are confirmed working.

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