Howdy all

[The Adversary]

I have just purchased a 550d with the 18 to 55 kit lens. I also have the 50mm f18.Ive been having a lot of fun learning how to fly it. I have now decided that i might get a bigger zoom,perhaps something like the Tamron SP AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD and was wondering if anybody here has this lens and what they think of it. Cheers

[pcbermagui]

I'm a big fan of the Tamron SP series lenses, they have been consistently good for years as in "pro grade". In comparison there regular none SP lenses are mechanically troublesome I've been told by my Brother and another photographer friend who both use them. Both the standard and SP's are, as a rule brilliant optically.
cheers pcbermagui

[Bromeo]

For me, when looking at third party lenses, I rate them as following:

(Only lenses specifically made for EF mount, not adaptable)
Zeiss
Tokina
Sigma
Tamron

That's obviously in order of best to wurst.