Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

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taylorman22
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p.1 #1 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

Can you guys make some recommendations for a decent canon zoom lens? I'm looking for something used for around $300. Something up to 200 or 300mm. Is the 55-250 still the best bang for the buck or should I be looking at a 70-300 or 75-300? I'd be using it to take pics of my family at te playground, park, etc, as well as some wildlife.

Dec 29, 2012 at 08:07 PM

Gunzorro
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p.1 #2 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

If you are staying with the crop sensor, yes, the 55-250 is the most cost effective lens for quality and range.

None of these sub-$300 lenses are great for image quality, from a professional standpoint, but for hobbyist and video they are fine and will last you a good while.

I used the 18-55 IS II and the 55-250 IS on the T2i when I had it a few years ago, primarily for video. Both work very well for the need I had at that time.

Dec 29, 2012 at 08:14 PM

Scott Stoness
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p.1 #3 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

55-250 is the best long lens for low price. I had the 75-300 (under $300) and did not like it. I have the 70-300 IS and it is okay - but cheaply built for $800 ( I use it for canoing and kayaking where there is risk of overturn). I was not happy with iq until 100-400L, but 55-250 is good to get your feet wet.

My view is to buy the 55-250 and save until you can afford the 100-400L IS, which is the next evolution in long lens.

The evolution should be 55-250 to 100-400 to 500f4II as you get more serious and inherit more money.

Scott

Dec 29, 2012 at 08:23 PM

riokid
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p.1 #4 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

If you can find the "L" version of the Canon 100~300mm that would give you the best image quality. It sounds like a coffee grinder and works like a trombone. There was one on the B&S board not too long ago.

Good luck

dan

Dec 29, 2012 at 09:48 PM

skibum5
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p.1 #5 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

taylorman22 wrote:
Can you guys make some recommendations for a decent canon zoom lens? I'm looking for something used for around $300. Something up to 200 or 300mm. Is the 55-250 still the best bang for the buck or should I be looking at a 70-300 or 75-300? I'd be using it to take pics of my family at te playground, park, etc, as well as some wildlife.

tamron 70-300 VC if you can manage $50 over budget. It's on rebate for $349 at many reputable dealers. It seems to be on rebate very often too.

Dec 29, 2012 at 10:05 PM

coppertop
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p.1 #6 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

The Sigma 75-300mm APO used to be a steal of a deal. Wasn't the fastest lens around but captured nice, sharp images. Not even sure if it's still around.

Dec 29, 2012 at 10:31 PM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #7 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I'll give another vote for the Tamron 70-300 VC.
2nd would be the canon Canon 70-300 IS
3rd the EFs 55-250

Older stuff:
canon 70-210 (not the f4 model) or the 100-300L

Dec 29, 2012 at 11:03 PM

skibum5
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p.1 #8 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

coppertop wrote:
The Sigma 75-300mm APO used to be a steal of a deal. Wasn't the fastest lens around but captured nice, sharp images. Not even sure if it's still around.

doesn't touch the tamron 70-300 VC (or 70-300 IS from canon), that used to be the one to get before the canon 70-300 IS and now the tamron 70-300 vc, but it's not match for the new ones (although it did easily be the old canon 75-300 IS and such)

Dec 29, 2012 at 11:06 PM

Dudewithoutape
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p.1 #9 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I agree with what the others have said. I'm just going to list some prices to help you out.

The Tamron VC can be fas for $350 new after rebate.
The Canon 70-300mm IS can be had ~$300 locally. Canon was packaging these in a lot of camera body + lens deals in the past year, you should be able to find one in mint or new condition for around $300.

I haven't used the above two on a crop body, but I wasn't that impressed with the Canon 70-300mm IS on full frame. Now I don't mean to start anything, but my copy of the 55-250mm is as sharp as my 70-200mm 2.8L Non-IS at all equivalent apertures. It doesn't open up as wide, nor have USM, but it does have IS, which is nice and can be useful. My version of the L is very very old (96 as I recall), so that may be why. But no joke, I love my 55-250mm.

Dec 29, 2012 at 11:25 PM

dwweiche
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p.1 #10 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

He he. Dude, get your 70-200 checked out

. When I compared my 100-400L to my 55-250 at equivalent focal lengths and apertures, the difference was stark. I guess my 55-250 could have been a stinker, but more likely the 7X cost lens was just better.

Dec 29, 2012 at 11:36 PM

dwweiche
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p.1 #11 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

Also, note I'm currently on Scott's upgrade path. 55-250, then 100-400L, and if money were to fall from the sky, I would get a 500 II in a heartbeat!

