Relative beginner: First "Longer" lens

abbotsmike · 15 Jul 2015 at 01:13

So I have a 650d, Tokina 11-16mm, 18-55mm STM, 50mm f1.8.

Looking for a bit more reach, but not really lookign to spend a fortune. Most of my usage is outside/holidays/camping, some sports stuff, but not as a 'sports photographer'. Probably looking to stick with the Canon STM lenses. The 18-55 isn't the most amazing lens, for example I prefer the colours I seem to get from the 11-16 and the overall 'look' from the 50mm. However I've still got some nice images out of the 18-55 and what it loses out on I can often fix in PP.

My current dilemna is 18-135 or 55-250. I don't always need the reach, so my concern is that the 55-250 will be a pain and not be on the camera when I need it. However 250mm is a lot more than 135! I also take it as a good sign that thet 18-135 is often bundled with some of the higher end canon crop DSLRs.

Thoughts?

Urbanfreestyle · 15 Jul 2015 at 01:23

70-200 2.8 L. An awesome lens, i love it!

Columbo · 15 Jul 2015 at 01:57

Urbanfreestyle said:
70-200 2.8 L. An awesome lens, i love it!

The OP asks about budget options and specifically states he does not want spend to spend a lot so you recommend an L f2.8, well done. 10/10 post.

OP the Tamron 70-300 USD VC is an awesome lens and should be available used for less then £200.

Urbanfreestyle · 15 Jul 2015 at 03:20

Tamron is also a good lens.
i have used this type before upgrading to the canon
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Excellent...294?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item463dc702de

a1ex2001 · 15 Jul 2015 at 10:49

ignoring Urbanfreestyle's slightly off the wall suggestions and following your budget requirements for me it is between the tamron 70-300 USD and the canon 55-250 STM go second hand as these lenses crop up quite often at considerable savings the 55-250 is smaller and lighter but the 70-300 gives you more length and is a full frame lens should you be looking to upgrade. If you want a really off the wall suggestion consider a 70-210mm f3.5-4.5 USM ancient lens no longer made but a cracker.

CGrieves · 15 Jul 2015 at 12:37

I've had a lot of use out of my Tamron 18-270 PZD, and still do. IQ is fine for a walkaround, and the VC (stabilisation) is excellent.

I also own the Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS and 70-200 f2.8L IS II, so I have a good reference point for decent lenses.

For situations where you don't know what focal lengths you're going to need, don't want to carry kilos of lens, and don't want to stand out with flashy gear, I can't fault it.

D.P. · 15 Jul 2015 at 14:51

Tamron 70-300mm VC, Canon 55-250mm.

Phal · 15 Jul 2015 at 19:48

55-250mm STM

Urbanfreestyle · 15 Jul 2015 at 20:00

This is another i have used in the past... Great for track action at Castle Combe....
Seriously guys it's more 'in budget'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-Macro-Canon/dp/B000AM7CJ0

benhaha85 · 21 Jul 2015 at 11:54

It depends on how much you want to spend, but how about the 70-200 f4 non IS? I paid £340 for one about 3 years ago and it's never off my camera.

D.P. · 21 Jul 2015 at 15:18

Urbanfreestyle said:
This is another i have used in the past... Great for track action at Castle Combe....
Seriously guys it's more 'in budget'
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sigma-70-300mm-f4-5-6-Macro-Canon/dp/B000AM7CJ0

Not really recommended TBH.

I owned one on my D70 (the more expensive APO version), it was just about OK for a 6MP sensor if do didn't shoot at 300mm and you stopped down to f/8. For a budget option it was adequate for a beginner. It certainly never kept up with my 12MP D90 so it was quickly changed for the Nikon 70-300mm VR.

There is a reason it is cheap. Buy cheap, buy twice.