Canon 70-300 USM I vs II

Title says (almost) it all. Which lens performs better on crop sensors? I plan to upgrade from my 55-250 IS (original version). Not sure which version is the better value (performance/cost ratio). Just looking for better auto focus performance for chasing the kids around. The 55-250 hunts a lot and is quite slow to focus. Low light capabilities not really an issue for my use.

Thanks!

This thread has some pretty good information on both lens.

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1473442

Thanks. Just read that thread. I feel like it did very little to help me decide. Some people are "really impressed" with the v2. Others say it's soft and AF hunts sometimes.

Anyone else care to weigh in? I guess I need to apply some perspective. "Slightly soft" and "hunts a little"...probably still a lot better than my original 55-250.

Suggestions on a lens for relatively fast action, not necessarily in low light, with decent image quality, for use on a crop body?

Have you considered the 55-250 STM?

It seems to be sharper than either of the 70-300 USM's

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …omp=0&FLIComp=3​&APIComp=1

No I hadn't, but after an hour or so of reading about it and watching some videos, I am definitely considering it now. That price...dang!

How well does the STM AF system work? I don't really shoot video, so I don't have any concerns over AF noise during video (or other video related features). I just want to make sure it is a snappy AF system that is better than that in my current 55-250 IS (version 1). My research seems to indicate I'd be quite happy with the AF system.

Thanks for the heads up on this lens. I am pretty confident this is the way to go. I have always been happy with the focal length range of my 55-250 (so no need for the 70-300 length), just want better AF and image quality (sharpness). Sounds like I'll be ordering two lenses this month as I already have a 18-135 USM on the way.

Now to decide if I should pay $136.00 for the gray market version and wait 10 days for shipping (same vendor that sold me the 18-135), or go with the certified refurbished for $139.99 and get 2 day shipping through Amazon Prime....Decisions, decisions.

Thanks again.

I'm not sure what kind of money you want to spend. I will say, I have the 70-300L (currently on loan to our youngest son) and it's amazing. Fast focus, not that heavy (weight is relative: my wife prefers her 55-250 STM because of the weight advantage), easy to pack in a camera bag, etc.

I used it for quite a while and got some amazing photos with it. I'd still be using it but I was able to save enough to buy a 100-400L ii.

I've seen two or three 70-300L's show up on POTN for sale in pristine condition. I don't know the final price but the ones to which I am referring were listed at $700. I paid $1400 for mine and got every penny's worth. At $700, it's a steal.

Edit: I was typing my post after yours posted, bmax. I know $700 is a lot... way more than the 55-250 STM. As I said above, my wife could have inherited my 70-300L but stayed with her 55-250STM. She loves it. I edit all her stuff and personally, I can tell the difference between the images each lens produces. That said, she's an excellent photographer and her stuff with the 55-250 STM comes out nice.

I've owned both the original 55-250, and the 70-300 IS USM (ver. 1). The 55-250 is better. The 55-250 STM is reviewed to be a better version of the 55-250. If you need a focus-speed upgrade, consider one of the 70-200 f/4 lenses. If you need focal-length, consider the original 100-400L. It is a bargain at current used pricing.

The 55-250 STM has fast AF. It's almost as fast as the fastest USM lenses.

Here is a video I made that shows the AF speed: https://youtu.be/pmrvB​cXYcwU

Well I think that seals the deal. I'm going to order this lens later today. Thanks for the suggestion! I should have it in time for my daughter's softball season.

One day I'll have the 70-200 f2.8 IS II with a 2X extender and a nice used 5D3 lol...for now though can't beat the value for $140!

Thanks everyone for your time and opinions. Lots of great options but like I said before, if I can obtain reasonable improvement for $140 and I'm happy with the results, why not start there.

Between my primes, 10-20 Sigma, 18-135 USM, and this 55-250 STM, I think I will have equipment upgrades to keep me happy for a while. Time to get the gear out, keep it out and have some fun!

Thanks again!