Tele Value?

[spiralout462]

I know it's a FAQ of sorts but I have been searching for a nice telephoto option for my T6s. My longest current lens is a 55-250Stm. Like most, I'm hoping for more reach, larger apertures, and sharpness.

Unfortunately I have set an extremely limited budget for this. If I can't find a suitable lens right now I will continue saving for a 400f5.6 or similar.

I don't want to spend more than $400-$500 right now.

I am really interested in the Canon 200 f2.8. I know it's lacking in reach but with such a fast lens an earlier version 1.4TC should work well. Also the Canon 300 f4 is a common lens and might be a better option for me if I can find one that hasn't been beaten up and within budget.

I have mainly looked at primes but am not opposed to a zoom.

I prefer Canon lenses but would consider Sigma and Tamron if the quality is there. Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[Overread]

I'll be honest and say keep saving.

You're only just under half way in saving at the $500 end to a 400mm f5.6 L sold new. Sold second hand in good condition you might save a bit more so you can say you're half way already! If you can keep saving you'll cover that ground faster than you think and you'll get a fantastic lens for what you need at the end of it.

That said if money is slow and that next half is going to take a vast amount of time then you might consider something for the now; however I'd wager that keeping your money saved is the better option .




Note the 300mm you mention is in the same rough price bracket as the 400mm.

 

[spiralout462]

Thanks. You're probably right. I've never been a patient person. lol

I just want it all!! Darn it!!

 

[DB_Cro]

I was saving for a year to replace my 55-250IS (non-STM) with a Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS.

It was a very worthwhile wait and upgrade, I don't find it any worse optically then the
1st gen non-IS Canon 70-200 2.8 that I used a lot recently.

Maybe you can find one of those used.
Also, the 55-250 is a very sharp lens, I was very happy with it, I just couldn't shoot concerts
with it properly because of the small aperture and my T2i not being able to perform well at
high ISOs.

 

[Overread]

I know the feeling

Certainly I'd advocate saving if it would take years to gain the extra; but otherwise I would say wait and hold onto that money and keep saving. Long lenses jump in price a lot very quickly; but the quality also jumps a lot between those divisions.

 

[spiralout462]

I cannot complain about the sharpness of the 55-250 STM. I have been limited recently in less than ideal light.

 

[DB_Cro]

I cannot complain about the sharpness of the 55-250 STM. I have been limited recently in less than ideal light.

That's exactly, as I've said, the reason I replaced mine.
I tried a lot of "in-between" lenses and figured the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS is the absolute minimum and cheapest solution.
I knew I needed 2.8 becuase of T2i's high ISO issues, and I absolutely wanted and needed the stabilization.

I can comfortably get good, sharp shots at 2.8, 1/50s and 200mm.
Using the borrowed non-IS Canon 70-200 2.8, I was able to get 1 out of 6 shots sharp at that (or close) shutter speed
shooting a concert or something similar. I know 1/50s is pushing it re: freezing motion, but higher speeds are sometimes
just not an option consdering I don't want to push ISO over 1600.