Will I Miss The Extra 50mm For Wildlife?

rjmartin

rjmartin

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Rob
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Hey Everyone :)

Over the last few days I have been considering which of the two lenses I had in mind to buy. I started a thread on here because I couldn't decide and the vote was pretty much unanimous - go for the Canon 55-250mm over the Sigma 70-300mm APO (I am after a budget telephoto lens as I am a student.) Now I have decided to go for the Canon but the only thing that keeps bugging me is the extra 50mm I could have on the Sigma - I will be photograping wildlife ....

Has anybody used a 55-250mm and a 70-300mm - is there a vast difference? Will I miss the extra length? I know the Canon has the IS and most people agree is a better lens but I just wanted to be sure.

Many Thanks for your help :)

Cheers, Rob
 
I haven't used the 55-250, but if the IQ is better on the Canon you will be able to crop to the same FOV as the Sigma so no you won't miss it. The IS will help you get a lot of images that the Sigma will miss due to camera shake unless on a tripod.
 
Thanks for the replies :)

So I can get some good wildlife photos with 250mm?
 
rjmartin said:
Thanks for the replies :)

So I can get some good wildlife photos with 250mm?
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It depends what constitutes wildlife, and how close you could get to it.

To me x-300 is zoo range. Most wildlife really starts at 400mm, but hey there is plenty to do even with 100mm Macro.
 
Why not go for a 70-300 with IS and then you can stop wondering if you'll miss the 50mm?
 
my mate has the 55-250 and its by far the best VFM telephoto 5.6 with the IS at 250mm(400mm in old money) is pretty decent in daylight..

here is one of his shots, 450d, 250mm, 5.6, iso400, cropped in a bit

5283605877_167e28380c_z.jpg
 
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woof woof said:
Why not go for a 70-300 with IS and then you can stop wondering if you'll miss the 50mm?
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Because our friend is a student on a tight budget. I currently use the Canon 55-250mm for wildlife and I would concur with most of the comments above. It's an excellent lens for most wildlife work.

Stay well away from longish zooms without image stabilisation systems unless you have strong arms and very steady hands.
 
alexhcowley said:
Because our friend is a student on a tight budget. I currently use the Canon 55-250mm for wildlife and I would concur with most of the comments above. It's an excellent lens for most wildlife work.

Stay well away from longish zooms without image stabilisation systems unless you have strong arms and very steady hands.
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Ah, I see and understand, £200 cheaper and seems like a bargain. There's also the Tamron 55-200mm, shorter and no IS but it gets rave reviews and is only £105.
 
Many Thanks for the replies - I eventually went with the Canon 55-250mm - have used it a couple of times already (including at Slimbridge over the weekend) and so far I am very impressed :)
 
Looks like I am a bit late in replying, but just wanted to add...I have used both of these lenses, and I would have recommened the Canon.
On the siggy, 250-300 was very soft, and so i found myself not going beyond 250.

have fun with your new toy!
 
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