Want a little more reach than my 55-250mm, Help.

Hi everyone, I would like some help if possible. I really like my 55-250mm and think it is a great lens for the money, but I find myself constantly wishing it had a little more reach. I would like some opinions on a new lens to replace it with. Ideally I would like something less than $1000. I thought about picking up a 70-200mm f/4 with a teleconverter, but I have read mixed reviews of the IQ of this combo. I primarily shoot landscapes with some wildlife shots as the present themselves (this being the situation where a little more reach would be nice). Please give me any and all suggestions. I would probably sell my 55-250mm and my 28-135mm to make this happen. Please excuse the newbie question. Thanks for the help.

Sigma 150-500? It would leave a big gap in your range from 55 to 150. Maybe the siggy 50-500. I think, (and I am probably wrong) that either can be had for well under a grand used.

What about the Bigma, 50-500. Thats about the only thing I can think of. For me, I don't know if I'd put all my eggs in one basket.

The 70-200 with a 1.4 tcon is only going to get you an extra 30mm, so not really worth it. There's always the Canon 100-400, the aforementioned Sigma 150-500, or its little brother the 120-400. I'd recommend selling the 28-135, but keeping the 55-250 if you can. Generally longer tele's complement a lens such as your 55-250 rather than replace it.

How about my 70-300 DO IS for $900....virtually new...

There you go, how does it work with a TC?

MadisonPhotography wrote in post #9381488
How about my 70-300 DO IS for $900....virtually new...

What makes the DO better than the normal 70-300?

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Please keep them coming. I will be investigating all the mentioned lenses. Hopefully I will have money to pull the trigger on something in the next couple of weeks.

Madison, PM sent.

Erik_L wrote in post #9381505
What makes the DO better than the normal 70-300?

smaller and twice the price?

don't waste your money on the 70-300mm DO it's way overpriced

you should look at the bigmos...i can be had for under $800 used or $900 brand new: http://sigma4less.com …for_canon_eos_c​ameras.htm

it'll give you a lot more reach, however if i were you i'd probably sell the 18-55mm IS, and 55-250mm IS

leaving you with the 10-20mm, 28-135mm, and 150-500mm

I'd say Build it right from the begining.....start with good lenses, and build further towards your needs.
If I were you I would:

1)get the 70-200 f4l IS it's a GREAT LENS.... you will never regret getting it. You can get a Mint condition used one for around 900-950. Use a TC for now it works very well with my 70-200 with no noticable IQ problems.

2) Sell the 28-135, and 55-250

3) Save some money, and get a Sigma 150-500 (more reach) or Canon 100-400.

Good luck

That is a great deal on the Sigma 150-500. I have the sigma 70-200 and I compared it to the Canon - for the money, you really can't tell a difference in IQ unless you're full frame. I would only recommend the canon 7-2 for those who need IS, as the Sigma doesn't have it.

Juan A wrote in post #9381373
Hi everyone, I would like some help if possible. I really like my 55-250mm and think it is a great lens for the money, but I find myself constantly wishing it had a little more reach. I would like some opinions on a new lens to replace it with. Ideally I would like something less than $1000. I thought about picking up a 70-200mm f/4 with a teleconverter, but I have read mixed reviews of the IQ of this combo. I primarily shoot landscapes with some wildlife shots as the present themselves (this being the situation where a little more reach would be nice). Please give me any and all suggestions. I would probably sell my 55-250mm and my 28-135mm to make this happen. Please excuse the newbie question. Thanks for the help.

if the IQ of that combo doesn't satisfy you you'd better be willing to spend much more than $1000 .

the funny thing about reach is you'll always want more .

ed rader

Erik_L wrote in post #9382112
That is a great deal on the Sigma 150-500. I have the sigma 70-200 and I compared it to the Canon - for the money, you really can't tell a difference in IQ unless you're full frame. I would only recommend the canon 7-2 for those who need IS, as the Sigma doesn't have it.

the sigma 150-500mm has OS...sigmas version of IS...it's supposed to be good for 3-4 stops

here's a small review/comparison:
http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/bigmos

I know, but their 70-200 is not available with it - yet. That's all I was saying. 4 stops is pretty good!

A 300mm f4 L IS and a Kenko TC can be found used for about $1,150.Gives a solid 420mm with IS and"macroish" capabilities.