Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM VS Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS II USM

[hashcake]

Has anyone had any experience with both these lenses?
One review said the the earlier version was sharper than the MKII version.
The IS USM MKI sells for a reasonable price in the used market so I'm wondering if the MKII is worth the extra cost and the hood for it is a rip off (£50+).

 

[ABTog]

I can't comment on the new one, but I've had two copies of the Mk1 and both were lacking in sharpness and AF speed. It's now quite an old lens (introduced in 2005, vs 2016 for the Mk2) and so the optical design and lens coatings aren't as good as newer designs)
The Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC equivalent (came out in 2010) is certainly better than the Mk1 in terms of AF speed and possibly contrast and sharpness too. Secondhand they seem to be similar prices (ie under £200).
What camera are you putting it on? If it's a crop sensor, then that will use the centre portion of the glass which is generally sharper and thus the images will look a little better than using the same lens on a full frame body.
If £200 is your budget, then I'd go for the Tamron. If you can afford the Mk2 Canon, then get that.

 

[simonbarker]

The II has a very fast AF system, I'm adapting it to Sony yet it almost feels like a native lens.

I did a brief comparison to the L and it held up pretty well, the L is better across the entire frame but it's close enough that the reduced cost, weight, size and faster AF of the II made it the better choice for my needs.

You can buy used or third party hoods at reasonable prices.

 

[hashcake]

I've had two copies of the Mk1 and both were lacking in sharpness and AF speed. It's now quite an old lens (introduced in 2005, vs 2016 for the Mk2) and so the optical design and lens coatings aren't as good as newer designs)
The Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC equivalent (came out in 2010) is certainly better than the Mk1 in terms of AF speed and possibly contrast and sharpness too. Secondhand they seem to be similar prices (ie under £200).
What camera are you putting it on?

I know the Canon MK1 has been around for a while and I didn't think about Tamron. I've previously owned two of their other lenses and I was happy with them.
I'm using a Canon 650D.
I'll check out the used market for the Tamron, the reviews seem quite good.
Although having said that the price for a new one is quite reasonable.