Lens advice

[grocerjack]

I have a Canon EOS400D with a kit lens (18-55mm). The lens is OK but limited for decent zooms on wildlife, childrens school events, footie matches or F16's at air shows!

I was about to buy a brand spanking Tamron 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 lens, complete with a filter lobbed in for free, when someone at work leant me the Canon EF 75-300mm 1-4, 5:6 USM. The lens is in good nick, but a mate of mine with a Sigma equivalent to the Tamron showed me the "macro" facility and it blew me away.

So. its £120 for the Tamron including a free filter, or its £75 for the second hand Canon which seems to be quite good.

Any views, thoughts or ideas?

[Bursar]

The Sigma is around £140 new. I've got one on my 30D, and am still getting used to it. It also comes with a hood and a padded carry case.

The reach is excellent, I just need to practise holding it steady as a number of my shots have come out blurred.

I think that optically there's little to choose between them, so it's likely to be down to your wallet.