have the chance to upgrade my 55-250 efs lens

[extraball]

I have only owned the 55-250 EFS for a month or so, and am not unhappy with it, but it seems I have the opportunity to upgrade. The wife's 70-300 EF lens has pretty much croaked (ribbon cable issue), so I generously offered her my 55-250, and I upgrade. Budget is tight, and I am liking what I read about Tamron's SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD. Would this be a decent upgrade? I better strike whilst the iron is hot, because I dont often get permission for new toys Also is there anything else I should consider similarly priced?
Thanks

[arthurking83]

if you're ok with just a few $ more, and a bit more weight, the Sigma 70-200/2.8 with OS is also a good long lens option too.

this gives you a few more options at the long end with faster aperture and hence faster shutter speeds.

[Rattus79]

The Tamron 70-200 2.8 is also a good option. It's supposed to be sharper then the sigma, and have better bokeh, but has a screw drive focus mechinism, so the Sigma focuses quicker and quieter. The Sigma also has an IS option that the tamron does not.

Personally, I have the Sigma and love love love it!

[arthurking83]

The Tamron has a built in motor drive, but the motor type is a simple micro motor, not ultrasonic.



Tamron is apparently about to start releasing their version of the VC variant of their 70-200/2.8( I think 28 Jan or thereabouts) ... it was announced way before Christmas, but of course delays have set in .. and I've been holding off on updating my old Tammy to see which version may be my best bet.
I want a stabilised version of a 70-200/2.8.

The stabilised Tammy will be a considerable amount more expensive than the Sigma lens tho, as the Sigma len has been out for a while now.

Tammy feels just a touch sharper(or more contrasty) than the Sigma at f/2.8, but the differences are too minute to be a factor in any decision .. your technique and ability will have more of an effect on actual image quality differences, than the the use of either lens will have.

I think the non stabilised Tamron lens can be had for about $600-700, whereas the stabilised Sigma can be had for $1000-1100.

As a reference point, the same online grey retailer has the T 70-300VC for about $400.

[extraball]

Decided to go for the SP70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD, hopefully have it next week, it's just a shame I didnt have it for zoo!