New zoom lens

tipsinartok

I want a fun zoom lens for walking around, zoo pictures, taking pictures of my kids at the playground, etc. Mostly (in fact, for this particular lens, probably exclusively) for outdoor use. I doubt many (any) of the pictures would end up blown up or anything, so it doesn't have to be superbly sharp, though obvious blurring or distortion would likely bother me. I don't have a huge price range ($200-$250). The lenses I've found (new or used/refurbished and within my price range) are:
Canon 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Telephoto lens
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG APO
Any suggestions for other lenses to look at? Anything I should know or think about with any of the above? The 75-300mm is used, but about half the price of the other two and (supposedly) in excellent condition, though I haven't seen it yet. I'm not sure I'd have any idea just by looking at it if it really was in excellent condition as long as there were no obvious scratches on the glass though. Is it a problem that it doesn't have IS?

Thanks!

dantambok

from those choices right there...I would pick the 55-250mm since it has IS so camera shake won't be much of a problem... and I've tried it once and it was great for the price

Brett1000

tipsinartok wrote: »

I want a fun zoom lens for walking around, zoo pictures, taking pictures of my kids at the playground, etc. Mostly (in fact, for this particular lens, probably exclusively) for outdoor use. I doubt many (any) of the pictures would end up blown up or anything, so it doesn't have to be superbly sharp, though obvious blurring or distortion would likely bother me. I don't have a huge price range ($200-$250). The lenses I've found (new or used/refurbished and within my price range) are:
Canon 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III USM Telephoto lens
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG APO
Any suggestions for other lenses to look at? Anything I should know or think about with any of the above? The 75-300mm is used, but about half the price of the other two and (supposedly) in excellent condition, though I haven't seen it yet. I'm not sure I'd have any idea just by looking at it if it really was in excellent condition as long as there were no obvious scratches on the glass though. Is it a problem that it doesn't have IS?

Thanks!

get the Canon 55-250IS - good quality but only $200
http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/CA55250AFSR.html

dantambok

^agreed

tipsinartok

Thank you all! I think I'll order a refurbished 55-250mm.

divamum

The 55-250is is a great lens. If I didn't need faster glass for low light shooting, I would happily have kept mine: it's sharp, lightweight and terrific value for money.