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gibbsy

gibbsy

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Graham
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Afternoon all

I am looking to upgrade my standard Canon eos 400d lens (yep 18-55) to something better.

I dont have a large budget.

I have been looking at:
canon ef-s 55-250mm f4-5.6 is

But also Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO Macro Super DG Lens

I really am not sure what to go for.

I like the ability to shoot macro. I am also keen to pick up wildlife in the distance.

Another toy i have been contemplating is a fisheye, or a lens that will shoot really good wide angle shots.

Suggestions please.
 
Hi

The suggestions you mentioned are not an upgrade as such because the focal lengths are greater than your current 18-55mm.

If you provided a budget to work with, im sure people would be able to offer some suggestions

Personally I would decide what you want to shoot more as you are likely to need more than one lens for what you want to shoot
 
Hi & Welcome :wave:

The 55-250 IS isn't an upgrade to your current lens, it's an addition to it.

The 55-250 IS is a cracker of a lens, esp at the price, it is very well regarded and is a perfect match to the 18-55 kit lens. If your budget will allow and you want the 300mm reach, the Canon 70-300 IS lens is a belter and well worth a look. :thumbs:
 
Thanks for your replies.

I am looking at shooting wildlife, birds, deer, rabbits etc. Also sport, kite surfing, football, game shooting.

For my wide angle lens i am looking to shoot landscapes, Mountain ranges.

Budget is probably up to £400 - £500 for both lenses or half for one. There is no way the wife will allow me to justify the lot on one lens :nono:
 
Wide: Canon 17-85mm £170ish used and i think there are a few on the For Sale section

Wildlife: Canon 55-250 or sigma equivelent.
 
If you want to do macro, wildlife and sport then the Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO Macro Super DG is a better choice than the Canon 55-250mm IS IMHO

1. The Sigma is an 1:2 macro lens whereas the Canon is not so good for macros
2. For wildlife you will need all the length you can get. On the other hand IS helps so +1 for the Canon here
3. The IS cannot do that much for sports as everyone will be moving anyway

Or look for a Sigma 135-400 or 170-500 as these can be found cheaply.

As for a wide angle the Tamron 17-50 2.8, Sigma 18-50 2.8 and Sigma 17-70 OS are good choices.
 
Guys thanks for your replies. i will do a little more reserach and then go and spend some money.

I think im still going with the canon 55 - 250.

Wide angle may have to wait a wee while.
 
Go for the 55-250is. A great lens for the price

And for the wide angle shots you could go for the Tamron 17-50 or the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 Macro. I have the latter and is very good.

That combination should be below around £350 leaving you some money to buy a 50mm 1.8 if you want to try a prime lens.
 
jalethbridge said:
You can get a mint used canon 70-200 F4 L (non-IS version) for about £400. IMHO that's the best lens you can get for that money.
Click to expand...

I would agree it's an excellent lens and was my first addition to my 350D and 18-55 kit....I never looked back, that lens changed my photography completely. Plus if you get good glass you'll want to keep it rather than buying a cheaper alternative and then within a short time wanting to upgrade.
Good luck whatever your decision:)
 
I agree the 55-250mm is a cracking lens for the money but the build quality is a serious issue, the plastic mount being the case in point especially for lens changes in the field.
(We have one as a complimentary lens to the 18-55mm).

I see a possible risk of nifty fifty style falling to bits if treated roughly.

It's also a little short for some wildlife, certainly for birds and bunnies. The IS however is a great bonus for the price.
 
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