Canon Telephoto Lens Help

[wmc1117]

Ok, so I have been playing around with my 18-55mm lens for awhile that my Canon XS came with but I feel really limited with the zooming only getting to 55. I am going to be taking a nature photography class so I am looking into getting a tripod and I want a telephoto lens possibly reaching 200 to 300 zoom I was curious if anyone has some suggestions on the best I can get for under 300? I also plan on picking up the nifty fifty for street shots? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

[William Petruzzo]

The Canon 70-300 is decent. I shot with it for some time before replacing it with L glass (which, by the way was worth every penny). It comes in at just over $500.
0345B002 Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA

To drop lower than that, you'll probably have to look at non-Canon lenses. Tamron makes one under $200:
AF017C700 Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD 1:2 Auto Focus Macro Zoom Lens with Hood for Canon EOS, 6 Year USA Warranty

and Sigma has one just over $200:
508101 Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Tele Zoom Lens for Canon EOS Cameras

I can't vouch for the quality of the Tamron or Sigma lenses. I personally would be suspicious with that wide a focal range and that small a price tag. But, then again if it's for a class it may be just right for you.

 

[William Petruzzo]

Oh, that was my 400th post. Go me!

 

[Big Mike]

Your option under $300 are rather limited. There are several options, most of which are very similar. 70-300 or 100-300mm lenses from Canon, Sigma or Tamron.
THIS ONE is pretty good, for the price. It should be OK, especially if you are going to use with with a tripod.

 

[Big Mike]

The Canon 70-300 is decent. I shot with it for some time before replacing it with L glass (which, by the way was worth every penny). It comes in at just over $500.
0345B002 Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA

The 70-300 IS, is a good option. Much better than the other 70-300 lenses...but as mentioned, it's expensive. The one I linked to, doesn't have IS and is less than $200.

 

[William Petruzzo]

The Canon 70-300 is decent. I shot with it for some time before replacing it with L glass (which, by the way was worth every penny). It comes in at just over $500.
0345B002 Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens - USA

The 70-300 IS, is a good option. Much better than the other 70-300 lenses...but as mentioned, it's expensive. The one I linked to, doesn't have IS and is less than $200.

Between the Tamron and the Sigma, that Canon 75-300 is still probably the best. I didn't even think of that one.

 

[wmc1117]

Thanks for the options, I'll look into those, also what is the price for a lens a step up in quality from that specified 75-300 lens?? Also if you guys could recommend a wide angle lens for Canon that I can look into maybe 20-35mm? Or a wide-angle prime?

 

[JustAnEngineer]

The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS generally gets better reviews than the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6.

Would the Tokina 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for around $550 be a possibility?

 

[JustAnEngineer]

recommend a wide angle lens for Canon that I can look into maybe 20-35mm? Or a wide-angle prime?

Have you looked at the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II or the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC?

Here are a few reviews:
Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Canon) - Test Report / Review
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II Lens Review

Sigma AF 30mm f/1.4 EX HSM DC - Test Report / Review
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens Review

 

[KmH]

Too bad this one's just for Nikons . With the right adapter it would fit your Canon though.

 

[table1349]

For the OP some food for thought. Instead of getting something now for under $300, you might consider waiting a bit, saving your money and look at the 70-200 f4L. Top quality glass that will last you many, many years.
Canon | 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Autofocus Lens | 2578A002 | B&H
The image quality of this lens is hard to beat and would be a lens to build on in the future.

The only reason to upgrade from this lens in the future would be for the 2.8L version for low light.

 

[Big Mike]

Thanks for the options, I'll look into those, also what is the price for a lens a step up in quality from that specified 75-300 lens??

That lens mentioned above, the 70-200 F4 L, is a top quality lens and actually a pretty good deal at it's price. It's the least expensive of the Canon 70-200mm lenses, of which there are four;
70-200 F4 L
70-200 F4 L IS
70-200 F2.8 L
70-200 F2.8 L IS

As for a wide angle, are you looking for something to replace your 18-55mm lens, or are you looking for something wider?

To replace that lens, the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 or the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 are both great options for a good price. A better option at a much higher price is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS. There is also the Canon 17-40mm F4 L and the 16-35mm F2.8 L.

If you want a wider lens, look at the Canon EF-S 10-22mm or the Sigma 10-20mm.

 

[zombiesniper]

I have the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. It's a decent lens but if you can wait and save a bit longer for one of the suggested 70-200mm L lenses you will be ahead in the long run.

 

[spiralout462]

A Canon 55-250 is STM f: 4-5.6 might suit your needs well.

 

[chris]

I have the Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. It's a decent lens but if you can wait and save a bit longer for one of the suggested 70-200mm L lenses you will be ahead in the long run.

I don't think the OP will still be waiting 6 years after the class.