Lens choice

[slat]

I have a Canon camera. I like to shoot wildlife. I have a 55-250mm. I want more reach. Should I buy a Tamron 150-600mm G2, a Canon 100-400mm or get a 1.4 teleconverter for the lens I already have.
My price range would be $1400. Just not sure the best way to go.

 

[ac12]

What kind of wildlife, and at what distance?

I would go with a lens, rather than a tele-converter.
The 150-600 has the most reach, so would be my choice.

 

[slat]

Birds, small mammals, turkey, deer and things like that.

 

[ac12]

You have not answered, what distance?

The combination of size and distance is what will drive the lens selection.
IOW how large the animal will be in the screen.
A small bird at 100 feet will be like a deer at 300+ feet.
The longer the distance the longer the focal length you need.
The small the animal, the longer the focal length you need.

You can use your current lens to get an idea of what you need.
At its longest 250mm, take a picture with the animal in one quarter of the frame.
Then see how it fits into that quarter.
- If it easily fits inside with room to spare, then you likely need a lens longer than 500mm.
- If it is bigger, then you need a lens shorter than 500mm.

My gut feeling is you need the 150-600.

 

[zombiesniper]

If you shoot small birds then reach is always an issue.

A teleconverter on your current lens will not be a good option. teleconverters are designed for top quality glass. It will amplify any issues with a lens.

With a $1400 budget only a 1st gen Canon 100-400 is in this price range in the Canon line and it's really showing it's age. I would not buy a gen 1 unless I could get it under $1k.

That really only leaves the 150-600 G2. Good thing for you is that it is a great lens and really can't be beat for the price. Good quality glass.