Choose between Sigma 70-300 APO or Canon 55-250 IS

[Semmick Photo]

November 13, 2011 at 7:36 pm

Hi all, I was going to buy the Sigma 70-300 APO but I’ve come across negative comments about the 200-300mm range of the lens. The image quality would suffer. Would it be better to buy the Canon 55-250 IS for the same price?

I guess there are pros and cons to both lenses, but I was hoping to get some of your thoughts in to make my decision.

I am shooting with a Canon 450D

Thanks
Ronald

[jodal1975]

November 13, 2011 at 7:55 pm

hi ronald. i too have a 450d and use the 55-250. whilst it wouldnt be a great lens , you really cant complain about its image quality considering its price . it is however slow and has a tendency to struggle to focus in low light or on fast moving objects ( even in a.i servo ) , particularly if they are coming towards you . as stated earlier though , the image quality is quite good…up to maybe 220 ish , it gets soft after that .bearing in mind you can get the lens for about e250 euros , it really is a good buy …unless you are looking for professional shots every time . the is works well and really makes a difference. i dont know anything about the sigma …but i do know that digital camera magazine did a review recently on super zooms which tested 5 or 6 lenses , including the above mentioned , and the 55-250 came out top for canon cameras , based pretty much on the quality v price ……needless to say there were no l-lenses in the test!!

[Semmick Photo]

November 19, 2011 at 2:32 pm

Hi Jodal,

Thanks. I have done a lot of reading and comparing and for now I have changed my opinion and I will buy the canon 55-250. The goal is to end up with a couple of L lenses but for the time being and the funds available to me I will have to settle for a cheaper lens.

[jodal1975]

November 29, 2011 at 10:00 pm

yep…im in exactly the same position as you ….dreaming of L lenses !!….dont think its gonna happen anytime soon though. i have the 15-85 as my wide(ish) angle / walkabout lens . its a good lens and the one i would use 95% of the time anyway. would love a 70-200l ….although it would be quite short and the x 1.4 extender adds another e400 to the mix :-(