55-250mm vs 75-300mm

What is the difference between these two lenses? Which would be the better choice for a newbie's second "kit" lense?

the 75-300 isn't even in the same class at the 55-250. The 55-250 is the only way to go. The 75-300 most practical use is a paper weight and it doesn't even do that well considering it is round.

Thanx for the rapid come-back.

OK, what does the 55-250 do WELL?

buffumjr wrote in post #16028498
OK, what does the 55-250 do WELL?

Image quite well, on the cheap!

Go for the 55-250 not bad at all for the price.

bigjohn

The 55-250 is the best option for a budget telephoto. Verses the 75-300 it is much sharper, with better colors, and less chromatic aberration and other distortions. It also has image stabilization. The 75-300 is pretty much useless beyond 200mm and known to be soft.

I have owned both and never liked the 75-300 at all - however they can be found very cheap used ($70 around here). For that price you get some reach for very little money. The 55-250 holds it's value better because it is a quality product. That being said any of the 70-200 L's blow it away but you have to shell out a lot more money. Ultimately I ended up with the 70-200 f/4L and I love it.

Wunderbar.

Purchase scheduled for September. So much to learn, so I don't waste my money. OK, leave the 300 on the dealers' shelves, and get the 250.

buffumjr wrote in post #16028538
Wunderbar.

Purchase scheduled for September. So much to learn, so I don't waste my money. OK, leave the 300 on the dealers' shelves, and get the 250.

You won't be disappointed, it's a good lens for the money. I've also owned both and the 55-250 is by far the better choice. I like it so well that when I upgraded to a 70-200 f4 I couldn't bring myself to sell it, it stays in my bag as a spare and gets used when I don't want to lug around a big lens.

Found the Canon "bundles" on Amazon, with the t3i, are more expensive with the 55-250. Odd. Individually, the two lenses seem very close to the same price.

Plan to buy the 18-55 zoom, the 55-250 zoom in the bundle, then the 50mm f/1.8. That will run me $850 on Amazon. Hate to think what a camera shop would charge, but will get their prices, too. Gotta support 'em. Great places for advice, and to try out accessories.

If you show them the Amazon prices, they might price-match or get pretty close at the store. Worth a try to support the local businesses.

And I'd try to push for the t4i if possible. It has a much better AF system than the t3i.

As everyone has confirmed, the 55-250mm is the better choice. You should be able to pick up a used copy for $130 and try it out. Beyond its optics quality, it has the advantage of being small and light. Hey, if it doesn't work out, sell it used. Your loss will be the cost of a few beers...shipping and fees.

I just bought a 55-250 for my daughter and ran it through my normal lens test. It's better than I expected, especially considering its size.

Great advice, guys.

September is a good time to buy. The t6i and the t6 should hit the photo mags about that time, with all the hoopla and hype. Trouble is, there isn't a lot more the companies can do, without encroaching on the value of the semi-pro and pro level cameras. I guess the t6i could be water and dust resistant, boasting a polished stainless steel lens mount, ruggedized frame and internals. The t6 could have the plastic mount and not be water and dust resistant, but boast a second SD slot. Both could boast the same internet connectivity as a smart phone. Just a guess.

But then, what would the Mark whatever full size be able to "improve"?

Not deep enuff into photography to be able to say what would make a really good upgrade.

The earlier models then all drop an increment in price. Good time to buy that older model. The t3i is now between $460 and $550 just for the body. The t2i is $100 to $200 less, depending. I wonder what the t3i will be in September. The t4i? Not enuff $$ in the kitty for that and lenses. Being retired is great, but $$ is always a serious issue. Can live with the t3i, at the right price.

I did not read this whole thread and have never owned either lens. But through my years of research I know I would stay away from the 75-300. I owned the 70-300 at one one time. The 55-250 is a surprising lens. Decent IQ for the price. One of the better bang for the buck lenses for budget minded people and I have I have recommended it to other people.

buffumjr wrote in post #16028538
Wunderbar.

Purchase scheduled for September. So much to learn, so I don't waste my money. OK, leave the 300 on the dealers' shelves, and get the 250.

Another +1 for 55-250.

As a another note, just keep your eyes open for sales. 299 is the retail, but you can typically find them on sale 149-199 if you are willing to wait. I got mine from Target of all places for 199 with a $50 gift card included.

Also I wouldn't discount used, lots of people start with this lens and later upgrade.

The 75-300 pretty much sucks. Its an ancient design thats R&D has long since paid off an its in profit, but its a bad lens.