Inexpensive telephoto option?

pwk wrote in post #16925312
How does the tamron 70-300 VC compare to canon's 55-250 STM?

I've been thinking about the former for a while after finding out that some copies are plenty sharp for my needs at 300mm unlike what I've read in reviews, but I'm curious as to whether the latter has better image quality.

I can get the 70-300 new with student discount for $300, so it appears to come out cheaper than the 55-250 as well.

I have both,optically very similar, the Tamron has full time manual focus which is handy, you can use it on a fullframe camera, the VC itself is very good,the extra reach, the Tamron 70-300 VC all the way.

pwk wrote in post #16925312
How does the tamron 70-300 VC compare to canon's 55-250 STM?

I've been thinking about the former for a while after finding out that some copies are plenty sharp for my needs at 300mm unlike what I've read in reviews, but I'm curious as to whether the latter has better image quality.

I can get the 70-300 new with student discount for $300, so it appears to come out cheaper than the 55-250 as well.

The older version of the 55-250mm can be found used at KEH.com for between $110 and $150.

I would say move your budget up to $550 and land a nice used 70-200 f4L.

Scott M wrote in post #16926769
The older version of the 55-250mm can be found used at KEH.com for between $110 and $150.

I have the older version and I've never been pleased with the shots past 200mm. It also was the victim of an accident this past week, so I finally have a reason to look into something else

TeamSpeed wrote in post #16926785
I would say move your budget up to $550 and land a nice used 70-200 f4L.

That's the other option I've been mulling, but I think the VC and extra 100mm reach will be more useful to me for the pictures I want to shoot now and I doubt I'll lose much at all selling this later, especially with a $150 discount.
Ultimately I just want something as a stopgap until I get a tamron 150-600 for wildlife photography by the end of the year. 300mm isn't ideal either, but I tried shooting at 200mm on my 55-250 to see how much range I'd get with a 70-200 and it did seem to be more difficult shooting wildlife on hikes.

DreDaze wrote in post #16918438
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

I owned that Canon. It was darn good for the money. My brother has it today. I needed low-light support, so, in came the expen$ive glass.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16918481
Oh, I didn't realize there was a 100 dollar rebate! I thought it was $450. Yea, no brainer, gonna get that one, thanks!

I'm sure you won't regret it. BTW it's vibration control (is) on canon is awesome!

Another vote for the tamron. Its VC is incredible. I have the 70-200is II and I find tamron's VC better.