Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS Lens

[amerrett]

Has anybody tried this new lens yet.

I want to replace my Sigma 70 - 300mm with an IS alternative and for sub £200 this one looks like a good deal, even though I lose 50mm at the top end.

[Keith Talbot]

hi amerrett,

welcome to wab,

ive had my 55-250mm for around 5 months now and am very happy with it,

before i bought it i only had a 300mm f4 which wasnt very practical for the usual day to day family pics or taking on holiday,ive found this to be a good alround lens,its nice and light and 250mm isnt a bad reach and the pic quality is good as well,

all in all id recomend it,

keith

[willing to learn]

Never used the above lens but used the Canon EF 100-300mm F4-5.6 USM
I think they are £219.99 inc. VAT Good enough for small birds as long as you get reasonable close. And a gain a discreet walk round lens.
Regards
Colin

Canon EF 100-300mm F4-5.6 USM

[Geoff F]

It gets 'reasonable for the price' reports from most of the tester reviews and is a good general purpose lens size. But, if you want a wildlife lens I wouldn't want to loose anything from my Canon 70-300 lens. In fact, increasing size is on my wish list for future purchases.

If you go for one of these 'cheaper' lenses I fear you may be disappointed.If you are used to 70-300 and it suits your needs I would suggest the excellent Canon 70-300 IS for a really effective general purpose lens.

It is a bit more expensive but make absolutely certain you are going to buy the best lens for your needs. I always think that if price is a consideration it is cheaper in the long run to wait a bit then get what you really need.

[Keith Talbot]

just a quick point to add to my earlier post,

having read the other replies i would agree that if this is going to be your only lens for wildlife photography you may be disapointed with the over all reach,

i'll repeat it is a very good lens and pic quality is very good but i only use it when i know im close to the subject like in the garden for instance,the main reason i bought it was to go on holiday with so i didnt have to cart my main kit around,my main kit is a 300mm f4 with a 1.4x converter,ive found the 50-250mm has filled a gap in my bag nicely.

id also echo geoff's comments its worth being patient and getting a lens that suits your needs.

what sort of photos are you hopeing to get?

[natureshooter]

Hello.

I work in a photography shop in cheshire,i have tested this lens on a few occasions and its good,optically much better than the 75-300 usm,plus IS.

But if you want my honest opinion i would wait and get something bigger,i used the 70-300vr with my nikon slr for birds and its too small,i changed it for the sigma 120-400 OS..well pleased with this lens.

But im fortunate that i can try and change lens' like i can because its my job.

Hope you get what you want.

Gary

[amerrett]

Many thanks for your input guys.

I think I will wait a while and save a few more quid to get something with a little extra reach.

My main subjects are birds (garden and field) so 400mm would suit me better.

My 70-300 sigma as getting somewhat soft at top end but still gets a good bottom end sharpness..

Andy

[Davy Crockett]

an interesting post, looking for something similar myself hope you get more replies to this.

[Geoff F]

Most of the 'cheaper' lenses (ie under around £2000) are a bit soft when used at maximum range and fully open. Stopping down to say F8/F11 will help to produce sharper images.

If necessary, slightly increase ISO to compensate for loss of shutter speed.

[amerrett]

Well I tried to wait untill I could afford a faster/longer lens but I was itching to get something, so I got the 55-250mm IS and I am totally impressed at its performance. OK so I loose 50mm on the Sigma but the IQ is stunning for the price. Cant wait for tomorrow to go out into the field. Recommend to anybody on a budget.

Andy