Which lens? Narrowed down to a couple.

[russy01]

Only owned my first SLR for 5days, but I want a lens with a little more zoom! Currently have the Canon 18-135mm IS which is an ideal everyday lens for when you are in and around town. But out in the open country (where I live) I need a little more oomph to try and capture some of the wildlife.

Camera is just a 1100d for now, Learning the basics before I spend too much dollar.

Canon EFS 55-250 Mk2 IS - approx £100 new.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-4-5-6-...

Canon EF 75-300 MK3 - £70 new on ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291142156822

Leaning towards the 55-250 as it has IS and I'm new to photography, so assume this would help me take clearer shots.

I would like the extra 50mm the 75-300 offers but only if the lens performs well from 250-300, a couple reviews I have read says it gets a bit soft. I also worry that without the IS I am going to struggle to take decent long range shots without a tripod? I assume the only way to combat this will be to use a faster shutter, but paired with this so called "softness" at full zoom I wonder whether it will take any decent snaps at all? Plus if I am correct, having to use the faster shutter will make it harder for me to get good results when light conditions arent so generous?

How big a part does IS play when shooting without support? (I have only used a lens with IS). If it makes a significant difference then I'd probably go for the 55-250 and have a perfectly sharp image at 250 that I could edit/crop. Instead of a sub standard pic at 300....

Plus the 55-250 is more expensive than the 75-300, leading me to believe the 55-250 is more popular.

The above is just based off my common sense and very limited knowledge, please tell me if I am being stupid. Or whether I am better off saving and getting a £200 70-300 with IS from elsewhere (dont really want to spend more money at the moment - just about to move!)

Happy to receive any advice, thanks.

Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 2nd September 08:27

[russy01]

RobDickinson said:

55-250 IS mk2 ( or mk1 they are the same).

The 75-300 is junk.

Thanks chap. 1 nail in the 75-300's coffin. Starting to sway towards the 55-250.

Do you have hands on experience with either?

Thanks.

[russy01]

RobDickinson said:

I owned the 75-300 a long time ago.

Not used the 55-250 in anger myself but its by far the best tele zoom in the price range. I know my gear...

Cheers pal, Ill take your word.

I'll get and take a look around the web today for the best deal. I really wanted to give my local Camera shop the business, but after speaking with them they seemed to look down on my paltry equipment/skills and wouldn't budge a penny from RRP (wasnt asking for web prices, but was trying to hit middle ground so they got the business and I supported a small business). Can you recommend any good sites from experience? The devil "Amazon" seem to be competitive with most things, but I do try to spend elsewhere if I can!

I also see you're in NZ. I'm planning to come out for 3 weeks early next year and explore. Any advice?

[russy01]

HRL said:

Isn't the 55-250 effectively 88-400 when using a 1100D anyway due to the 1.6 crop factor?

Or have I got that completely wrong?

Over my head, I'll google it.

Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 2nd September 15:39

[russy01]

Yes the one I linked to is the Mk2 which doesnt have STM, but is IS. However the Mk2 looks to be ample for my requirements.
The latest version is the Mk3, which is about £290 at most places.

Im half tempted to pick up the Mk2 from eBay for £100. Or I can get it from Amazon for £130 with free delivery as Im Prime.

Just called my local shop (in town) and they had both the Mk2 and Mk3 in stock, both at RRP prices of £200 for the Mk2 and £290 for the Mk3. I asked if they would be willing to do me a little deal so I could keep my business in the town and they told me to do one and to buy it from Amazon!

[russy01]

RobDickinson said:

Cheap is obviously relative..!

The new tamron 150-600 has to be looked at for wildlife

Yes. I'm sure it's great value, although cheap it is not.

I say wildlife, but to be fair I'm just going to be playing about, snapping whatever I see.

I just ordered the canon 55-250, it will do for now. If I get into this photography lark I'll invest into it, however for now I'll try keeping the cost down.

Thanks for your help.