WTB: Canon Telephoto

DivadWaldoss · Dec 28, 2012

Hey guys!
I'm looking to buy a semi decent Canon EF Telephoto lens. I don't have a ton of money to spend (maybe $125-$150 absolute max). I was looking at the 70-300 on keh for only $74, but I've heard pretty bad things about that lens, so I thought I'd see what others have. If I can't find anything I may just buy it so I have SOMETHING for wildlife shots. Right now all I have is the 18-55 kit lens that came with my T3i.

Thanks!

- David

SamiJoSchwirtz · Dec 28, 2012

You really can't get much with that price except 75-300.

DivadWaldoss · Dec 28, 2012

Is it really as bad as people say?
Compared to the kit lens, would you say it's better, worse, or about the same?

07Vios · Dec 28, 2012

Look into Sigma and Tamron.

gw2424 · Dec 28, 2012

55-250 is as good as you will do.

hearts0075 · Dec 28, 2012

No that is not true, I have the 18-55, 80-210, and the 75-300. They are all good, it depends what you want it to do? And you do get what you paid for. The ones with IS will cost you a lot more. But you do see a big difference with the expensive ones verses the lesser ones, some of the inexpensive ones are made with plastic. If you can do another $75 or more on top of what you got it's better to get the 55-250mm IS. It will do you some good. If you want wide angle you would need a smaller aperture and that will cost you a fortune. What I do is add an attachment to it which cost me $30 or more for a macro or telephoto adapter at the end of my lens. It does wonders for me with landscape and wildlife given me not only farther distance but wider also. I use it for taking NYC tall building including photo shoots that I need to fit a lot of people in it. I hope it helps.

MyT2i · Dec 28, 2012

There are several options for $150 or less:

1. New or almost new 75-300. Pay more for USM version
2. 55-250 used.
3. 70-210 f/4 used. The unique about this is that it is f/4 at 210mm as well.
4. 80-200 used. You can get for ~$100

Your original post said 70-300 for $74. That was probably for 75-300. 70-300 is a totally different lens and costs a lot more.

I have a 70-210 f/4 available. Let me know if you are interested.