The lesser of two evils?

Hello everyone.
Im on an extremly tight budget for my new lens choice.
I do alot of wildlife shots so im looking for a telephoto\zoom lens.
Im looking at a EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III or a EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6.
Just would like to know if anyone has any expirences with these lens or suggestions for another lens within my budget of $200.
I realize i wont be getting L glass for this money, but im just trying to get the least crappy one
thank you for any help.

sigma 70~300 APO macro <~ better than either of your two choices IMO and can be bought 200 new, or ~170 used.

i have the 75-300 although it doesnt take amazing pics it can still turn out some fair quality ones here is one i took wide open at 300...with the 300D...although it has VERY slow focus and has a very hard time focusing in low light...

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bdpAKAknox,
I have the Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III usm lens and for its cost its a great lens and its light weight
Here is a quick web page I made with a couple of shots taken with that lens and 100% crops which might help give you an idea of the lens.
Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III

thank you for your input guys.
And John that page is espesically helpful.
Im thinking of buying from b&h photo, they are a trustable store correct?
Oh and sorry for asking this but both lens will fit on a 350d correct?

bdpAKAknox,
Glad to have helped
And to me B&H is the L of photo stores

Both lenses will fit. I'm happy with my Sigma 70-300 APO DG MACRO. I'm only selling it because I ordered the 70-200.
Someone has one for sale for less than 170 in the classified section too

With your budget, the Sigma 70-300 would be the best bang for your buck. In the future if you truly enjoy the hobby, you might consider the Sigma 50-500, as you really need at least 400mm for serious wildlife shooting.

Hmmm, looking at the 70-300 i notice they are all macro lens.
Now forgive me but dosnt that mean thay they are used for close up shooting, rather then zoom?

I had the canon 75-300 for two weeks before I returned it. It was not very good. I didn't like the softness at the end. Also the colours are bit blah. For similar price, go Sigma APO DG Macro. It's much better in terms of IQ. However the AF motor is noisier... not sure if it's slower. And it comes with a hood and soft pouch.

bdpAKAknox wrote in post #2168922
Hmmm, looking at the 70-300 i notice they are all macro lens.
Now forgive me but dosnt that mean thay they are used for close up shooting, rather then zoom?

It just means they have the macro ability IE focusing closer, but they're not limited to that by any means.
And yes mine comes with hood and pouch

Ah thank you Mr Clean, i never knew that.
this is the lens your talking about right delhi?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

bdpAKAknox wrote in post #2168976
Ah thank you Mr Clean, i never knew that.
this is the lens your talking about right delhi?
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

Yes, the link describes the same lens as delhi has.

thank you guys for all your input and help twards a new photographer such as myself.
This has to be one of the nicest forums i belong to.

I concur that the 70-300 siggy's best bang for the buck. I am also amazed at canonshooter's 2nd pic. That's really sharp for something that came out of the 75-300! Mine has never able to get that kind of sharpness...