Reasonably-priced >125mm Zoom lens, or 85mm? Please advise a newbie!

Hi all, another lens question.

I'm slowly building up my gear, and I think it's time for me to consider a zoom lens >125mm that is reasonably priced, or a prime 85mm. I just bought a Tokina 12-24mm lens, and a Macbook Pro so I can't afford an expensive lens right now

I've had 70-200 f/4L non-IS for a week, but I returned it to Amazon, since I got it early, and I was somehow intimidated with the size (should've known better, now I kick myself for it).

My budget is around in the $300's.

Here is my gear list so far:

• Canon Rebel XSi/450D + Kit Lens
  
• Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
  
• Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 OS DC HSM
  
• Tokina 12-24mm f/4

Sigma 70-300mm APO Macro. Check the archives of this lens for examples..

Thanks, Vascili. I'm looking into that lens.

Anyone can chime in for Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III?

55-250IS...seems to have better IQ than those other zooms in your price range...and it's got IS

creme.brulee wrote in post #6551497
Thanks, Vascili. I'm looking into that lens.

Anyone can chime in for Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III?

I can chime against it. I have the USM version and it's horrible. Slooow autofocus. You're better off with the Sigma 70-300. It's pretty much the same price, you get slightly wider reach, and a pretty sweet macro mode along with better IQ and AF speed.

The 55-250 IS is also a very good lens but I think it overlaps too much with your Sigma.

creme.brulee wrote in post #6551497
Thanks, Vascili. I'm looking into that lens.

Anyone can chime in for Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III?

I had one (still own it but I don't even know where it is at the moment)... mine suffered from CA. I guess I could say, it got the job done. When I bought it I was still basically a student and coulnd't really afford much. That was the only real option i was given at a shop and basically for two years it got me shots that I wouldn't have gotten without a telephoto.... but I was very happy to retire it.

My knowledge of that lens segment is not exactly profound, but I believe the 55-250 IS is in that price range and a pretty good lens...

DreDaze wrote in post #6551503
55-250IS...seems to have better IQ than those other zooms in your price range...and it's got IS

We have a winner!

DreDaze wrote in post #6551503
55-250IS...seems to have better IQ than those other zooms in your price range...and it's got IS

1 more vote for this.

another option to look at is the discontinued ef 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM.

creme.brulee,
The Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III USM is a great lens for its low cost (to my eyes). Here is the link to the Lens Sample Photo Archive for the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 USM

The Canon 55-250 IS has image stabilization which might give your a higher % of keepers

Sell the 18-125 and buy a Canon 55-250 IS.

You already have a nice portrait lens. The 50 1.8 makes a very nice portrait lens on a crop body. The 85 1.8 is not cheap, and is a little to long on a crop body.

Because you need longer than 125mm, you need to sell your 18-125. You already have a very sharp 18-55 IS and I think you made a mistake in buying the 18-125. You spent a fair bit of money and only got 56-125 reach.

Hi all, thanks for the input!

I'm looking at 55-250 IS right now, and it doesn't seem bad at all.
Selling my Sigma is an idea. I definitely considering it.
Any more input is always appreciated

So, you would think I don't need another portrait lens (for now), is that correct? Should I keep considering the 85mm for the future, or... ?

+1 for the 55-250 - light to carry, good IQ. It also does a really nice job with outdoor portraits. I really enjoy mine - it's probably my most-used lens for everyday family photography.

creme.brulee wrote in post #6552664
So, you would think I don't need another portrait lens (for now), is that correct? Should I keep considering the 85mm for the future, or... ?

Everyone should eventually own a Canon 85mm 1.8

It is a great lens, and one of Canon's best values. It is indispensable as an indoor sports lens on a crop body.

msowsun wrote in post #6552699
Everyone should eventually own a Canon 85mm 1.8

It is a great lens, and one of Canon's best values. It is indispensable as an indoor sports lens on a crop body.

agreed. I just got an 85 1.8 (used to own its twin the 100 f2) and frankly, I'm almost as excited to use it as I was when I got my 300 f2.8. It's crazy sharp and quite fast.

i think the 85mm 1.8 is fine on a crop body, you will get a lens that will do head and shoulder portraits- has nice bokeh, not bad wide open but great at 2.8-nice bokeh real fast AF- which is also great for indoor sports! Its well made too- and overall a big piece of glass- a true bargain in my opinion.