Which cheap lens(es)?

[Ajf350d]

My Dad has had my old Canon EOS 350d and wants to get a lens or two.
He has tried some of mine and has decided something within the range of 17-200mm is what he needs.
Price is important. I would suggest absolute maximum of £250.

I am not sure what to suggest.

So far he has looked at:
Canon 18-55mm is
Canon 17-85mm is
Canon 18-135mm is (not stm)
Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC

I've suggested the 18-270 or similar is too much in one lens and will lead to image compromises. The 17-85mm seems to get decent reviews, but then what other lens to reach to 200mm?
Used is also a possibility - the Tamron I saw on mpb photographic.

Any advice welcome.

 

[wontolla]

Canon 18-55mm is - Standard kit lens, you can do better than this, but ok if pushed.

Canon 17-85mm is - Better than above, but can suffer from interior cable breakage (early ones) but get a good copy and it's not bad.

Canon 18-135mm is (not stm) - Never used this one so no personal view, however lots of users like it.

Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC - Didn't like this one at all, never got on with it, never got a decent image. Might have been a bad copy, but got rid ASAP.
If I was starting out again, the first lens I'd go for would be the Canon 55-250mm IS. I have just sold mine because I haven't used it in a long time, but loved that lens.
Lots of good reviews on here and elsewhere ontinterweb.

 

[Ajf350d]

Thank you for that.
I will look at the 55-250mm for him then. Maybe pair it with the 17-85mm - this would most likely be a new one so shouldn't have the problem you mention?
He definitely wants the lower end of the range primarily so if there are better alternatives there let me know - price permitting.

 

[wontolla]

Thank you for that.
I will look at the 55-250mm for him then. Maybe pair it with the 17-85mm - this would most likely be a new one so shouldn't have the problem you mention?
He definitely wants the lower end of the range primarily so if there are better alternatives there let me know - price permitting.

Your welcome.
As you say, a new one shouldn't have that problem, but Canon refused to acknowledge there was a problem, probably didn't want everyone returning them for repair.
Please check though before you buy.
The 350d is a very capable camera, quite a lot of the Togs on here were weaned on one. It was my first 'Proper' DSLR and now my Granddaughter has it for her College work, and just got her Photography Pass.
It fits her hands better than it did mine, I had to use a grip!

 

[andyred]

I'd certainly recommend the Canon 55-250 IS (mkI or II - virtually same lens) as well. It's a belter of a lens for the money - my daughter has one and gets great results with it.

With regards to other lenses, the 18-55 IS is worth a look at if funds are limited, the 17-85 IS again, better than the 18-55 and you should be able to pick one up with the 55-250 within your proposed budget.

If you can stretch a little more, the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 gets a very good following and is certainly an upgrade on the other 2, but is probably around £180 (for non VC version) 2nd hand. You could pick up a 55-250 for £80-100, so a slight increase in budget (or sticking lucky with prices) should see him set up very nicely.

Hope its of help ...