[dognuts]

Hi all

Looking at getting a new zoom lens for my 400d,got a holiday to India coming in summer and I would like to come back with some shots that are worth keeping.I used my Tamron 55-200mm f4-5.6 last year on holiday and came home pretty unimpressed.(Only cheap,bundled with the camera)
Still pretty much a beginner,own the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 which I'm very happy with but want something with more length that I can use for general shots,nothing specific so I suppose im saying an "all rounder".
Been looking at Canons mainly:-

55-250 IS
70-300 IS
70-200 f4 (non IS)

Dont want to go over £400,in fact Id rather keep it more like £200-£300 but can go to £400 at a push.
I know there will be a gap between the 50 and 70mm margin but Im not really sure that will be a major problem for me(maybe someone will tell me otherwise?)
Any advice on which lens would be most suitable,or is there a better alternative to the ones I have listed?

Thanks.

[jonnypb]

well all 3 will come in at well under £400.

70-200 f4 will give you the best IQ, quickest AF, f4 throughout the zoom range and therefore the quickest, best build. Not really a downside if you're not bothered but as it's white and stands out it can draw unwanted attention sometimes. £360 with the cashback although kerso may be able to do it cheaper

70-300 IS has the IS which is a big plus for handheld shots at 300mm, extra reach over the other 2 lenses, IQ is still very good but not quite as good as the 70-200. Just under £300 with the cashback

55-250 IS also has IS which is a plus and is by far the cheapest. I think you can get if for around £170. Fairly new out so don't really know much about it

[dognuts]

I am currently leaning towards the 55-250 as its closest to keeping continuous focal range and its also the cheapest.From what I have read the IQ isnt that different from the 70-300 and it has IS.A bit concerned that it might be a bit slow but will the IS make up for that enough?
Ive read great things about the 70-200 but lack of IS(at my budget) puts me off.
Changing my mind on which one to get from one minute to the next

[dazza74]

I'd personally go with a 70-300mm IS and forgo the 50-70mm range. If you going to India I'd imagine a bit of wildlife shooting would possibly be on the agenda and IS and 300mm are I'd say minimum requirements for certainly this type of photography.

[h4rri]

Grab the 55-250 IS [believe it's the new 4 stop version] from Kerso and have him throw a Sigma 12-24 in the box to bring you upto the budget

[dognuts]

Originally Posted by dazza74

I'd personally go with a 70-300mm IS and forgo the 50-70mm range. If you going to India I'd imagine a bit of wildlife shooting would possibly be on the agenda and IS and 300mm are I'd say minimum requirements for certainly this type of photography.

Yeah thats what I was thinking,although as h4rri says,if I go for the 55-250 I could get the Sigma 12-24 as well,which is a lens I have been thinking of buying also.When all is said and done though,I would rather spend more on one lens with better qualities and save for the other another time.
Does anyone know if there is actually much difference between the 55-250 and the 70-300?

[dazza74]

I think "H4rri" advice is better than mine with regards getting the 55-250 IS (voted best budget zoom in that range in this month's Digital Photo mag) and also worth having a look at the Tokina 12-24 lens.

[h4rri]

The 55-250 is getting some seriously good reviews, pick up this months copy of Digital Photo as it has reviewed a couple [as Dazza says] but also shows test shots of the 55-250. Lovely range, quality and IS for a low price.

Also don't shy away from Tokina, Tamron and of course Sigma, they all offer decent lenses for a lesser price, the only thing you lose [in some instances] is IS.