Dec 29, 2012 at 11:39 PM

racoll
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p.1 #12 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

Dudewithoutape wrote:
I agree with what the others have said. I'm just going to list some prices to help you out.

The Tamron VC can be fas for $350 new after rebate.
The Canon 70-300mm IS can be had ~$300 locally. Canon was packaging these in a lot of camera body + lens deals in the past year, you should be able to find one in mint or new condition for around $300.

I haven't used the above two on a crop body, but I wasn't that impressed with the Canon 70-300mm IS on full frame. Now I don't mean to start anything, but my copy of the 55-250mm is as sharp as my 70-200mm 2.8L Non-IS at all equivalent apertures. It doesn't open up as wide, nor have USM, but it does have IS, which is nice and can be useful. My version of the L is very very old (96 as I recall), so that may be why. But no joke, I love my 55-250mm.

I have to agree that the 55-250 can be very sharp. I borrowed my Dad's copy (he hasn't used it in well over a year!) to carry on my 7D for my daily commute instead of packing the 70-200 2.8IS, and have been quite impressed with images from it. Not quite as good as the 70-200 but surprisingly good and sharp nonetheless. I could get used to its light weight for sure, and the IS works quite well. All in all, a very nice lens for a very good price.

Andy

Jan 01, 2013 at 07:27 PM

robstein
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p.1 #13 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I have an old 100-300 that is decent for the cheap price but I see it's not a current lens but might be worth a look on flee bay or alike - Here is a link http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/ef/data/telephoto_zoom/ef_100_300_45~56_usm.html

Jan 01, 2013 at 08:33 PM

godfather
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p.1 #14 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I would think the canon 70-300 IS would be your best choice. You should easily be able to find one for ~300 used. IMO it is a big step up from the 55-250.

EDIT:
After looking at the Digital Picture results from the Tamron I would defiantly go with that lens.

Edited on Jan 01, 2013 at 10:01 PM · View previous versions

Jan 01, 2013 at 08:39 PM

clarence3
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p.1 #15 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

robstein wrote:
I have an old 100-300 that is decent for the cheap price but I see it's not a current lens but might be worth a look on flee bay or alike - Here is a link http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/ef/data/telephoto_zoom/ef_100_300_45~56_usm.html

+1

The 100-300 USM is still a great lens for the price. Make sure you get the USM version (with the gold ring) and not the non-USM. Several on ebay... one buy-it-now for $133, another with no bids for $70 free shipping.

I gave a 100-300 to my youngest son several years ago... much better PQ than I expected.

That said, he now has the 55-250 IS and it's probably a better choice if you can give up a little reach (250mm vs 300mm). Lighter (because of the plastic build quality), just as cheap, but it adds Image Stabilizer, and the wider 55-100mm range that it adds can be just as handy as the 250-300mm range that it's missing.

If you're patient, you can find either of these lenses for $100. They're both 10x better than the 75-300 which sells for about the same price. IMHO, avoid the 75-300 at any cost.

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:08 PM

Ralph Conway
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p.1 #16 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I would think about the Tamron 70-300, too. Sharper at 70mm great at 135 and a bit behind the "L" longer. Not as fast as Canons L neither offering it´s build. But its a great lens giving good - great IQ imo at 1/4th of the price:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=757&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=1&LensComp=738&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=1

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:31 PM

CW100
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p.1 #17 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

taylorman22 wrote:
Can you guys make some recommendations for a decent canon zoom lens? I'm looking for something used for around $300. Something up to 200 or 300mm. Is the 55-250 still the best bang for the buck or should I be looking at a 70-300 or 75-300? I'd be using it to take pics of my family at te playground, park, etc, as well as some wildlife.

for crop models the 55-250IS is the best "bang for the buck" - often on sale for $150

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:43 PM

Ben Horne
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p.1 #18 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

Definitely look at the Tamron 70-300 VC. It's an all around much better lens than the 55-250mm. It has a metal mount, fast AF, superior stabilizer, and better optics.

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:50 PM

Pixel Perfect
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p.1 #19 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

I have seen the Tamron 70-300 VC for as low as $347 shipped on fleabay from reputable seller. Well worth paying a little more and it's not a crop lens.

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:52 PM

ulmer
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p.1 #20 · Best Canon zoom lens (up to 300mm) for around $300?

Yet another vote for the Tamron 70-300 VC. It's a great lens for the price and it will work on full frame if you go that route some day. It does well even on my 5D III.

Jan 01, 2013 at 09:53 PM

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