Looking for cost-effective telephoto!

[pianomatrix]

I'm looking for a telephoto lens, hopefully less than 300 bucks. Just wanted to hear some opinions on the best option ;)

[TMR Design]

Hi pianomatrix,

What focal length or focal length range are you looking for? Prime or zoom?

[Bob_A]

You need to provide a bit more information. Do you want a zoom lens or a fixed focal length? How much focal length do you need?

[pianomatrix]

I definately want a focal length at 100mm or over. Prime or zoom doesn't matter - I just want to hear some opinions. Oh, and I'm willing to buy used.
And preferably something with better picture quality than the 75-300mm.

[Tony-S]

Sigma 70-300 APO.

[Matthew62024]

I know you said under $300, but if you can save up a few more pennies then the 70-200mm F/4L is only $530 at B&H after the new canon instant rebates. I just pushed the button to order a 70-200mm F4L IS for $1005 shipped. I just rented the lens I bought and loved the focal length and quality and I'm sure the non-IS version isn't too much different.

Just an idea even thought it is out of your target price.

[WMS]

You can purchase something like the Canon 135 F1.8 USM for about $340.00. Or the Canon EF 135mm f/2.8 SF (Soft Focus) for about $280.00 There are many options. For used lenses I would suggest KEH in Atlanta

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/CategoryTableOfContents.aspx?Mode=&item=0&ActivateTOC2=true&ID=10&BC=CE&BCC=1

There is also the Reconditioned option, a option which I have found attractive, Adorama seems to have one of the better selections.

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=itemlist&promotype=overstock&cat1=Cameras%20%26%20Lenses&cat2=Lenses%20%26%20Accessories&cat3=35mm%20%26%20Digital%20SLR%20Lenses


WMS

[AirBrontosaurus]

Another vote for the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG. It's completely unrivaled for it's price, and even in higher-tier priced lenses.

[MikeI]

Another vote for the Sigma 70-300mm APO DG. It's completely unrivaled for it's price, and even in higher-tier priced lenses.

This Sigma is a great lens. If you can stretch just a little bit more, a used 70-200 L is in reach....you can find them for $400 and up. In my experience, the L is faster to focus, has USM, and has great color. Sharpness is about a toss up with maybe a slight edge to the L.

[EOS Man]

I'd vote for saving up a little more for the 70-200 f4 L or get one used.

[runninmann]

You may also want to consider the often ignored Canon EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM. It retails, in the USA, for less than $300 USD, new. It offers ring USM with FTM capability, renders very nice colors and is acceptably sharp.

[Uhland]

Like others have suggested Id save up for quality.
Or buy a budget lens and start saving up for a quality lens (like I did)

But for under $300

The sigma as mentioned is about $200 new.
Sigma 70-300 Macro
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=266596

I went with this one and loved it for about $200
Im going to sell it soon as I saved up and bought the 100-400L
Tamron 70-300 macro.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=296290