Canon 60D lens(es)
Mar 30, 2014 13:09:14 #
I have a 60D with the 18-135mm kit lens (probably should have bought the 18-200), and I'm finding it just doesn't have enough reach or magnification for a lot of what I try to shoot--birds, critters, boats, etc.--all at some distance. I've been considering another zoom to about 300 mm, but the other day I saw a Canon AF-S 50-250 IS AF lens for $299 new.
Other than the fact that the barrel seemed to be mostly plastic, and I'm not sure that's a serious negative, does anyone have any experience with this lens, vs a Tamron 70-300? I know I'd be giving up 50mm reach, but for $100+ savings, I could probably convince myself that it's "good enough".
Other than the fact that the barrel seemed to be mostly plastic, and I'm not sure that's a serious negative, does anyone have any experience with this lens, vs a Tamron 70-300? I know I'd be giving up 50mm reach, but for $100+ savings, I could probably convince myself that it's "good enough".
Mar 31, 2014 06:19:39 #
I would go for the Tamron 70-300. My friend has it and likes it. I read the reviews which are mostly positive. My son has the 55-250 and I have tried it. it's OK but the images are a little soft. The reviewers also say the images are soft. My friend bought the Tamron on sale last month. Check and see if they still have the rebate.
Mar 31, 2014 07:13:53 #
I have used the Tamron 70-300 for years with my Rebels and 50D and I have been very happy with the results! I have the one with macro from 180-300.I hope this is helpful. Good luck.
Mar 31, 2014 08:19:57 #
Mar 31, 2014 08:31:56 #
You may convince yourself that it is "good enough" in the short term, but if you plan to shoot wildlife very much you are going to pretty quickly wish you had something longer the 250mm. I have a 70-300mm and even that is pretty marginal for wildlife. 400mm and above is generally considered the minimum for serious wildlife shooting. If your budget is limited at this point I suggest you keep saving your money and doing your research until you can afford a lens that will do what you want. Take a look at the used and refurbished lenses offered by dealers like B&H and Adorama. Don't spend your hard earned money until you can get what will give you the best long term use.
Mar 31, 2014 09:20:25 #
I would recommend the 70-300 Canon IS lens over the 55-250. Has better build quality and better image quality. You can get a like new used one in Los Angeles for around $300, sometimes less.
Mar 31, 2014 09:25:31 #
LFingar,
Very good advice I had a 80-280 back in the days of 35mm film and it was "good enough". I could hand hold it &didn't have to use a tripod, which is more than a bit impractical on a boat, even a fairly heavy one like ours. Will take another look at the 70-300's. Regarding a 400 telephoto and especially prime, I just don't want to have to handle something that big.
Thanks, Jim
Very good advice I had a 80-280 back in the days of 35mm film and it was "good enough". I could hand hold it &didn't have to use a tripod, which is more than a bit impractical on a boat, even a fairly heavy one like ours. Will take another look at the 70-300's. Regarding a 400 telephoto and especially prime, I just don't want to have to handle something that big.
Thanks, Jim
Mar 31, 2014 09:34:50 #
I have used and highly recommend the Tamron SP 70-300 VC lens on Canon ! ....
Mar 31, 2014 10:12:09 #
I agree with lfingar. I find I usually need at least 400mm for birds. I recommend the 100-400 but it sounds like that is not in your budget so then go for at least the 70-300.
Apr 1, 2014 02:17:37 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
LFingar wrote:
You may convince yourself that it is "good en... (show quote)
:thumbup:
JCam, what you really want is either the Tamron 150-600mm or Sigma 150-500mm, but they are both around $1000. I would agree with LFingar, save until you can get one of these. Both of these will pair very well with your 18-135mm.
Apr 3, 2014 02:19:05 #
Mmatu wrote:
I have a sigma 18-250, sigma 150--500,canon 100-400 . I have order the Sigma 1.4 extension
Try the 1.4 teleconverter before you pay for it, as the autofocus may not work. I got the Kenko 1.4.
Apr 3, 2014 08:54:55 #
I have 55-250 is and it is a little soft as well as not nearly enough for the shooting situations you are describing. I am currently looking at a Tamron 150-600 or Sigma 150-500 for wildlife and birds.
Bill
Bill
Apr 3, 2014 09:04:58 #
Mmatu wrote:
I have a sigma 18-250, sigma 150--500,canon 100-400 . I have order the Sigma 1.4 extension
I haven't done a lot of birding lately, but the 18-135 is more of a general walk around lens and very good for that. A 1.4 ext or even better a 2 would start to get you in the ball park for birding. I dont think the 18-200 would have been satisfactory, even though that would have gotten you to a 320mm equivalent on the 60D (a 1.6 crop factor), you would find yourself wanting 400. Mmatu's setup looks pretty flexible. Also the suggestion for the 70-300 is a sound one purchase solution that gets you to a 480mm max equivalent.
Apr 3, 2014 17:45:21 #
Had the 50-250 on a Rebel DSLR. Not happy w/ the results.
Have a Tamron 70-300 on my 60D. Nice inexpensive(relatively) lens.
Get the Tamron.
Have a Tamron 70-300 on my 60D. Nice inexpensive(relatively) lens.
Get the Tamron.
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