OK, which lens next for the quiver?

My setup: Canon 30D w/Canon 18-55 IS and Sigma 10-20. I just recently sold my 28-135 since I thought it was a bit of an overkill (and it was a weird range), and I want to get a farther reaching lens. I've been looking at the Canon 55-250 IS lens, and maybe the Canon 70-300 lens... this next lens would be primarily for skiing/biking pictures and then to carry as a compliment to the 18-55 for some random shots.

There were a few threads where guys bought 55-250 IS lenses, but no follow-up on how they liked 'em. Any reviews on that lens? I'd like to keep it under $250-300 since I'm not exactly employed and I can only use the money I got from the 28-135. Any others I should be looking at?

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541161519.htm

I reinforce your having this on the list.
If I didn't already have a 70-200 f/4L I would get this lens. It's really nice for the $$$. Refurbs are around $425 which is a bit over your budget but worth it.

Ever thought of getting rid of the 18-55, then use the extra cash to get something faster?

That said, I've heard too many good things about the 70-200... Mine'll be here this weekend.

edit: Damnit, beat me to it ^^^.

I like the range of the 18-55 IS... I take mostly landscapes, which explains the two "wide angle lenses". I don't think I could make-do with just my 10-20 and then something like the 70-200.

I think its probably between the 55-250 and the 70-300 figuring my budget, unless there's something I'm not aware of out there. The 70-200 is going to have to wait a little bit.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

I like the range of the 18-55 IS... I take mostly landscapes, which explains the two "wide angle lenses". I don't think I could make-do with just my 10-20 and then something like the 70-200.

I think its probably between the 55-250 and the 70-300 figuring my budget, unless there's something I'm not aware of out there. The 70-200 is going to have to wait a little bit.

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I ment replacing the 18-55 with something faster... Just a thought.

I think if you're happy with the 18-55 IS in terms of quality, the 55-250 will be fine... It's a little on the slow side (higher shutter speeds with telephoto), but if you're doing a lot of scenery, you should be fine.

KaL and Joe- do you guys both have the 70-200 f4 L? I''m kind of looking at that one now too, since it looks like they can be had for just over $400 and the 55-250 is around $250'ish.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

KaL and Joe- do you guys both have the 70-200 f4 L? I''m kind of looking at that one now too, since it looks like they can be had for just over $400 and the 55-250 is around $250'ish.

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Just pulled the trigger... Treating myself to a b-day present. It'll be here Sunday, I can post up some first impressions if you want.

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Originally Posted by smmokan

KaL and Joe- do you guys both have the 70-200 f4 L? I''m kind of looking at that one now too, since it looks like they can be had for just over $400 and the 55-250 is around $250'ish.

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I love mine. Non-IS but never been an issue for me. Awesome build quality. I am going to the Tour de France in a couple of weeks and it's the only zoom I am taking.

Not at home at the moment to post it but I took a picture with it the other day of Clint Barmes hitting a homerun. You can see the stitching on the baseball and I wasn't super-close.

I'm making the financially responsible decision and going with the 55-250 IS for now. Once the funds are there, I'll probably get one of the 70-200 L's.

Hopefully in time for ski season. :)

Seems like you've decided but I love the 70-200 f/4 L, I got the non IS version for 425 shipped and it's awesome, I don't find myself needing IS because I usually shoot sports with this and between cranking up ISO although i hate to do that and natural light you can easily get shutter speeds fast enough to eliminate camera shake. Also if you get the 70-200 it won't depreciate a ton in value, that's the nice thing about L glass

I have decided... but only for now, unless I absolutely love the 55-250 lens.

I am pretty sure I'd be deep in the doghouse if I bought a $400-500 lens right now while my wife is at work every day and I'm out mountain biking and hiking. :)

i have the 55-250 is lens, and it seems to perfom pretty well on my 450D. IS is loud/noisy but really not a factor. a few samples
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/...9ea7007f0f.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/...2a8f7aa93c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/...2c9454514c.jpg

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Originally Posted by smmokan

... since I'm not exactly employed...

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by smmokan

...I'm making the financially responsible decision...

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lolz :rolleyes2

My mam has the 55-250 and thoroughly enjoys it...

That being said I've never truly been impressed with the quality of consumer zooms...keep your quiver as is until you can afford the 70-200mm