Developed to succeed the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 II, which was marketed in 1995, this compact, lightweight high- magnification telephoto zoom lens covers medium telephoto 75 mm to super telephoto 300mm. Like the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM, it has a metal ring at the front of the zoom ring to give it an upscale image. It uses a DC motor as AF drive actuator. The optical system and controls are the same as those of the EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM. For environmental protection, only lead-free glass lens elements are used.