Read the FAQ but need help picking a lens.

[Darkmatter]

I would like to get a zoom lens for my xti that I got last year but I'm having trouble deciding whats an acceptable lens to go for. Part of the problem is that price is a big factor for me right now since I don't have a lot of money.

I have no problem getting a used lens if the lens is in excellent condition.

My biggest concern is with image quality. I've read a lot of posts and reviews over the past week and they all say the same thing, "The cheap zooms are horribly soft especially at max zoom."

I would rather get nothing, then get a lens that I will hate but I would like some advice on what are good, decent lenses I might be able to pick up new or used for around $300? US/CA (about the same atm)

Oh, it doesn't have to be Canon if the quality is actually better/same on the non-canon brand, and while I would love IS I know that really ups the price. I guess what I need to know is, for a 200 or 300 max zoom, do I really NEED IS?

Thanks!

[Odd Socks]

Probably the best zoom you can get for that is the canon 55-250mm IS lens? It's a nice lens, I don't think you'll be disappointed :)

[xarqi]

Probably the best zoom you can get for that is the canon 55-250mm IS lens? It's a nice lens, I don't think you'll be disappointed :)

Agreed.

[Warrenism]

It definitely is possible to do with out the IS. Capturing images at faster shutter speeds, having steady hands / adopting more stable stances / utilising leverages are just some things that may minimize the vibration / shake to the camera.

Do we presume you are in the market for a telezoom?

[DreDaze]

yeah if you're looking for a longer focal length lens...the 55-250 has to be it...just check these two threads for examples
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=492427&highlight=55-250
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=459569&highlight=55-250

and it can be had for around 280 i think

[Darkmatter]

Thanks, I looked at some of those shots and some are amazing. Some are slightly soft but still very good for the price of the lens.

There are 2 things that concern me with the lens.

1. Its a -S so I won't be able to use it once I get a full frame DSLR which I hope to get someday. (although if I can afford that I guess I can afford a better lens then this one anyways)

2. What I consider the main downside is that it won't take one of the modern canon extenders, which is a bummer. :(

I assume that when you said I could get it for $300 you guys meant new?

I am curious, what could I get for $300 if I went used?

I only ask because I want to know all my options so I can get the best bang for my buck. (whichever "bang" is best for me)

Thanks!


EDIT: I thought I saw the one you guys meantioned but when I took a closer look I saw it was actually the
EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

I have no idea how that compares to the one you guys meantioned but considering its current sell bid ($100ish) I'm assuming its not a very good lens.

[jaymrobinson]

Two questions:

1) What lenses do you shoot with now?

2) What do you find are the limitations of these lenses when it comes to your photography?

Everyone should probably ask themselves these questions before buying a new lens.
If you can give the answers, then we will be able to help you a lot better.

[dontblink]

yes, the EF 55-200 is a completely different animal than the EF-S 55-250 IS.

Since you are broke, I would worry about buying a lens that suits your need rather than worry about some future compatibility issues that may or may not ever happen. If you do buy a 5D, what are you going to do just throw away your old camera? I hear people make the statement, "but it won't be compatible with my future full frame" and it makes me cringe, it just doesn't make sense. Its like not buying tires for the car you have because they won't fit on the next car you might get.

[Darkmatter]

Firstly, thanks for your thoughts on the matter Dontblink.

Now,

Two questions:

1) What lenses do you shoot with now?

2) What do you find are the limitations of these lenses when it comes to your photography?

Everyone should probably ask themselves these questions before buying a new lens.
If you can give the answers, then we will be able to help you a lot better.

1. I have the 18-55 XTI kit lens and the 50mm 1.8 prime.

2. I can't take good close up shots because I don't have such a lens. :) Wildlife, nature, life, that sort of thing. I will add that while I can't rule out ever taking sports shots, I can't see that as a need in my near future. People doing normal stuff maybe, but generally I stick to nature.

The lens meantioned above sounds like a good buy, and theres a good chance that's what I will get but if theres something better I might be able to get used I'd love to know about it so I can at least look.

Thanks!

Edit: (keep forgetting stuff) The only thing that really dissapoints me about that lens is the lack of compatibility with the Canon extenders. I know you lose a bit of quality and 1 or 2 stops depending on which you get, but they really add to the versatility of your lens if you find you need that extra reach.

[Darkmatter]

B&H is advertising the 55-250 and in the accessories section it shows a Kenko 2X Teleplus Pro 300 DG Teleconverter. Its a tad pricey (I wouldn't be getting it now) but can anyone confirm that it does fit that lens, and know if its any good?

If that is a good 2X and it fits that lens that pretty much ends any reservations I have about getting the 55-250.

Thanks!

[In2Photos]

B&H is advertising the 55-250 and in the accessories section it shows a Kenko 2X Teleplus Pro 300 DG Teleconverter. Its a tad pricey (I wouldn't be getting it now) but can anyone confirm that it does fit that lens, and know if its any good?

If that is a good 2X and it fits that lens that pretty much ends any reservations I have about getting the 55-250.

Thanks!
Usually the Canon extenders won't fit the EF-S lenses, but some third party TCs will. I won't recommend a 2x extender though. You typically need the best glass to get good shots (think 300 2.8 L quality) and you will lose AF on your XTi. Try the Tamron 1.4x TC which runs around $110 at B&H. I use it and get pretty good results on my 70-200 and my previous $165 70-210.

[Darkmatter]

Sorry to be a pain in the butt, but, can anyone confirm if theres a 3rd party 1.4X teleconverter that is decent quality AND that works with the Canon 55-250mm IS EF-S?

Thanks!

[rr3507]

It seems you are very concerned about quality...

A teleconverter on a $300 lens is not going to produce pleasing results in my opinion. You would be better off applying the $ toward the lens.

[Permagrin]

Sorry to be a pain in the butt, but, can anyone confirm if theres a 3rd party 1.4X teleconverter that is decent quality AND that works with the Canon 55-250mm IS EF-S?

Thanks!

kenko pro 300 tc's are pretty nice and should work fine with it but normally I wouldn't recommend a tc on anything but a stellar lens because the IQ does suffer for it.

[Darkmatter]

Thanks for the replies!

I can't afford the teleconverter now so I can't put that money towards a better lens right now.

I know that even a 1.4 will hurt my quality but I may still get one for special situations. I just wanted to know if the option was there if I ever chose to use it.

So considering I can use a 3rd party one IF I ever decide to get one the 55-250 sounds like the perfect lens for my needs considering my budget.

Thanks a lot to everyone who took the time to help me!

[DreDaze]

i'd ask in the archive forum if anyone knows if it'll work...i'm sure someones bound to have a 1.4 kenko or tamron and a 55-250 in their gear list...just to be positive on it working