MarkD Loc: NYC

Lenses like the Tamron 18-270 VC PZD (there are older versions, only get the VC PZD version) are called all-in-one or superzoom lenses. With them you give up a little sharpness especially at the long end, but many find them to be sharp enough.

The other lens which I think you mean the Canon 55-250 IS is a good lens. How much switching between it and the 18-55 IS depends on what you shoot.

When shooting birds, especially small birds, you always want more reach. Lenses like the Tamron or Sigma 150-600 are good for birds but they are big, heavy, and expensive.

Sharpness in a lens can be measured objectively, but what is sharp enough is subjective. If you are going to view your photos on a computer, smartphone, or tablet, or if you are going to make prints not much larger than 8x10 you may find an all-in-one like the Tamron 18-270 VC PZD to be sharp enough to make very good to excellent prints.

MarkD Loc: NYC

Lenses like the Tamron 18-270 VC PZD (only get the PZD version) are called all-in-one or superzoom lenses. With them you lose a little sharpness especially at the long end, but many find them to be sharp enough. I can't tell you that you will like the 18-270, but no one can tell you that you won't.

When shooting birds, especially small birds, you want as much reach as you can get. The Tamron and Sigma 150-600 are good for birds, but they are big, heavy and expensive.

Sorry for the double post. I thought that I had accidentally deleted the original post.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Get the Canon EF-S 55-250mm STM IS lens: $300 (plus $24 for the separately sold lens hood, which I'd recommend getting). That and the 18-55mm you already have will make a nice, convenient, two lens kit. The 55-250mm is a sharp lens and quite capable. 250mm is a lot of telephoto on an APS-C size sensor camera such as your T3.

I'm not a fan of extreme range, "do everything" zooms that usually don't do anything particularly well. If that Tamron is one of their micro focus drive system lenses, that would be slower and noisier than Canon STM (stepper motor focus drive) or USM (ultrasonic motor focus drive) lenses. PZD stands for "piezo" motor focus drive, which is a form of micro motor with some improvements. Yes, it's better (faster, quieter) than the non-PZD. But USD (ultrasonic) is Tamron's best AF system that they put in some of their more advanced (and expensive) lenses. USD isn't offered on the 18-270mm.

It's true. 250mm, 270mm or even 300mm isn't really enough for some bird/small wildlife photography... But even 250mm is a whole heckuva lot better than 55mm!

Seriously longer 100-400mm and 150-600mm lenses start around $1000 and go up over $2000 or $3000 very quickly! These lenses are also are MUCH bigger and heavier, so you're very likely to also want a good solid tripod (add another $400) or at least a monopod (another $100 or so).

Take it a step at a time. Get the compact 55-250mm now and learn to use it well. Swapping lenses on your T3 is no big deal. In fact, it's the whole point of a DSLR, being able to change the lenses to adapt the camera for different situations. And that 18-55mm can be handy as a compact, walk-around lens when you don't need the added reach of the longer telephoto.

Later, if you still feel the need you can get a more powerful telephoto.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I agree with MT Shooter on this.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

cj, she didn't ask about bird lenses in particular, but did mention birds in trees. Had she asked(she sorta did), then WHAT IS a good bird lens for a beginner to be successful and get good shoots?
Are there any shortcuts when it comes to birds? ;-)
SS

derekandmee Loc: Queensland Australia

Canon 18-135 , have many lens but this one stays on my canon most of the time!

derekandmee Loc: Queensland Australia

Canon 18-135, I have many lens but this one stays on my canon most of the time,

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Agreed. I just don't think that a thousand dollar lens, which is difficult o learn to use, is fairly heavy, and has limited usefulness, is the best purchase for a newbie.

twowindsbear

Maybe rent before you buy??

pyroManiac Loc: HIXSON,TN

If you can find a good cheapie used body I would mount the 18-55 on one and the long lens on the other. You can stuff one camera into the camera bag and grab the other quicker than changing lenses plus you don't risk getting dust into the camera.

fishone0 Loc: Kingman AZ

with my Canon camera I use the Sigma 18 to 300mm