Choosing Between a Canon and Tamron

E

ev149

Member
Hey guys,
I just picked up my new 600D with a Canon 50mm f/1.8 II and a Nikon 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6. I'm looking into telephoto lenses and I'm having a tough time deciding between the Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4.0-5.6 IS and the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6. I'm not sure which of these two lenses to get, but I'm leaning more towards the Tamron for its longer focal length. If any of you have experience with either lens, or another recommendation, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
-ev149
 
Evan, I think the lack of replies so far might be due to the fact that a lot of people would not recommend either of these lenses for any serious work.

If you can increase your budget, you can get the 70-200 f/4L. for under $700 brand new. I think this is Canon's cheapest L-series lens, but it's quality is excellent. It might seem like a lot of money espescially compared to the other lenses you are looking at, but keep in mind that lenses such as this one will hold their value for many years. You can sell it for not much less, or possibly even more than you paid for it a few years from now.

If you can't stretch your budget at all then my recommendation would be to go for the 55-250 for the IS, though I have no personal experience with either lens.
 
If you're not using the 3x telecrop feature, either should be adequate. If you're intending to use the telecrop feature, then neither one is good enough. I prefer telephoto lenses with their own tripod mount, it makes for a much more stable and balanced setup.

I have many telephoto lenses, primes, zooms, a 50-500 10x zoom, 70-200/2.8, 120-300/2.8, EF300/4IS, EF400/5.6L. Each has it's own advantage.

What's your intended usage?
 
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Kin Lau - I'm doing narrative work and I was looking for a cheap telephoto lens to use as a backup.
NormanBates - Thanks for the link!

Anybody have experience with the 55-250?
 
Not sure if you care about this. I will be using other Canon lens together. Tamron lens focus ring and zoom ring has a different direction than the Canon lens. If will get disoriented if mix using these 2 brands.

If you insist of the 2 you have in mind, I would go with the Canon. Start from 70mm the Tamron would be a little "tight" to use. With the 3x crop zoom, 250mm can get you far.
 
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