Lens Advice

[stokecity_m]

Ok guys i'm on a budget of around £150 to get a new lens.
I currently only own a 18-55mm Canon lens, and i'm looking to get something around the 250mm+ range.

What would you guys recommend?
Would IS or similar be good to have?

Thanks.

 

[pearce_jj]

55-250 IS then.

 

[stokecity_m]

55-250 IS then.

that's what I've been looking at - and it ticks all the boxes i need, just wondering if there is any other brands for an alternative.

 

[pearce_jj]

It's well regarded, will hold it's value, and does what you want - simple

 

[stokecity_m]

It's well regarded, will hold it's value, and does what you want - simple

if only women came like that too

 

[pearce_jj]

lol

 

[clicktor]

My friend has that lens. What can I say, it's a 55-250 IS lens. Great useable focal length for the money but won't blow you away IQ wise. At the long end will also be soft. You could look at spending a bit more and going down the third party lens route? Only thing is, a lot of people end up buying cheap first telephoto and after a few uses just wishing they had saved and bought better first time round. Anyway good luck with your decision

 

[stokecity_m]

The only trouble i'm having is finding one for £150 outside of ebay

 

[Chaz Photos]

55-250 IS then.

Need more then £150 for one new, you might look at the Sigma 70-300 APO also a little more £'s

 

[stokecity_m]

Need more then £150 for one new, you might look at the Sigma 70-300 APO also a little more £'s

loads selling on ebay brand new for £150

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

I've got a 75-300mm III USM for sale at the moment.

Some people don't rate it but have a look at the photos I've taken with it:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nova_rick/sets/72157614963701858/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nova_rick/sets/72157613488982891/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nova_rick/sets/72157614888574207/

I think it's a great lens, has an extra 50mm on the long end, but it is missing IS though

 

[stokecity_m]

well i guess it comes down to either the 55-255mm IS canon or the 75-300mm III USM.

which do you guys think is the best?

 

[maarten.dhaese]

If you need to choose between a tele lens with IS and one without, personally I would choose the one with IS since it's incredibly useful to have.

You will be able to use the IS lens in a lot more situations and at lower shutter speeds than the non-IS lens.

 

[pearce_jj]

I don't think the 75-300 offers any advantage other than full-frame coverage TBH. Also 250-300mm isn't much, same ratio at 45-55 on your kit lens.

 

[HoppyUK]

EF-S 55-250 IS

Used EF 70-300 IS

EF 75-300 :thumbsdown:

 

[Uneducated_Rick]

Sorry Hoppy, I've never used a 55-200 so can't compare it but I don't agree that the 70-300 IS is that much better than the 75-300mm, especially not considering it is 3 times the price.

Did you look at the examples I listed above?

 

[pearce_jj]

....so good yours is for sale...

 

[chris321]

I have the 70-300 IS, and it's an awesome lens. Having used it with the IS switched off, unless I can use a support, I'll never be looking at a telephoto without IS again, it really does make a difference past 200mm!

If you can't afford the 70-300, and have no plans to go full-frame any time soon, the 55-250 IS is very highly regarded, with image quality considered generally better if not as good as the budget 70-300s.

 

[HoppyUK]

Sorry Hoppy, I've never used a 55-200 so can't compare it but I don't agree that the 70-300 IS is that much better than the 75-300mm, especially not considering it is 3 times the price.

Did you look at the examples I listed above?

If you only look at pictures on screen, or make small prints (and I think that is all a lot of people do) then most lenses will do very well. If you play to their strengths, shoot at mid-range apertures with the subject mainly in the centre, then any lens will deliver good quality.

But if you make bigger enlargements, at low f/numbers, and edge and corner detail is important, then you will see the difference.