Advice for a newbie

A pal of mine has just bought a 350D with the kit lens

He also would like a zoom lens but doesn't have much to spend (about 100-150)

There is a 80-200 USM f/4.5-5.6 on ebay at the mo which will go for about £50-70

What would you suggest. He does not specialise on any one thing just takes pics of whatever he likes.

I am finiding it hard to advise him as my head is currently swimming in L glass

80-200mm (70-200mm) focal range is very popular. I don't know if the 350D has a crop factor to consider. If so, he could try a 24-70mm and add a tele converter if he needs to reach out further. Just my thoughts

Sigma 70-300 APO. Pretty decent glass at a low price, and better than that 80-200 abomination made by Canon.

Vandit

Sigma 70-300 APO. Pretty decent glass at a low price, and better than that 80-200 abomination made by Canon.

Vandit

PhotoScout wrote in post #2245447
80-200mm (70-200mm) focal range is very popular. I don't know if the 350D has a crop factor to consider. If so, he could try a 24-70mm and add a tele converter if he needs to reach out further. Just my thoughts

I believe that teleconverters and 24-70mm lenses might not be compatible. Review the compatibility chart in the "sticky" about teleconverters at the top of this page.

I used to have a 350D and 18-55. I was in a similar situation (didn't know what I wanted to shoot) and opted for the Tamron 55-200 (http://www.photodo.com​/topic_61.html).

No crop factor so it pairs up with the kit lens well. Pictures came out well and never felt it was going to fall apart on me and the best bit? Bristol cameras have it new for £72 (edit: Microglobe has it for this, BC is £75 - robbing buggers!).

I'm not saying it is the best lens in the world just that it was always better than I was and any pooh pictures were my fault so seems like a good lens to learn on and figure out what you like without spending mega money.

Steve

runninmann wrote in post #2246713
I believe that teleconverters and 24-70mm lenses might not be compatible. Review the compatibility chart in the "sticky" about teleconverters at the top of this page.

It depends on the teleconverter. The Canon ones won't fit but Kenko, Tamron and sigma ones probably will.

Why not get a second hand 75-300mm USM off ebay? Gives a bit more reach. It's not particularly sharp at 300mm, but would be much better at any focal length that the 80-200mm could give you.

What about the other 55-200 lenses from Canon and Sigma, any good

Canon one is garbage. Similar cheap build to the newer 28-80/28-90s except longer. I don't think it has very good IQ either.
I still think the 75-300mm USM is a good option, possibly the 75-300mm Sigma as others have suggested (there are heaps of both on eb@y all the time.)

BTW, if you come accross an 80-200mm f2.8L for a cheap price, then grab it. It was first marketed in 1989 and discontinued not long after, but it is an amazingly sharp piece of kit. Not quite up to spec on the AF though.