Best sub-$300 zoom lens

SiriS wrote in post #11293063
Another +1 for the 55-250. Good price and very happy with the IQ - especially given that it's not a focal range I use to often, so ultimately one of the 70-200's would be a bit of a waste, even if the IQ is generally accepted to be better.

Nice shot! Did you do any PP on it?

yes, I believe some tweaking on contrast and color but generally for those types of shots they look pretty good right out of the camera. The only downside to the 55-250IS is it's "slow" and more often than not, I need 400mm - but that's going to cost a lot more than $200!


Canon 450D (XSi) with Canon 55-250IS -
(1/1250, 250mm, f5.6, ISO200)

watt100 wrote in post #11293014
(I would NOT use a UV filter on the 55-250IS )

Why no UV filter? Is that the case on the 18-55 also? How about lens hoods?

Get the 55-250mm IS. I had it awhile back for awhile and it is a great lens. Optically competent and capable of amazing shots. No need for a filter really but get a cheaper lens hood if you want to help with flare.

enjoy the lens...it's the best option in your price range...just add a flash down the line, and there's really not much you can't do with your set up...

cpttimerestraint wrote in post #11288584
used 28-135

Hands down... Used 28-135...

I really think the 55-250 is right for me. Hopefully sometime soon I can add either a 430ex ii or a 580ex ii to my camera.

Best Lenses for Canon EOS under around $300

from bobatkins.com

1 - Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro
2 - Canon EF 35mm f/2.0
3 - Canon EF 100-300/5.6L
4 - Canon EF 28mm f/2.8
5 - Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
6 - Vivitar 100mm f/3.5 Macro
7 - Canon EF 50mm f1.8
8 - Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS
9 - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
10 - Canon EF 70-210mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
11 - Canon EF 28-70mm f3.5-4.5
13 - Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Zoom Macro II
14 - Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS
15 - Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
16 - Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro
17 - Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro
18 - Tamron AF55-200mm f4-5.6 Di -II Macro LD
19 - canon EF 35-135mm f4-5.6 USM
20 - Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

watt100 wrote in post #11295655
yes, I believe some tweaking on contrast and color but generally for those types of shots they look pretty good right out of the camera. The only downside to the 55-250IS is it's "slow" and more often than not, I need 400mm - but that's going to cost a lot more than $200!

Thanks! How do you resize to retain that sharpness? It's something I struggle with.

Thanks for the list x_tan. Are some near the top discontinued? I haven't seen any of them?

mwilleman wrote in post #11297672
Why no UV filter? Is that the case on the 18-55 also? How about lens hoods?

UV filters interfere with image quality and focusing - even the expensive filters!
hoods are OK if you have a problem with flare but I generally don't use hoods, just get a generic one for the 55-250IS - $10 at dealextreme, focalprice, etc.)

SiriS wrote in post #11298844
Thanks! How do you resize to retain that sharpness? It's something I struggle with.

I shoot in RAW, adjust and resize before converting to jpg.