Lens advice for rookie question.

To start, I have a T3i with kit lenses ( 18-55, 75-300 ). I am planning a trip to WY and MT this summer, and would like to have a telephoto lens for wildlife (not real impressed with my 75 -300 quality). I am retired and do not feel the expense of something like a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS is justifiable for someone like me that is neither rich nor a prolific photographer. What options would you all suggest?

Would like to get something under 1k if possible if that helps as far as cost. With my limited experience and lens knowledge, I find some of the info that I have found a bit confusing by being too technical for my aged brain, and as with everything these days, opinions vary it seems. I just want a good, dependable, reasonably priced telephoto lens, so keep it simple, I'm easily confused.

Tamron 70-300 VC. Can usually be had for $350 after rebates or less if buying it used. It is a great lens, and the VC is amazing. Basically makes everything stop shaking completely in the viewfinder.

If you're happy with the focal length, I'd second the Tamron recommendation. If that is too short, still, you'll pretty much have to toe/straddle the $1k mark to get longer:
Sigma 150-500 OS
Sigma 50-500 OS
Tamron 200-400
Tamron 150-600 VC
Canon 400 f/5.6
Canon 100-400 IS

They all have their pluses and minuses, which can be found in the multitude of threads on all of these lenses.

If you have time once you reach the states, at the beginning of your trip, perhaps you can rent one of the aforementioned lenses rather than purchase.

barn9 wrote in post #16748673
To start, I have a T3i with kit lenses ( 18-55, 75-300 ). I am planning a trip to WY and MT this summer, and would like to have a telephoto lens for wildlife (not real impressed with my 75 -300 quality). I am retired and do not feel the expense of something like a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS is justifiable for someone like me that is neither rich nor a prolific photographer. What options would you all suggest?

Would like to get something under 1k if possible if that helps as far as cost. With my limited experience and lens knowledge, I find some of the info that I have found a bit confusing by being too technical for my aged brain, and as with everything these days, opinions vary it seems. I just want a good, dependable, reasonably priced telephoto lens, so keep it simple, I'm easily confused.

Heya,

The Canon 75-300 is one of the worst lenses out there, so no doubt, any mid-tier Zoom and most entry zooms will actually be a substantial difference for you. I've used the 75-300, I think I got it for an equivalent of $20 with a used camera. It was so awful and was so soft and unpleasant zoomed in, it was only truly useful zoomed out and even then was junk compared to even the 18-55 kit lens.

Used/refurb Sigma 150-500 would be an option.
Used/refurb Tamron 200-500 would an option.

Other options:

Tamron 75-300 VC
Canon EF-S 55-250 II IS

Very best,

Thank you for the quick and helpful info, appreciate your help and advice!

The 55-250 STM is better than the 55-250 IS II suggested above. I would advise getting that one. It is very cheap, and is amazing bang for the buck.

However, if you need more reach, then look at Tamron's new 150-600.

Thank you Sirrith! Just ordered the 55-250 STM after researching it, I think it will cover my needs well, and can't wait to try it out. After the disappointment of the 75-300, it should be a refreshing change. Thanks again to all of you for the help, I will keep your other suggestions for consideration in the future.

although i'm sure the 55-250STM is a good lens...you're giving up range, i'd rather have opted for sigma 150-500OS...one of the best bang for the bucks under $1,000 when it comes to long range telephotos

im surprised no said the 18-200 is

I definitely recommend trying the Tamron 70-300 SP VC USD. For the money it is an utter bargain.

When I return to Canon, I'll be getting one. My son has one for his D7000 and it is brilliant.

Gary.