Which Telephoto Zoom Lens for my Canon?

FDSA · Dec 6, 2008

I want to get a new lens to go along with my 18-55 for my canon Rebel XSI. I want it mainly for action shots(skateboarding and whatever) and nature shots- mainly outside so i don't need a super low aperture. I also would like to try some macro pictures. Price range is under $300, but lower is better.

so here are my choices-
canon 55-250 this is the obvious next length up, and the reviews seem pretty good
http://www.adorama.com/CA55250AFS.html

Sigma 70-300 this one is my favorite at the moment because it has macro capabilities, but its a lot longer than my current lens
http://www.adorama.com/SG70300DAEOS.html

Sigma 55-200 this one is cheaper but more compact and would also be a good addition to my current lens.
http://www.adorama.com/SG55200EOS.html

Overread · Dec 6, 2008

I would say your choice is between the Canon 55-250mm and the Sigma 70-300mm APO.
The Canon has IS (image stabalization) which is especially usefull with longer lenses as it allows you to shoot at a slower shutter speed and yet get a sharp shot - however its only canceling out hand shake, if your shutter speed is too slow to freeze action in a shot then it won't do you any good.
The Sigma on the other hand has a longer max focal range and also has macro - though I will point out this is not true macro, but close focusing. This means that its not going to fill a single shot with an insect, think more the size of a flower head opened. Its a very good lens at this area of macro (I found).

With regards to quality both are cheaper end lenses so will most likley go soft at the longer focal lengths - the sigma I had certainly did, though I was using the previous version - the APO makes a good improvement on overall image quality. I have never used the Canon so can't comment on its comparable quality

tirediron · Dec 6, 2008

For your stated purpose, I don't think you'll really be happy with any of those lenses. They're all decent optically, but very slow on the long end. I would suggest saving up for a little longer and looking toward a used 70-200 f2.8 or maybe the 70-200 f4 while a little slower, is at least a constant aperture.

FDSA · Dec 6, 2008

tirediron said:
For your stated purpose, I don't think you'll really be happy with any of those lenses. They're all decent optically, but very slow on the long end. I would suggest saving up for a little longer and looking toward a used 70-200 f2.8 or maybe the 70-200 f4 while a little slower, is at least a constant aperture.

whats the cheapest i can get one of those for? Theres no way im spending around $1000 for a lens.

Will the same aperture on a long lens be darker than on a short lens? for example f4.5 at 55mm compared to f4.5 at 250mm?

DemonAstroth · Dec 6, 2008

Speaking of the Canon choice, at 250mm, the maximum aperture will be 5.6 In fact, I guess it would be 5.6 from close to 200mm all the way to 250.

That's why a f4 lens (like the 70-200 L), is so nice, as it has a constant aperture throughout its range.

If you can live without IS, I have seen the 70-200mm f4 non-is for around 500. (used on craigslist) I know it's 200 more than your budget, but save up a couple more months and it will be worth it.

uplander · Dec 7, 2008

I can tell you from expirience and it's more than 300 bucks but save a little more and get the canon EF 70-300 IS USM your next step up will be L glass. This piece of kit will surprise you in IQ.

Samples

Cropped

FDSA · Dec 8, 2008

Hey thanks for the replies, and the sample pictures are great! I'm leaning towards the 55-250, and then I can just wait for a real macro. Do you think that the gap between the 18-55 I have now and a 70-300 would be too much because I'm looking to have a well rounded quiver of lenses.

Overread · Dec 8, 2008

55-70 mm gap chances are you won't miss it at all. One does not have to have every focal length to hand -and sometimes having too many makes it very hard to compose a shot as you always worry are you on the right length.

prodigy2k7 · Dec 9, 2008

EF 70-200mm F/4 USM $560 ish USD

chrisburke · Dec 9, 2008

in all honesty, if your doing skateboard photos, these lens' are going to be near useless... I know you've said you have a $300 max... but my suggestion is to put it in the bank, and keep saving, and get yourself a fisheye... however, its really not going to be helpful for nature... you've kind of given to areas of photography that are vastly different from each other, and require totally different lens'

FDSA · Dec 12, 2008

I'm not looking to do only skateboarding shots, I'm looking for an all around good lens with more range than my current one. So I guess it's between the Sigma and the Canon now. Has anyone used either of these lenses?