Which Zoom Lens?

[MTaylor]

Hi all,

I have been using my 18-55 kit lens for a little while now and I'm looking to invest in another lens (second hand)

I'd mainly be using it for Wildlife and Sports photography, so I'm not too sure what I would need. I'm under the understanding that since I have a crop sensor I will get much more zoom out of the lens?

I've looked at 75-300mm and 55-250mm lenses, and I think I can pick a cheap second hand one up for about £80, which is around my budget to be honest.

IF anyone can shed some light on this, and maybe point me in the right direction I'd be eternally greatful!

Thanks in advance,

Matt

 

[artyman]

Both will be a little too short for wildlife unless you are really close, for wildlife I would consder 400mm the absolute minimum with 500 or even 600 being preferable. Unfortunately length costs money and for the budget you mention you are going to be limited to something like you mentioned. The 55-250 has a good reputation. You might want to look at a wireless shutter trigger so you can set the camera up and fire from a distance that won't scare the wildlife, have a look on eBay.

 

[gblades]

Agree. If you wanted something better then he sigma 150-500 is a popular choice but beyond your budget.

 

[MTaylor]

Hi all,

I've done some more research today and I need your opinions on what lens would be the best.

Canon 55-250, Tamron 70-300 or Sigma 70-300. The reason for me looking at the Tamron and Sigma is because they have macro function.

Aside from this I need a little bit more advice lol. I have £130 to spend, and I could also do with a new backup tripod, something like a Hanhel. Should I just spend the £130 on a lens and save up for a tripod seperately (whilst saving for a wedding lol) or do I use the £130 to buy a cheaper lens like the Tamron or Sigma and have enough left over for the tripod.

I really dont know what to do lol

 

[pete.rush]

When these budget zooms say macro capabilities, its abit of false advertising, just looked up your tamron 70-300mm, minimum focus distance 1.5m from subject, where as the sigma is abit better at 95cm, but a dedicated macro lens allows much closer focusing, so forget the macro in the lens title (its abit of a con) as most lenses would work within this minimum focal distance.

Use as much of your budget as you can on the lens, personally I would go used, abit more lens for your ££. Personally, I would save your money and buy a better lens, especially if you want something for motorsport and wildlife, budget of around £400 for a used sigma 120-400mm might be more suitable

 

[magicaxeman]

Pete, your quoting the specs for the more expensive SP tamron, the poster is talking about the cheaper 70-300 which focus's much closer (0.95M or 3.1 ft) and has a 1:2 macro setting.

If your budget is tight then the tamron is worth a look, I have one and its proved to be a great little lens for the money and better than the sigma equivalent I had.

Here's a couple of recent shots taken hand held through double glazing with the Tamron 70-300, 300mm @ F5.6 1/320th - 1/400th second at ISO 800.

They aren't that bad for a £120 lens.