Advice Please - Lens (Sigma vs Canon EF 70-300) for LM13

[SavanP]

PH,

I have recently purchased a Canon 550D which had a 18-55mm Canon EF-S IS 18-55mm mainly to start to get into photography and to have a half decent camera for certain occasions.

The kit lens that came with the camera is perfect for the majority of shots I take, however I am going to Le Mans at the end of June and will require a lens with a lot more zoom capability. After a quick search around the internet I have come down to 2 lenses:

1. Canon EF 70-300mm: http://www.digitalrev.com/product/canon-ef-75-300m...
2. Sigma AF 70-300mm APO: http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/326-sigma-af-70-30...

The Sigma lense is more expensive, but I don't mind paying the extra. However my main question is that will the Sigma lens above be sufficient for Le Mans photography? I know that it does not have IS, however looking around IS lenses are much more expensive. I have also read a review that the non-APO Sigma lens is rubbish and I should stick to the APO lens.

Any other recommendations would be greatly appreciated, because as you can guess I am not experienced in buying lenses!

Thanks in advance!

Edit: Just discovered the Canon EF-S MkII 55-250mm - it is a shorter lens but it is IS (helpful for sweeping shots trackside) and is available for about £120 on eBay.

Edited by SavanP on Monday 13th May 17:14

Edited by SavanP on Monday 13th May 17:24

[DibblyDobbler]

There is a Canon 70-300 but you've linked to the Csnon 75-300 which is cheaper and not as good I think

[theflapjackking]

I recently purchased the Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens for my 600D and would definitely recommend it, the image stabilization is amazing the picture freezes just before you take it.

Edited by theflapjackking on Monday 13th May 18:05

[RobDickinson]

theflapjackking said:

I recently purchased the Tamron SP AF 70-300 F/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens for my 600D and would definitely recommend it, the image stabilization is amazing the picture freezes just before you take it.

Edited by theflapjackking on Monday 13th May 18:05

This, the canon 55-250 or rent the. 100-400L

[Gemm]

For that price range, I'd recommend a used Canon 100-300mm. It's much better than 75-300 version (which isn't known to be one of the best Canon lenses!). This is a USM lens (ring USM therefore faster and quieter AF) and build quality is much better too, and with full-time manual focus. Like this one.... http://www.ffordes.com/product/13042615354781

[SavanP]

Thanks for the info guys. Looks like I am edging towards the Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS.

[StuBunce]

Definitely recommend getting a lens with IS, I've used a Sigma 70-300 non IS and it was awful at 300mm unless on a Monopod or Tripod!... I use a Canon 70-300mm IS USM and its a fantastic lens if you're not prepared to pay the horrible L series prices!! If you're planning to do some motion shots I would highly recommend getting a cheap monopod as it makes the camera motion alot more fluid!

[RobDickinson]

With modern bodies and a bit of skill you can get by without IS, I shoot a 400 a lot with no IS. But it is nice to be able to drop the shutter speeds for panning shots etc and have that little helping hand.