What lens is better? Please help!!!

[turner84]

Hi guys.

Im looking to get a new lens for my girl friends Cannon EOS 500D. At the moment we'v just got the standared 18mm-55mm lens. We'r wanting to upgrade to a zoom lens but the budget is tight to say the least.

Iv been looking at these 3 lens's and would like your opinion on the best one.

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO

Canon 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III EF (none USM)

70-300mm f4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro

So as you can tell our budget is around £150. Really hope you can help.

Thanks
Luke

[chris-p]

Hi Luke, welcome to the forums

I presume the last one is the Tamron 70-300mm (from the Di LD designation)?

To be honest, there really isn't much difference. If the Sigma is definitely the APO version (there is a cheaper non APO one) then I'd buy that one. You can tell quite easily - the APO one has a red ring around the front. If it's not the APO one, I'd probably have the Canon.

[matt wilson]

I've just got my partner a second hand (unused by the look of it eos 1000 )and am thinking of adding in a tele zoom for her .

Canon 70 300 is not that well reviewed the 55 200 image stabilised Canon may be a better option but you would need another £100.00

I am seriously considering grabbing a second hand Tamron 70 300 mainly becuse it has the ability to shoot half life sized images .

A lot depends on what you intend to use a lens for i.e prints or viewing on a monitor or TV if the latter then you may not need an expensive lens (just buy one and enjoy the freedom it gives over the standard zoom .)

[cosmicma]

the sigma 70 - 300 apo is very good from 70 - 200mm but after that it gets a little soft

if you want a budget lens and don't mind second hand keep your eye out on a well known aution site for a canon 70 - 210 f4 ( not the sigma version ) these are quite an old lens now but have macro facility they tend to go for around the 100 quid mark

if you can find one these are a bit of a bargain considering their f4 straight through and the quality is much better than the sigma 70 - 300 iv'e had both

[turner84]

Thanks for all your advice guys, but after some more research i went for the Canon EF-S 55-250mm. A little more expencive but think it will be worth it. Managed to pick a new 1 not a refurb for £154.

Thanks again,
Luke