Wanted- New Canon zoom lens

Vicky91

Vicky91

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Vicky
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I'm looking for a new zoom lens, I currently have a basic Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II which i'm finding is not focusing manually or automatically. I'm not looking for anything particularly high spec but something within the same range for under £500. A big ask i'm sure!

I would like to use it for wildlife photography if that helps.

Thanks for your help!
 
What about something like a Sigma 120-400 OS or 150-500 or the 50-500? Should be able to pick up a used one in that price range.
The 120-400 can be had new for about £620 UK supplied
 
what we all should be asking is what do you like to use your 55-250 for? you will get a 2nd hand 150-500 sigma under £500, a canon 70-200 f4L, the older 50-500 sigma ,a 120-400 sigma etc here is a link to wex it should give you a idea on the prices new

http://www.wexphotographic.com/canon-fit/b3077
 
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Vicky91 said:
I'm looking for a new zoom lens, I currently have a basic Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS II which i'm finding is not focusing manually or automatically. I'm not looking for anything particularly high spec but something within the same range for under £500. A big ask i'm sure!

I would like to use it for wildlife photography if that helps.

Thanks for your help!
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Hi Vicky

How long have you had the 55-250IS ? Is it out of warranty ? Were you happy with the results when it was working ? Obviously you could get it repaired or buy another 55-250IS, if you are looking to upgrade...

The Canon 70-300 IS is a good lens and you can pick one up within your budget.

The next step up, would be the Canon 70-200 F4 L lens, an absolute belter and is just on your £500 budget (UK lens) http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/Canon/Canon-EF-lenses/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f4L-USM-Lens obviously, you should be able to pick one up 2nd hand easily within budget.

Then you have Sigma and Tamron lenses....
 
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70-200 f/4 is the obvious choice unless you are desperate for image stabilisation.

One other consideration is how much bigger and heavier these lenses will be when compared to the 55-250

My daughter still has an old 55-250 and 550D which I borrow when I just want something light to wander about with and really don't don't think it can be beaten for the price
 
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If you were happy with the length of the 55-250 it might be a good idea to go for the newer 55-250 IS STM. I know your 600D wont get the benefit of the STM motor with video but the lens itself has been improved in regards to AF speed and sharpness. A new one is well within your budget as well. Obviously the other lenses mentioned are worth looking into, the Sigma 120-400 OS and the 150-500 OS are both very good, I've got the 150-500 myself and have just sold a 120-400 to get a 300mm f4L prime, as is the 70-200 f4L non IS which was the first 70-200 I had and I highly recommend it too. All should be within your budget if you look around and any of them will go well with your 600D.
 
Thanks very much for your help! Would you say it would be better to stay with a Canon or are the Sigma and Tamron better. I'm sure its personal preference but what would you say would be best.
 
I think the Canon do tend to have slightly better image quality, but the sigma and tamron lenses are a considerable amount cheaper. Personally, I would try to test the lenses in shops before you buy them. I would also take into consideration your level of ability. If you're fairly new to photography and still learning, then you'll still want to buy good glass, but the sigma and tamron variations would do until you have perfected your skills. I would then spend the money you save on training and workshops. What I mean to say is that whether you have a £5000 lens or a £500 lens, they'll both give you equal image quality if you haven't got the hang of camera shake and motion blur, etc.
 
I would also like to add, that I currently have a sigma 120-400 f4.5/5.6 lens, but have upgraded to a canon 70-200 f2.8 and 2X converter, and regularly travel to London. So if you want to try these out next time i'm over that neck of the woods, you are most welcome.
 
The Canon 70 - 200mm f4.0 L is just about within your budget, and it's superb. The only thing lacking is IS which may, or may not, matter to you. Their 70 - 300mm f4.0 - f5.6 IS gets very good reports, and is slightly cheaper, but don't confuse it with the expensive L version. I think the 70 - 200mm has the edge for IQ, but the 70 - 300mm obviously has a bit more range and offers image stabilisation, if you want it.
 
I've just picked up a Tamron 70-300 VC for just under £300 and it's fantastic. The image stabilisation on it is really, really good. I was out in the fading light last night and was easily getting 3-4 stops worth.
 
A+ for the Tamron 70-300 VC USD. I picked one up last year second hand for £180 2 months old and the guy even sent me the receipt. (He'd payed £346 2 months prior) apparently his wife surprised him with a Canon 70-200 F/4L IS USM for his birthday. Little did he know she'd bought him the lens before he'd bought the tammy.
 
Great, thank for your advice. I think it might be best for me to test some more out before buying. I wish it was a simple decision! so many options!
 
It's not that difficult. Don't obsess about it. Just read reviews - try http://www.photozone.de/ - try out as many as you can, and buy the one you like. These are all good lenses, and none of them will be a poor choice. If you really think that you've made the wrong decision, sell it on and get something else. Good luck!
 
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