Which tele lens?

[howitzer]

Hello!

I've just taken delivery of a nice new 550D and have decided I would like a fairly decent telephoto lens to go with it, so I'm looking for some recommendations in the £400 or below range.

I've got a Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4.5 DC Macro which lives on the camera most of the time and I'm pretty happy with (although it is a weighty beast), so would like something to pick up where this stops (but a little overlap wouldn't be the worst thing in the world).

I wish I could afford L series glass, but I'm afraid there's just no way at the moment. I'm going to borrow my dad's Canon 70-300 IS USM for a bit to see how I get on with it, but he says it gets a bit soft above 200mm, is this much of an issue?

Thanks for any advice, I really do appreciate it.

Edit: Doing some research and the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 SP Di VC USD looks pretty good, anyone got any experience with it?

 

[andyred]

Hi

The 70-300IS is a great lens esp for the money. Have a go with your dads and see what you think.

The other option you have if you don't need / want the 200-300 mm reach is the 70-200F4 L lens. This is an absolute belter of a lens, but you do loose the extra 100mm reach. You should be able to pick one up for slightly more than your budget new or in budget 2nd hand.

Hope this is of some help

 

[Craft]

55-250 ? well under budget and its a good lens - I'd say unbeatable, you might just be able to get an 85mm prime with the rest of the budget ?

 

[Gazamonk]

I couldn't decide between the 70-200 f4L or the 70-300is USM a while back. Tried both and the L lens is really nice but between 70 to 200 the "is USM" is superb as well and unless your pixel peeping past 200 up to 300 or printing massive prints its not an issue and the image stabiliser and extra 100mm won it for me and I am very happy with it. The only downside is the rotating front element if you are a polariser or grad filter user.


Addendum: Just read Crafts post, I also have the 55-250 on my 500d (previously on my 450d) and they are a great combo, for the cash it is probably the best bang for your buck money can buy in any brand.

 

[P-Chan]

go for the 70-200 F4 any day.

Had the 70-300 IS and was awesome until 200 after that :razz:

I sold it eventually and got me the 70-200 f4IS. When i get back money wise (IS version is way more exp then the non IS) I will get me a teleconvertor

 

[howitzer]

Thanks guys, lots to think about.

I'll go visit the parents and pinch my dad's 70-300 IS, then i'll take it in to town and compare it to the tamron as it's been getting some great reviews. The L would be nice, but I think I'd be happier with the extra 100mm and IS that the canon and tamron provide (I may live to regret it, but there's only one way to find out!)

Thanks again guys, if I go for the tamron I'll let you all know what it's like as there doesn't seem to be much mention of it on here so far.