Help With Lens Choice

Hi everyone,

I am looking for a new zoom lens for my T2i that I recently purchased. My main use for this lens will be for nature photography, landscapes and some wildlife. I am a hobbyist, not a professional photographer. I have narrowed it down to (2) lenses, they are:

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS $299

or

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD $449 (before $100 mail-in rebate)

Does anyone have any experience with either of these lenses? I am open to any other suggestions for lenses, but keep in mind, I'm on somewhat of a budget, $350 - $400 range is pretty much my limit at this point in time.

Thank you,

they're both good lenses...both will require you to still get fairly close to wildlife...

you can get the 55-250IS refurbished to save quite a bit more as well:
http://www.adorama.com …KTxnqKN3rMCFUjZ​QgodXV0AjA

bottom line is though they are both capable lenses...the 70-300mm is full frame compatibly, can take a TC(although it may not AF with it), the front element doesn't rotate, and the focusing should be faster...is all of that worth the extra price...that's for you to decide

Even though I have a brand new 55-250mm for sale that I got as part of a kit, I'd still recommend the Tamron. I bought it for my wife to use on her Rebel, since she kept stealing my 70-200mm on our last vacation. It's nicely sharp, has quick and quiet auto-focus, and has a very useful vibration control system. For $349, it's quite a steal.

If I haven't convinced you, I'll be putting my 55-250 on ebay soon. I'll list it here as well for $150 Paypal and shipped. PM me if you're interested. I'll include a copy of the original receipt (from B&H Photo) so you can obtain warranty service if needed.

Thank you both for your replies. I can see that I have a little more research to do, but it appears that the Tamron is a better lens for my application.

Thanks again for your replies!!!

If you're still in doubt about the Tamron, here's a shot of my pup running full speed after his ball. Used the Tamron 70-300mm VC with my Canon 5d Mark II. It tracks focus very nicely.

I had to reduce the size and quality quite a bit to get it on the forum, but I think you can tell it's still nice and sharp.

Yah, it pretty much depends upon whether you need that extra 50mm of reach. I only have experience with the 55-250 - which is excellent ... take a look at the lens sample thread <here>.

I have the Tamron, as does a friend, and we both love them. For the price, it's a great lens.

I think the 70-300 Canon (non IS) is a highly underrated lens. It is no L but I have gotten very good results with it.

I shoot with a Canon 50D, coupled to a Tamron 18-270mm zoom. I bought it for a cruise to the Med, but found it to be good for wildlife in the backyard and in the canal. For real wildlife you will need a much longer lens, like 200-500mm, with a 2x doubler. Don't forget the sturdy tripod to hold the camera and lens. Oh yes, a remote shutter release. Tamron has a 6 year warrenty vs Canon 1 year. (even on the L glass)

You're getting some great advice from the community! My local Craigslist has the 55-250 new or barely used for $150. You could always test one out locally and see if it will fit your needs.

I have a 70-300nonL and get pretty good results for wildlife, but as many have explained, you'll need a longer lens (400 or 500) - or a gilly suit and silent stalking abilities!

Thanks again for all the info in reference to my original post. You all gave me some great info and opinions on the (2) lens that I listed. I have continued to research the lens issue so I can gather as much information as possible to make a good decision. I have found (1) other lens that fits my budget, it is the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS. However, I have not read too many reviews on this lens. How does this lens measure up to the Tamron and Canon lenses?

mi77915 wrote in post #15271516
Thanks again for all the info in reference to my original post. You all gave me some great info and opinions on the (2) lens that I listed. I have continued to research the lens issue so I can gather as much information as possible to make a good decision. I have found (1) other lens that fits my budget, it is the Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS. However, I have not read too many reviews on this lens. How does this lens measure up to the Tamron and Canon lenses?

I wouldn't get the sigma over the other two choices...

DreDaze wrote in post #15272653
I wouldn't get the sigma over the other two choices...

I had that thought in the back of my mind when I couldn't find many reviews on this lens. The other (2) lenses that I mentioned in my original post have many reviews on various sites. I think I'll drop the Sigma as a contender for my new lens. I am leaning toward the Tamron......