Which 70/75-300 zoom lens is a good starter lens?

[Sangster1]

Hey, me being new to the DSLR world, I want to purchase a zoom lens, in the 70-300 zoom range.

I've read reviews on the Canon 75-300 Non USM and USM, Tamron 70-300, and Sigma 70-300. I know these aren't the greatest lenses, but I'm a college student and need to stay on a budget. Out of these, which one would be the better? I can't seem to pin point which would be better, but the Sigma and Tamron seemed to have received better reviews over the canon for sharpness.

Is there something that's better in the same price range? Anywhere from $150-250 would be my range.

[nitsch]

In this sort of price range I never hesitate to recommend the Sigma 70-300 (make sure you get the APO though). It performs very well indeed considering it's low cost. Have fun! :)

[Sangster1]

Thanks for the input.

I'd definetly get the APO, no doubt about it.

Any more positives or negatives about these lenses?

[AirBrontosaurus]

Another vote here for the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG.

Positives: Cheap, relatively sharp, good for beginners
Negatives: Soft wide open on the long end. Slow AF. Slow lens in general.

However, it is an excellent all-in-one solution for beginning photogs. That, and it kicks the tar out of all the competition.

[nitsch]

Thanks for the input.

I'd definetly get the APO, no doubt about it.

Any more positives or negatives about these lenses?

Good stuff.

A negative you will find with all 70-300 consumer lenses in this price bracket is that they get soft at 300mm wide open. If you keep below say 240mm and/or stop the lens down at bit you will get better results. This is a fact of life with all of the lenses you have listed though and there is not much you can do about it except work within the limitations of the lens and you'll get some great shots.

[Sangster1]

Good stuff.

A negative you will find with all 70-300 consumer lenses in this price bracket is that they get soft at 300mm wide open. If you keep below say 240mm and/or stop the lens down at bit you will get better results. This is a fact of life with all of the lenses you have listed though and there is not much you can do about it except work within the limitations of the lens and you'll get some great shots.

Yeah for sure :D

I think I'll bite and buy the Sigma after a few more reviews.

[runninmann]

Another possibility, at around $280 at B&H is the Canon EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM. I owned this lens and I highly recommend it. It produced good colors and IQ even wide open at 300mm. In addition, it offers ring USM and FTM. I sold it to a fellow-POTN member who has used it for photgraphing, among other subjects, RC aircraft with great success.

[aparmley]

kyle - its kyle right - hey man. I had an APO for sale in great shape . . . just missed it!

For the money is a great starter lens. But, heres my problem with it. After about a month or three - you're ready for something that focuses faster, more reliable and can be used longer than 200mm - because that lens softens up a bit after 200mm. This isn't that big of deal cause the lens is a $200 lens. But, having gone down that road before my advice to someone looking at a Tele zoom is to avoid anything under $500 - you'll just end up wanting to replace it afer a short amount of time.

[Sangster1]

kyle - its kyle right - hey man. I had an APO for sale in great shape . . . just missed it!

For the money is a great starter lens. But, heres my problem with it. After about a month or three - you're ready for something that focuses faster, more reliable and can be used longer than 200mm - because that lens softens up a bit after 200mm. This isn't that big of deal cause the lens is a $200 lens. But, having gone down that road before my advice to someone looking at a Tele zoom is to avoid anything under $500 - you'll just end up wanting to replace it afer a short amount of time.

Darn, well thanks for letting me know. I think I'll still look for one and try it out at least.