Inexpensive telephoto option?

I'd like a telephoto lens, something that will get me at least 200mm. This is more of a "fun" lens for me, for occasionally shooting anything from indoor sports to airplanes. IQ is not a huge concern at this range for me, so I want a cost-efficient option.

The 75-300 is a cheap lens, but most reviews seem to suggest it could possibly be the worst Canon lens, so might want to avoid that.

I currently use the EF-S 55-250, but my wife wants to sell the SL1, so I'd be left without an EF-S mount camera, so need an EF mount.

Some options that involve not buying an additional lens include just using my 24-105 and cropping heavily, convincing my wife to keep the SL1 and just keeping the 55-250 on it and using it as a "telephoto" camera, or just buying a compact camera with massive zoom.

Opinions?

the Tamron 70-300 VC could work for you

There's many EF 75-300mm lenses.

http://www.amazon.com …oto-Cameras/dp/B0040X4PQI
http://www.amazon.com …ens-Cameras/dp/B0007Y794O
http://www.amazon.com …oto-Cameras/dp/B0040X4PQI

the IS version is a lot better than the regular USM one, then the IS L version is better than the regular IS version.

maverick75 wrote in post #16918371
There's many EF 75-300mm lenses.

http://www.amazon.com …oto-Cameras/dp/B0040X4PQI
http://www.amazon.com …ens-Cameras/dp/B0007Y794O
http://www.amazon.com …oto-Cameras/dp/B0040X4PQI

the IS version is a lot better than the regular USM one, then the IS L version is better than the regular IS version.

These are the 70-300 versions, all of which are more than I want to spend.

Heya,

What's your max budget for this?

And are you willing to go manual focus?

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #16918400
Heya,

What's your max budget for this?

And are you willing to go manual focus?

Very best,

$300, need AF

for indoor sports, anything less than F2.8 would be uncivilized.

canon 70-200 F2.8 non IS, sigma 70-200mm F2.8 OS

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16918424
$300, need AF

for $300 you're right around the price of the 70-300IS, or the tamron 70-300VC...those are really your best options at that range, if it has to be EF

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16918424
$300, need AF

Without a doubt, for that budget, the best option would be the Tamron 70-300mm VC. They're all over the place at the $300 mark. I think there is one currently in the classifieds at that price. Here it is: https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1378606 (No, it's not mine)

Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is currently $350 new after rebate, has image stabilization, Tamron's best focussing system, and it is a full frame EF mount. I really do not think that you get a better bang for the buck telephoto zoom, to be honest.

yeah, I have one on sale too

shameless plug http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/12947​87/

gojirasf wrote in post #16918451
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is currently $350 new after rebate, has image stabilization, Tamron's best focussing system, and it is a full frame EF mount. I really do not think that you get a better bang for the buck telephoto zoom, to be honest.

well, definitely not tamrons best focusing. It is USD (silent with FTM), but it's not on the level of their more expensive 24-70.

He who shall not be named recently mentioned an older lens that would fit in the beater category. It has AF, but no IS: Canon 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM.

That said, if you can find a used 70-300 IS USM for $400-450, that's going to be a better bet. The one above is, of course, if you just wanted one to have one and as you say, IQ is not a huge concern.

gojirasf wrote in post #16918451
Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is currently $350 new after rebate, has image stabilization, Tamron's best focussing system, and it is a full frame EF mount. I really do not think that you get a better bang for the buck telephoto zoom, to be honest.

Oh, I didn't realize there was a 100 dollar rebate! I thought it was $450. Yea, no brainer, gonna get that one, thanks!

hokiealumnus wrote in post #16918473
He who shall not be named recently mentioned an older lens that would fit in the beater category. It has AF, but no IS: Canon 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM.

That said, if you can find a used 70-300 IS USM for $400-450, that's going to be a better bet. The one above is, of course, if you just wanted one to have one and as you say, IQ is not a huge concern.

i wish the value of the 70-300IS was that high...i think $350 would be a stretch for it...