Canon Lens Question/Advice

[Pajo]

Hi,
fairly new to this photo lark, but have a new 450D with stock lens.

Saw an ad local for this lens: (about £60)

Canon 75-300 EF Lens f4.5-5.6 EF

He said it is in mint condition, it's not USM and "as far as he knows " it is a mark 3.

For the price, I thought it wouldn't be too bad for a play around.

Anything I need to know before I meet him.
i.e how do I know it's a Mk 3 , if indeed Mk3 is better
Is it worth getting, as I would only use it rarely etc.
Any other advice before I part my dosh, and he vanishes into the night.

 

[4hero]

hello,

He's correct that the lens doesn't have usm. £60 isn't too bad as it'll cost you £190 new.

One thing I would say (I've not used this exact lens) but had the 55-200 (very similar except for length). I found the build quality a little shabby, plastic case, and was quite slow at focusing, it took ok shots though.

What would you be using the lens for? The 55-200 was no good for motorsport

 

[RobDickinson]

I have an old mkI of that and its most dissapointing, dunno if the mkIII is much better?

 

[Pajo]

wouldn't mind if it wasn't absolutely perfect as I'll rarely use it, but if it was absolute crap, I would leave it.

 

[RobDickinson]

Heres a selection of good shots from mine.

Forget (auto) focusing on anything that moves....

nb - About 20 or so worth keeping out of about 270 on a very well lit sunny day at the zoo:

with chainlink fence in the way:

To compare, my sigma 70-200f2.8 with 2.0tc:

 

[Pajo]

Thanks m8, some nice shots there.
If the seller turns up, I'll probably take it, I'm sure I would always get at least 40 quid for it on ebay, so it won't break the bank to have a play.