canon zoom lenses....?

nickjohnwatson

nickjohnwatson

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Hiya everyone, I've recently bought a 550d with the standard kit lens and looking for a bit more versatility in the way of a zoom lens. Not looking for an L series lens but the 2 I have in mind are either the 55-250 Is or the 70-300 IS usm, will be used for aeroplanes and some bird/wildlife photos. I did borrow my dads 70-200 f4l which gave some lovely pictures but not long enough zoom really, any advice would be greatly appreciated, what are people's opinions of these 2? Thanks :-)
 
If you can afford the 70-300 and don't mind the extra weight then buy the 70-300. If you are on a tighter budget or want a lighter lens buy the 55-250.

Both lenses seem to have similar IQ, you gain a more substantial build and much better AF with the 70-300 for the extra cash.
 
nickjohnwatson said:
Hiya everyone, I've recently bought a 550d with the standard kit lens and looking for a bit more versatility in the way of a zoom lens. Not looking for an L series lens but the 2 I have in mind are either the 55-250 Is or the 70-300 IS usm, will be used for aeroplanes and some bird/wildlife photos. I did borrow my dads 70-200 f4l which gave some lovely pictures but not long enough zoom really, any advice would be greatly appreciated, what are people's opinions of these 2? Thanks :-)
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OK accept budget not going to stretch to L series lenses, but what sort of budget do you have in mind. Other questions, what type of aviation, airshow, airports, what type of wildlife. You mentioned 70-200mm f4 wasn't long enough, you won't see much difference with the 55-250mm, 70-300mm IS, yes over the 70-200mm, but for wildlife (birds), aviation you are really talking about 300mm + OK don't want to break bank balances, have you considered used equipment, you'll get more for your $$$ and as long as you do abit of research on the seller or use one of the reputable 2nd hand dealers, mpb photographic (advertises on TP) then you shouldn't go wrong.
 
Thanks for the replies :-) as far as aviation goes its really just airshows and the occasional planespotting at the bottom of Newcastle runway, wildlife will be mostly birds I'm not going to be going to Africa any time soon so won't need anything mega! Loads of decent reviews of the 70-300 is usm, looks like the one. On the other hand if I got the 55-250 I could get a 50mm 1.8 to mess about with with the leftover cash lol.
 
70-300 is nice, nothing amazing but better build and the IS is great
what about a stablised 3rd party lens. quite impressed with the sigma APO and Tamron 70-300 offerings if you want to save some cash

you can't put a teleconverter on most of these lenses though. there are exceptions but I don't know which ones
 
With bird photography you really need as much zoom as you can get. The two lenses you have found are both very good but not ideal for what you want to shoot. I would see if you can give one of the lenses a try and if possible compare it to something like the sigma 150-500.
 
+1 for above. I got a 150-500 in january and it's excellent for aviation and wildlife. If you can get a good second hand one it's well worth it.
 
Get the Tamron 70-300 VC as it's way better value than the Canon IS version which is only very marginally better in a few areas but a good £100 more expensive.
 
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