55-250 vs Tamron 70-300 VC

I have a 55-250 and had been giving some thought to upgrading to a 70-200 F4 IS. What has held me back is how little I use the long zoom, the cost, and giving up 50mm. I absolutely want IS and don't want anything heavier than the 70-200 range.

Recently I've read some very good reviews here and elsewhere regarding the Tamron SP 70-300 VC USD. Also, a friend who has one, has shown me some excellent shots taken with his lens, including some BIF shots printed quite large.

The decision/comparison I'm asking about is between the 55-250 and the Tamron 70-300 VC. Anyone own both or moved from the 55-250 to the 70-300 VC?

I have both and have not used the Canon since I bought the Tamron 6 months ago. It is sharper at all focal lengths, built much better, faster focusing, excellent image stabilization, non rotating front element, full time manual focusing and just a much more enjoyable experience. I was keeping the 55-250 is thinking I might use it when I wanted to go really light, but I just can't make myself pick it up. I guess I probably should sell the Canon. Yeah I like it!

The 70-300 is on my camera about half the time. I really, really like it. I am a rookie but you can see a lot of it's work at my page below. The grad shots were taken under rather adverse conditions and still got some decent shots hand held from the top row of a hockey arena in poor light.

GregoryF wrote in post #12588308
I have both and have not used the Canon since I bought the Tamron 6 months ago. It is sharper at all focal lengths, built much better, faster focusing, excellent image stabilization, non rotating front element, full time manual focusing and just a much more enjoyable experience. I was keeping the 55-250 is thinking I might use it when I wanted to go really light, but I just can't make myself pick it up. I guess I probably should sell the Canon. Yeah I like it!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

I think the canon 70-200mm f/4 is sharper in anyway when comparing both the 55-250mm & tamron 70-300mm~!

Read through this thread from a few days ago.

https://photography-on-the.net …ight=55-250+70-300+tamron

thestone11 wrote in post #12588352
http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=0​&APIComp=0

I think the canon is sharper in anyway~!

I think we are talking about the 55-250 is, not the 70-200 L and even then it looks pretty close.

GregoryF wrote in post #12588432
I think we are talking about the 55-250 is, not the 70-200 L and even then it looks pretty close.

I am just showing the 70-200mm is better than the 55-250 and the tamron 70-300mm.

That's not what OP is asking about though.

Bokehlicious wrote in post #12588462
That's not what OP is asking about though.

In the OP first sentence....."I have a 55-250 and had been giving some thought to upgrading to a 70-200 F4 IS." So I am just showing him the 70-200 F/4 IS is better than the other two he is thinking about.

thestone11 wrote in post #12588584
In the OP first sentence....."I have a 55-250 and had been giving some thought to upgrading to a 70-200 F4 IS." So I am just showing him the 70-200 F/4 IS is better than the other two he is thinking about.

The OP stated that he did not want to spend that much money (for the 70-200mm 4 is and wants peoples opinions concerning the Canon 55-250 is vs the Tamron 70-300 vc USD. Particulary peopel who own or have owned both. That is what I commented on.

wilerty, can you specify what exactly drives you to make an upgrade? Is there something specific about 55-250mm that doesn't work for you?

I use my 15-85 about 95% of the time, or more. If I used the long zoom a lot I would look seriously at a 70-300 L or a 70-200 F4 IS L. As a "casual" long zoom user though, I can't justify an "L" to myself, but I am trying to determine if the Tamron 70-300VC would give me a better IQ and a longer option than the 55-250 ... which it sounds from most ... it does.

DiMAn0684 wrote in post #12588878
wilerty, can you specify what exactly drives you to make an upgrade? Is there something specific about 55-250mm that doesn't work for you?

First, when I do use it, I am always at the long end, and often wish for it to be longer. However, I do not want to give up ANY IQ to go to a different lens. If the Tamron has better IQ and is longer than the 55-250, then it is a viable option. Otherwise I'll stick with the 55-250, until I decide to make the big jump.

I just sold my Canon EF-S 55-250 to buy the Tamron 70-300 VC. I wanted a bit more length but also I found the 55-250 a bit lacking in contrast and colour richness. I've only had the Tamron a short time but I already notice its excellent colours. The Tamron's build quality is nicer too. No regrets!