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

Alright. So 85mm will be next after I get the zoom. Thanks for the input.

Anyone else care to share their cheapie but goodie zoom lens(es)?

Vascilli wrote in post #6551530
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.

The 70-300 IS USM deserves some merit.

Canon 28-135 USM is a good standard telephoto. It's about $400 depending on where you look.

it's always interesting to see what my thoughts were 2 years ago...i'd still recommend the same thing...


^^you can get the 28-135mm for $250 or cheaper...don't pay $400...hell don't pay $300

DreDaze wrote in post #11451332
it's always interesting to see what my thoughts were 2 years ago...i'd still recommend the same thing...


^^you can get the 28-135mm for $250 or cheaper...don't pay $400...hell don't pay $300

A new one? Link please.

pilotdude22 wrote in post #11459799
A new one? Link please.

well how about like new ...most of the time i doubt they've ever even been mounted to the camera...they're just parted out of the kits to make the price of the body even cheaper

creme.brulee wrote in post #6551440
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).

Just a little devil's advocate; you had the 70-200/4 L but returned it for it's size, now you kick yourself for returning it. Does this mean you would like to get another? If so, why not sell your Sigma 18-125 and add your $300 to that and buy a used 70-200/4 L?

The 70-200/4 is just a great lens, period. I'm not knocking the 55-250 IS, for it will give you a longer reach, has IS, is light weight, good IQ and from what others state is a great value for the dollar.

Just food for thought, otherwise there are some good suggestions here.

Good luck.

Jason C

DreDaze wrote in post #11459869
well how about like new ...most of the time i doubt they've ever even been mounted to the camera...they're just parted out of the kits to make the price of the body even cheaper

That'd be great, considering I've used one before and loved it! I'd like to add it to my arsenal.