Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens

[Togmeister]

I have the EF-S 55-250mm which is quite a good lens, however the maximum focal length is not brilliant. I am therefore looking at the Canon 70-300mm IS USM lens which on a 1.6x crop frame camera would I believe give me a focal length of 480mm maximum. However the reviews I have read leave me wondering about the lens quality. Can anyone offer any advice please?

Togmeister

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Kit
Canon 450D with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens (which is a great lens and on my camera a lot)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Canon 430EX II Speedlite

[wavemachine]

I have the 70-300mm and I don't think it is that great in that the images aren't as sharp as they could be.

The 55-250mm you have is generally considered to be much sharper than the 70-300mm, it all comes down to budget really but if you are looking for a 70-300mm I read a review recently on the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD and they really rated it.

May be worth taking a look at Sigma's offerings as well, if you want Canon then you are going to be looking at L Series lenses which does get very pricey.

[leeristol33]

Hi Togmeister - Like you I have a 15-85 Canon lens and have been reseraching a longer zoom including the Canon 70-300. Reviews seem to suggest that it is a good lens but for a tad more the 70 - 200 L F4 lens is available - this gets very good reviews.

I am debating which to get and am really tempted by by the L series lens - even though it has a shorter length.

Also, it's L series - I've never owned one but they are top quality. Given this, maybe a shorter focal length but a significant jump in IQ will prove to be worth it.

Simple electronics have it on for about £440.

Its a tough call - good luck