Budget zoom to outperform my Sigma 70-300 DG?

I've used a 4.5-5.6 APO DG for quite a few years. I like it, it was cheap and I've taken some great shots with it. It is however starting to feel it's age and, even on a tripod, the 300mm shots (birding) are quite soft and I'm reluctant to go past 200mm with it.
I just read a review of the Tamron AF 55-200 4.5-5.6 DI LD Macro, which came across as a low priced wonder. The short end coming down to 55mm would be a big bonus as I often find the the 70mm on the Sigma too long. It seems a good lens but then there is also the new Canon 55-250 STM which I gather is also very good for it's price point and has the big advantage of IS.
Any comments on these lenses much appreciated, my camera is a 450D and, although I've no immediate plans to upgrade, the chances are that in the next year or so the upgrade bug will bite and I'll take the plunge.
Light weight is a consideration as well since this will double as a holiday lens and needs to join the 450D/Tamron 28-75 and probably a 17-50 Tammy in the camera bag. Obviously, I want to keep the weight down and not feel as though I'm hauling a ton of gear (been there, done that before). If there are other contenders that is also fine, I'm not wedded to the idea of the other two.

Hal55

Should also mention that I like to take action shots, whether it be birding, powerboat racing or whatever. A lens that is quick to autofocus would be great. I realize that I'm asking a lot of a budget lens, but the budget just isn't there to go higher.

Hal55

hal55 wrote in post #16576008
I've used a 4.5-5.6 APO DG for quite a few years. I like it, it was cheap and I've taken some great shots with it. It is however starting to feel it's age and, even on a tripod, the 300mm shots (birding) are quite soft and I'm reluctant to go past 200mm with it.
I just read a review of the Tamron AF 55-200 4.5-5.6 DI LD Macro, which came across as a low priced wonder. The short end coming down to 55mm would be a big bonus as I often find the the 70mm on the Sigma too long. It seems a good lens but then there is also the new Canon 55-250 STM which I gather is also very good for it's price point and has the big advantage of IS.
Any comments on these lenses much appreciated, my camera is a 450D and, although I've no immediate plans to upgrade, the chances are that in the next year or so the upgrade bug will bite and I'll take the plunge.
Light weight is a consideration as well since this will double as a holiday lens and needs to join the 450D/Tamron 28-75 and probably a 17-50 Tammy in the camera bag. Obviously, I want to keep the weight down and not feel as though I'm hauling a ton of gear (been there, done that before). If there are other contenders that is also fine, I'm not wedded to the idea of the other two.

Hal55

The easiest direct replacement is the Tamron 70-300mm vibration control lens, which easily generated these sample images.

Must admit those images look very persausive, although on the replacement I still fancy having a shorter 50mm or so wide end. Reason being that when birding on my deck (we have stacks of native birdlife) 70mm is often a bit too long when they are feeding or interacting close to you.

Hal55

Hal, take a look at the Sigma 18-250 OS MACRO. Not sure what the new price is but one was for sale on this forum about 5-6 days ago for $275 in like new condition. This lens is reported to be very sharp for a super zoom. Gets very good reviews. It may be a little short on the long end, but covers wide very nicely. Good luck.

55-250IS or STM, and the tamron 70-300VC are really the only lenses you should be considering...

I'd vote for the Tamron 70-300VC as well. Excellent lens for a amazing price.

I have a Tamron 70-300mm VC to sell if you're interested, PM me

Sorry, did some more photography today and really feel a wider short end than 70mm is what I'm after. Just gives more flexibility for what I do.

Hal55

hal55 wrote in post #16578917
Sorry, did some more photography today and really feel a wider short end than 70mm is what I'm after. Just gives more flexibility for what I do.

Hal55

If you really want a wide-to-normal lens at a low price, you have a limited choice.

The Tamron 18-200mm already has been discussed. Also, there's the Canon 18-55mm IS. The non-zoom Canon 50mm f/1.8 II has a low price. And there's also the long-discontinued Canon 28-80mm, which is available cheap at used prices.

Your messages seem to hint you'd like something like the Canon 24-105 f/4 L lens, which is a very good lens, but has nothing approaching a "budget" price. And nothing else in this range can really be considered a "budget" unit unless your budget totals several thousand dollars.

hal55 wrote in post #16576008
I've used a 4.5-5.6 APO DG for quite a few years. I like it, it was cheap and I've taken some great shots with it. It is however starting to feel it's age and, even on a tripod, the 300mm shots (birding) are quite soft and I'm reluctant to go past 200mm with it.
I just read a review of the Tamron AF 55-200 4.5-5.6 DI LD Macro, which came across as a low priced wonder. The short end coming down to 55mm would be a big bonus as I often find the the 70mm on the Sigma too long. It seems a good lens but then there is also the new Canon 55-250 STM which I gather is also very good for it's price point and has the big advantage of IS.
Any comments on these lenses much appreciated, my camera is a 450D and, although I've no immediate plans to upgrade, the chances are that in the next year or so the upgrade bug will bite and I'll take the plunge.
Light weight is a consideration as well since this will double as a holiday lens and needs to join the 450D/Tamron 28-75 and probably a 17-50 Tammy in the camera bag. Obviously, I want to keep the weight down and not feel as though I'm hauling a ton of gear (been there, done that before). If there are other contenders that is also fine, I'm not wedded to the idea of the other two.

Hal55

Heya,

I would not try to cover 50mm and 200mm ranges with the same lens. You're just compromising too much there.

I think you'd do better simply going for a used, old, EF 70-200 F4L. It's usually around $450 or so second hand. Optically very sharp. Great constant aperture. Internal mechanisms. The earlier 70-200's are light weight.

And then roll one of your lesser focal lengths when at your desk.

Very best,

hal55 wrote in post #16578917
Sorry, did some more photography today and really feel a wider short end than 70mm is what I'm after. Just gives more flexibility for what I do.

Hal55

55-250 IS makes sense to me. Very inexpensive if you wanted to try it out, then sell the lens later if it just doesn't deliver.

MalVeauX wrote in post #16579188
Heya,

I would not try to cover 50mm and 200mm ranges with the same lens. You're just compromising too much there.

I cover 50 and 500 with the same lens, and get pretty good results.

if you must have wider than 70mm....the 55-250STM would be my first choice...and if you want cheaper than that, the regular IS version of the lens would be a good one to go with...you really can't do better on a budget of $350 or so

TeamSpeed wrote in post #16579255
I cover 50 and 500 with the same lens, and get pretty good results.

A $1.5k lens is not on his budget.

Very best,