55-250

[jmanc]

I currently have a non USM/ IS 75-300 that I almost never use...rarely have a need for telephoto zoom lenses so spending hundreds on a lens doesn't make sense but still nice to have one around but is the 55-250 a significant improvement over the lens I currently have? I shoot with a 7D and have no specific subject such as wildlife or sports. I have a 17-55 that I use as my walk around lens.

 

[laynea24]

Are you talking about the f/4-5.6?

 

[jmanc]

Yes, I am.

 

[bratkinson]

As long as you're not using the longer telephoto ranges, I have to ask why are you looking into a 55-250? That's only a small step from what you have in the 75-300. And like the 75-300, the 55-250 is also the same slow f4-5.6.

I used to think my 18-135 f4-5.6 was the greatest 'all around' lens made...until I wanted to do some hand held, indoor work, no flash at church one day. I thought I could still be steady at speeds like 1/30 and 1/20...ha! Even the IS couldn't help me at those speeds! So I ponied up some $ and bought a 24-105 f4L. It's like night and day! Rocket fast focus, fantastic IS, and it's my idea of the 'all around' lens. I now use it for about 80% of my shots...indoors and out! And, for what it's worth, I bought a 35-70 f2.8L as well. Sold the 35-70 a couple months later as I really need IS!

And, since the 24-105 is an L lens, should you ever decide to go to a full-frame body in the future, it will work perfectly! I already have my sights set on the 5D3 with next years tax refund...or sooner!

 

[jmanc]

I was looking at the lens due to the IS factor and the cheapness. I already have the 17-55 which i love on a crop sensor otherwise I'd consider that L lens.

 

[swiftparkour94]

I have that lens and must say it's a great starter telephoto. I'm saving to upgrade to the 100-400L for the USM, build, glass type, reach, versatility, sharpness (with a good copy), and overall better performance. Here are some shots I've pulled off with the 55-250mm (if they uploaded properly, I'm on mobile)

 

[bratkinson]

I was looking at the lens due to the IS factor and the cheapness. I already have the 17-55 which i love on a crop sensor otherwise I'd consider that L lens.

I forgot to mention...I use a 60D. And for what it's worth, my 16-35 f2.8L produces great results as does the 24-105 on my 60D, and the other 4 EF lenses I use, too! By going to EF lenses last year, I won't be forced to replace them when I go to full-frame, as soon as I get my tax refund!

 

[jmanc]

Just noticed the 55-250 has a plastic mount where as my old 75-300 is metal. I'm sticking with what I have...

 

[DiskoJoe]

135mm f2

It will be the equivalent of a 202mm on the crop sensor and is very versatile. Much lighter then a 70-200mm f2.8.

 

[jmanc]

Thanks joe, looking into picking up a used copy.

 

[RinaldiPhotos]

I love the 55-250. All of my baseball photos, in this album have been shot using the 55-250 on either a TI or a T2i. Basically what it comes down to is the crop job, and if you are straight enough.
http://www.facebook.com/RinaldiPhotos/photos_stream