mill$civic

In about July I'm looking to get a telephoto zoom lens, looking to spend about $500, most photos taking during the day, some at night. Would like for it to be 200mm +( I would really like 300mm but don't think I'm going to get a good one for $500), good sharpness all the way through. I have a canon xti...I will be doing my own research and asking around before I buy, but just wondering if anyone can recommend anything from experience?

Thanks!

Whiplash

Sigma APO 70-300 Macro is decent glass and falls within that price range
not super fast glass by any means but unless you're ready to spend another G or so on top......

szuberi

in the entry level 70-300mm models, you basically have the choice of three lenses (all under $300 all in). canon, tamron and sigma. i initially purchased the canon but didnt like it at all...so after doing some research b/w the sigma and tamron...i decided to purchase the tamron 70-300 macro model. i have been using it for the past one year or so and love it. its by no means a low light lens but takes excellent photos in good light....so overall good value for $199.

if you can flex your budget a little more...i will highly recommend going for the 70-200mm f4L by canon. excellent glass, fast and all internal focusing / weather resistant. it sells for around $600 to $700 max. if you buy this from US, you can get it for $550. nothing compares to the L glass quality and optics.

mill$civic

ya I heard the kit 300mm lens from canon is junk.I found one a future shop on sale for a good price, but people say save for somthing else. All 3 lenses you guys said all have really good reviews, great photos on flickr with them too..

phuviano

I say go for the 70-200 f4. If you don't need IS, then this lens is in your range. I have the IS version which goes for more than a grand. However, the non-IS version goes for around $700, and right now you can get a $75 mail in rebate from Canon. $75 dollars isn't much, but its better than nothing.

If you don't want to dish out $700, you can always find a used one for around the $500 dollar mark. Warning though, if you buy this lens. All you are going to want to do from now on is buy L lenses.

szuberi

i want 70-200 f2.8 is

Whiplash

70-200 2.8 VR is a sweet lens, but it's a no go on your Canon

mill$civic

Here is another lens Im looking at, any input?
Canon EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS , I can get it for like $360+tax
Here is a flickr group for it, http://flickr.com/groups/canon55-250is/

szuberi

ok for the price i guess...but not as capable as the L glass model mentioned above

mill$civic

I know the L lenses wont compare, but I don't have the money to drop about 6 bills right now. I had a couple big purchases in the last little bit. But I got it down to 2.
Sigma APO 70-300 Macro or Canon EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS. The price difference between the 2 is $80. Both have there up and downs, I like IS on the Canon. But other then that, they are really close from all the reviews I read.

phuviano

From what I've read on the net. It seems like the 55-250 has an edge on the sigma on IQ, and contrast. Also the IS helps out as well. So I would vote for the 55-250.

If you are doing handheld shots, I'd definitely go for the canon for the IS.

If you don't need the IS, here is a lens that may interest you, or any other person that owns a canon.

http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...t=70-200+canon

I don't know the seller, nor can I vouch for the person. However, its a good non IS, and seems like a good deal. I'm pretty sure you can talk the seller into selling it for cheaper.

mill$civic

^Downtown Camera is selling that lens for $700. Im going to talk to him, If I can work somthing out Im going to get it. If not Ill go with the 55-250 f4-5.6 IS.

Thanks for all the help!

szuberi

thats a sick price phuvanio...too bad i've other commitments right now or else i would buy that in a heartbeat