70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

[matt3001]

Been using a 600D for about 9 months now with the standard 18-55 lens kit.

This year I have two F1 trips planned (Hockenheim and Abu Dhabi) and a trip to Ranthambore NP - so want to get myself a lens with a decent zoom on it.

To start with I don't want to spend the earth. On MPB and exc condition 55-250 is c.£90 and the 70-300 is c.£239.

Is the 70-300 that much better? I am prepared to spend c.£250 if it is a massive improvement.

I noticed that it had USM? What's this?

[markmullen]

USM Is ultrasonic motor, which should give faster focussing.

The 55-250 is an absolute bargain, a cracking little lens for the money.

[matt3001]

markmullen said:

USM Is ultrasonic motor, which should give faster focussing.

The 55-250 is an absolute bargain, a cracking little lens for the money.

Should I just get the 55-250 and bank the pennies then? I'm just someone who mainly takes photos on holiday for my own enjoyment - I don't use Lightroom etc.

If I can get a half-decent result and save 150 in the process....?

[Gemm]

If you are looking at these lenses, don't disregard 100-300mm. It has better USM than 70-300mm IS (Ring USM vs Micro USM), build quality is better, and most importantly, full-time manual focus is available, as well as other advantages. Unless you need IS, do consider this one.

http://www.mpbphotographic.co.uk/used-equipment/us...

Edited by Gemm on Tuesday 20th May 15:39

Edited by Gemm on Tuesday 20th May 15:39

[Magog]

matt3001 said:

Should I just get the 55-250 and bank the pennies then? I'm just someone who mainly takes photos on holiday for my own enjoyment - I don't use Lightroom etc.

If I can get a half-decent result and save 150 in the process....?

I've got the 55-250mm is ii, (there is also an is i version, but apparently the differences are negligible) on a 650d and am more than happy with it. I think there is now an upgraded USM 55-250, which might mean the non USM versions have become a little cheaper on the secondhand market. When I was looking to buy it I seem to remember that most of the advice seemed to be to steer clear of the 75-300mm lens, but that the 70-300 was a good one to.

From your description of what you want it sounds like the 55-250 would be fine for you.

[Seight_Returns]

I've had the EF 70-300 IS USM in the past.

It was a pretty good lens - a little soft in the 250-300 range and wide open at all FLs. I replaced it with the 70-300L which is wonderful - pin sharp everywhere with much better colur, but that's probably not helpful.

Never had the 55-250 but everything I read says it's a bargain the equal to the 70-300 in IQ but build quality substantially less good as you'd expect for the price. I'm considering one as a compact travel zoom to use with my EOS M.

I'd go for the EF-S 55-250 and save your pennies for whichever of the 70-x00Ls best suits your purposes.

Edited by Seight_Returns on Wednesday 21st May 10:35

[matt3001]

Thanks guys,

Good for the 55-250 from MPB. Should arrive tomorrow just in time for the historic race meet at brands this weekend.

[matt3001]

First play with the 55-250 today and first attempt at panning at Brand Hatch.

I think I over compressed the pictures before uploading...

Edited by matt3001 on Saturday 24th May 21:58