55-250 vs 70-300

I currently have the kit 18-135 and the 50mm 1.4 USM. I think a longer telephoto will round out my lenses for my 60D. I'm debating between the 55-250 and the 70-300. I'm not really going for L class lenses as this is a casual hobby. Has anyone used one or the other or both and what are your thoughts?

Actual pictures from a Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens.

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

Byte size: ZERO | Content warning: NOT AN IMAGE

In my opinion, the only significant advantage that the 70-300 offers over the 55-250 is that it is an EF lens, and that is not relevant where the target body is APS-C. The 55-250 should serve you very well at a much cheaper price.

I was debating the EF vs EF-S...right now I have no intention of going full frame, but who knows. Are there any durability issues with the plastic lens mount on the 55?

I have both and rarely use the 70-300. Its gets soft on the long end and is slow to focus in low light.

Keyan wrote in post #12196020
I currently have the kit 18-135 and the 50mm 1.4 USM. I think a longer telephoto will round out my lenses for my 60D. I'm debating between the 55-250 and the 70-300. I'm not really going for L class lenses as this is a casual hobby. Has anyone used one or the other or both and what are your thoughts?

The 55-250IS does a pretty good job and it's only $185
http://www.adorama.com​/CA55250AFSR.html
(includes one year warranty)

XSi (450D) with Canon 55-250IS -

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/cw200/552064353​3/

Keyan wrote in post #12196208
I was debating the EF vs EF-S...right now I have no intention of going full frame, but who knows. Are there any durability issues with the plastic lens mount on the 55?

In theory, yes; in practice, no. I've read a lot of people's comments about "poor build quality" putting them off a purchase, and that some lenses don't "look professional", but I've yet to read of any failure of a plastic mount on a Canon lens.

I've owned both. The 70-300 IS has better build and is sharper throughout the range. The focus is also much better than the 55-250 for lowlight and action (it's better than my 300 prime, too, although not as fast, but certainly more accurate).

I sold my 70-300 and my 70-200 to get the 300 prime and replaced them with a 55-250 IS. If I shot more in that range I would go back to a 70-300 IS. I probably will next year even though I prefer starting at 55mm on a crop (much more useful for landscapes). The 55-250 IS is a decent lens for the money, but I'm not happy with the focus consistency at the long end in lower light. It is nice and sharp at 55mm.

If you shoot wildlife and these are your only lenses the extra reach of the 70-300 and the improved focus is worth it.

Keyan wrote in post #12196208
I was debating the EF vs EF-S...right now I have no intention of going full frame, but who knows. Are there any durability issues with the plastic lens mount on the 55?

I owned both at the same time, and preferred the 55-250 (kept it, sold the 70-300). Focusing speed (slowish) and IQ (good) were about the same, but I preferred the IS system on the 55-250, and I also preferred its range and build. And then there was the question of price difference: the 70-300 is more than twice the price, but it's very, very far from being twice the lens (in fact, it's questionable whether it's better than the 55-250 at all).

No, there are no durability issues with the 55-250. Mine has been hiking, spent extended periods outside in temperatures of minus 20 or below, been to the beach on numerous occasions, it's been rained on, used frequently by a 9-year-old, and spent countless days at outdoor sports events. It's more than capable of taking whatever abuse the average amateur photographer can throw at it.

A couple of years ago I bought a 70-200 f4 IS with the intention of selling my 55-250, but in the end I couldn't bring myself to part with it. I still have it, and use it as my vacation/hiking lens, when I don't want to carry heavy or expensive gear with me. It never lets me down.

It's a great lens for the price. If I were you, I'd have no hesitation in choosing it over the 70-300.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Save your $$ and get the 55-250 IS. Very big bang for buck.

Thanks all, I picked up the 55-250 today and I'll give it a good test over the next couple of days.

Keyan wrote in post #12201989
Thanks all, I picked up the 55-250 today and I'll give it a good test over the next couple of days.

good choice