Best telephoto zoom for a Canon 650D around $600–650
Asked 3/31/2013
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I use a Canon 650D (APS-C) and currently have the 18-55mm kit lens plus a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. I want to add a telephoto zoom in the $600–650 range.
I first considered superzooms like the Sigma 18-250mm and Tamron 18-270mm, but reviews suggest they make significant optical compromises, especially at the long end. I’m looking for the best value-for-money telephoto option with better image quality.
Would a dedicated telephoto zoom such as a 70-200mm or 70-300mm be a better choice? Which lenses are the strongest options in this budget for Canon APS-C?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
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Any of the telephoto only zoom lenses in the 70-200mm or 70-300mm range will perform better than so-called "superzooms" that attempt to cover focal lengths all the way from wide angle to the edges of the super-telephoto range.
The highest quality telephoto lens in the price range you mentioned is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L. It is available for around $650-700 new. When the Canon Direct refurbished store has them in stock they sale there for $570 or less, depending on any promotions that may apply.
The only other "bang-for-the-buck" lens would be the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. See my answer at this question for a fuller explanation. It delivers similar optical performance on an APS-C body as the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS at about one half the price.
If you want a little more reach, there are many 70-300mm lenses on the market. You generally give up the constant aperture of the 70-200mm lenses and some sharpness, especially above 200mm. If you plan on using the lens at the longest focal length, as many shooters do, weigh the optical performance at 300mm more heavily than at the shorter lengths.
- The Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD gets generally good reviews but is softest at 200-300mm.
- The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS is slightly sharper in the center between 200-300mm, but softer on the edges than the Tamron.
- The Sigma 70-300mm F/4-5.6 DG OS SLD generally scores below the Canon on sharpness from the center to the edges.
There is a pretty large gap between any of these three lenses in terms of both price and quality with the next tier of 70-300mm telephoto zoom lenses that start at around $1,100.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
13y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—if image quality is the priority, a dedicated telephoto zoom is a better choice than an 18-250mm or 18-270mm superzoom.
Superzooms cover a huge focal range, which forces more optical compromises. Lenses with a smaller zoom range, such as 70-200mm or 70-300mm designs, are generally easier to optimize and usually deliver better sharpness and overall performance.
In your budget, the standout option mentioned is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L. It offers excellent image quality and strong value for the money. Another advantage is its f/4 maximum aperture, which is faster than many consumer telezooms at the long end and can make a meaningful difference in real use.
If you want a lower-cost value option, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is also a strong choice on APS-C, with optical performance noted as similar to the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS at roughly half the price.
So the general recommendation is: skip the superzooms, and choose a dedicated telephoto. Best quality in your stated budget: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L.
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