Budget Zoom Lens?

[Vogue]

Hi all,
I have a 1100d with 18-55mm kit lens and a 50mm 1.8. I am after a lens with more reach than the 55mm.
Will be used for outdoor photo's of my 5 yr old and general travel.
Now the problem is i only have a max of $500 to spend and while i know if i spend more i will get a much better lens $500 is all i have to spend.

A few options i came up with are:
Canon 55-250 f4-5.6 is stm
Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 is usm
Tamron 70-300 f4-5.6 di vc usd
Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 dg os

Any suggestions???
I have no plans to upgrade to a FF so ef-s lens are fine

[adza]

I've used the 55-250 and was quite happy with the result for the price. I've heard that the 70-300 can be softer, but not sure.

Can't comment on the Tamron or Sigma sorry. Hopefully some others here might be able to assist.

The 55-250 comes with kits, so it's possible you may be able to pick up a 'white box' version, or a brand new one that someone bought in a kit that doesn't want for a reasonable price.

[Fruengalli]

I started out with the kit 55-250 & was more than happy with the results.BUT I moved on & got a 70-200 F4 IS (which I will never sell) & it's a major step up but outside your budget. BUT I have seen on a certain on line auction place 70-200 NON IS for just a little more than your budget.Check the reviews. Both of these are right up there on Canons list of very sharp lenses.

[bricat]

I had the 55-250 IS lens (not STM) which sells with one of the sponsors for around $100.00 I found this lens to be quite good. If I were to chose from your options above I would go for the extra reach of the 70-300 IS lens. I am not familiar with this lens just the extra reach will come in handy. And at around $300.00 is well within your budget. I have bought from O/S many times and have not been disappointed. Cheers Brian PS The 55-250 IS STM is about $400.00 and quotes as being good for video if this is what you want to shoot.

[Burrster]

In my opinion the Tamron 70 -300 you listed looks very good on paper and would be the lens I would try if buying. I unfortunately have no hands on experience with it to know any more. I would also steer you towards a Canon 70 - 200 lens are they are top grade. I have the 70 -200 F4L IS USM and it's amazing.(but out of your budget I now)

[crafty1tutu]

I just purchased a Tamron 28-300 lens to use with my new FF Canon 5D Mk III as my favourite walk around lens (and travel lens) (Canon EF-s 18-200 3.5 lens) didn't fit the FF camera. I did search for a Canon lens with a similar range, but had no success and then someone mentioned the Tamron 28-300 lens. From what I have seen, the quality of the photos is really good and I am sure I will be happy with it when I travel again. I am pretty sure it will also fit crop sensor cameras and feel that it would be a great all purpose lens for what you have in mind.

[michaellxv]

I went through a similar search a few months ago and ended up with the Tamron 70-300 as one came up locally second hand for a reasonable price. I haven't had a lot of time to take it out but so far I am happy with my progress with it.

[Allan Ryan]

i have a tamron 70-300 ( the older version ) its useless. :(
I have heard the new version is much better.
unfortunately the Canon 70-200mm f4L starts around $620 or so from what i have seen.
these reviews might help you decide on what your after.....

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-Zoom-Lens-Reviews.aspx

[ameerat42]

Hi Vogue.
I have the Σ lens you mention. I was happy with it until I got the all-rounder 50-500. Just extra "r" on each end, you know:D.
But it's massive, and not a walkaround.
A friend has a Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 LD Tele-M macro (1:2). It's about <= 10 years old. I have used it and found it to be quite OK,
with little distortion and CA that I could see.

I do not know about other brands. You will have to research them.
Am.

[Ahyao17]

I am in the same boat, except my budget is about $300-400

From my research, it seems the 55-250mm STM have improved image quality than the 55-250mm IS II and is pretty much on par (some say better) with the canon 70-300 IS USM but price-wise these two are similar. The 70-300 IS USM is a much older lens but it is FF compatible whereas the 55-250mm STM is not. Build quality-wise the 70-300mm is much better (metal connector vs plastic connector).

Tamrom 70-300 VC version apparently is better than the other zoom lens you listed and is FF compatible. If you have the budget go for this.

I am personally still undecided, since the 55-250mm IS II can be bought for fairly cheap brand new and I dont know if I will use zoom lens that much. Perhaps I will hunt around for a second hand canon 70-300L or 70-200mm F4L which fall in the price range, but then again, wishful thinking.

[Roosta]

Personally, I'd wait and save a few extra bucks and get the Canon 70 - 200mm F4 L and a Third party (kenko or the like) 1.4TC.

The Tele Convertor will work, but the F-Stop will go out to minimum F5.6. This will give you focal reach at the long end of 280 MM at F5.6, you will need to play with your ISO setting (Increase It Slighty) for better light capture, but the lens is far superior than any other on your list, and second hand they're going for just over your bracket.

Hit Gumtree and the likes, Camera Supermarket and so forth every day.

Or not >>