question for the exp. photographers

Ok I am a NOOB to the umpteenth degree. I am getting really good at taking photos according to people who see my photos. I have a rebel xs (i know bottom of the line) with the kiy 18-55 lens. I also have the 70-300 non IS version (mistake but i have gotten good at no shake) and I seem to get more compliments on the photos taken with the 70-300. I have been reading glass is more important than camera bodies for the novice like me so here is my question. I find my 70-300 hard to use in Europe (traveling for the summer) while trying to take photos in some of the closed in streets and I have to switch back to the 18-55 and the quality is just not there like with the other lens. I have a chance to purchase (i'm on a budget due to the traveling) a 55 -250 IS and I was just wondering if this lens would fill in the gap between my other two lens? Sorry if this is in the wrong place or has been asked before. Thanks in advance guys.

The 55-250 is a much better lens than the 70-300. I think you will find it more to your liking.

thanks... so you think it will be best for a walk around lens in tight european streets?

I think many would recommend a wider lens for tight streets.
Maybe the IS version of the 18-55?

that's the one I have. The quality is just not there from this lens like the 70-300

The IS version of the 18-55 is much better than the non IS version, so if you are using the non IS version, you should upgrade to the IS version. That would be the least expensive way to go.

The EF-S 17-55 is a great walk around lens, but it is very costly. It depends on your budget.

the kit 18-55 IS lens is perfectly fine for a general walkaround lens...i've had many great shots with it so far.

I have the 18-55 IS version. i find the quality is not as good as the 70-300 non IS. The difference in the photos is amazing. I thought the 55 250 IS would be a good middle gap lens for the 2 I have and get better quality photos than the 18-55.

focus.pocus wrote in post #8250925
that's the one I have. The quality is just not there from this lens like the 70-300

What do you mean by quality? Is it the reach, sharpness, colors, etc ..?

I am just asking because, by reputation, the 18-55IS stomps all over the 70-300. Except when you are just wanting a longer lens.

17-85 IS you can find one for around 3-350 great range and decent glass for that price..

Tamron 17-50 2.8 is another Great lens! No IS but it is really nice glass

arkphotos wrote in post #8250996
What do you mean by quality? Is it the reach, sharpness, colors, etc ..?

I am just asking because, by reputation, the 18-55IS stomps all over the 70-300. Except when you are just wanting a longer lens.

It's just not there. Sharpness reach colors clarity nothing. Maybe I just got a bad lens.

SQMazda6 wrote in post #8251003
17-85 IS you can find one for around 3-350 great range and decent glass for that price..

Tamron 17-50 2.8 is another Great lens! No IS but it is really nice glass

Thanks... I will look into this

Sounds like you might be enjoying the perspective you get from the telephoto more than your kit lens? Or is it simply a sharpness issue?

For a walkaround, I'd stick to something that can go wide (like the kit). A 55-250 will be almost as limiting as 70-300.

Cesium wrote in post #8251018
Sounds like you might be enjoying the perspective you get from the telephoto more than your kit lens? Or is it simply a sharpness issue?

For a walkaround, I'd stick to something that can go wide (like the kit). A 55-250 will be almost as limiting as 70-300.

that's what I needed to know... You think it is as limiting? Thanks for your imput.

Another clarification needed... because the Canon 70-300mm lenses are actually pretty good lenses. The 75-300mm on the other hand.... Which lens do you have? Because the two Canon 70-300mm lenses I know of both have the third generation IS. I'm guessing you are mistaken and actually have a 75-300mm since you say you don't have IS. You should be getting better "quality" out of your 18-55mm IS if you say your 75-300mm lens has better "quality".

Do you mind posting some of the bad quality shots? Especially ones that you shot with both lenses? The EF-S 55-250mm lens is better than the 75-300mm and comparable to the 70-300mm, so I'd recommend getting the 55-250mm and selling the 75-300mm.