[pinemom]

what is the difference besides price... I have the lense that come with the Canon Xti
which is 18-55 mm.
Both our local stores have the CANON EF75-300mm F4-5.6 III LENS for 229.00$ CND or CANON EF 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 USM LENS for 299.00$ CND.

I haven't had the chance to look many other places but would like to know which I should get. My mother in law and I share this hobby and she thinks the 55-200 would be the best investment. she said it is a good all round lens- snapping photos of the kids and the occaisonal bear in the back yard.

[stepheno]

IMO neither are cracking lenses. Thats not from experience just from what I've read. the 75-300 generally produces soft images and has poor build quality - also you don't say if it is the IS version. The 55-200 I think is slightly better - it has USM which gives fast and quiet AF but the build quality, again, is pure. Apparently it doesn't have FT manual focus but has some weird gizmo. So I'm not much help.

If I was you and you can manage the mullah I would get the Canon 70-300. I have had one and it is a cracking lens. It has USM and IS. HTH.

[ChrisRabior]

Some questions.
1. What are you going to use this for?
2. What is your budget?

If you're planning on outdoor use, for nature shots and such, then the extended reach will be a blessing. If you need this for low lighting, then you want to look for a constant aperture lens appropriate for your needs. It's also a big plus if you're looking to use this as a portrait lens.

Your budget is certainly going to affect what you can get, so it helps for us to know it before making suggestions.

The 70-300 that stepheno mentioned is close in price to the 70-200 f/4 L series lens. Have you considered that one at all?

[pinemom]

I just checked on the prices for a 70 -300 lense with DO IS USM it is currently on sale the only down fall is I would have to spend a month of wages on it. It is 1899.99$ CND about 830 pounds.

the other 70 - 300 lense with USM is about 800CND about 350 pound.

Price is definitely an issue. I want a lense that veritle that I can use outdoors and still take good pictures of my family

[stepheno]

OK - I'll throw in another suggestion, how about the Tamron 18-250. I used to have the Tamron 18-200 for walkabout (excellent lens) and apparently this is just as good. Oh, and if you do consider the 70-300 don't bother with the DO version.

[pinemom]

What about this lens know anything on it
I can get this one for about 200$ cnd.
Tamron "EF" 28mm to 200mm f/4-5.8 LD series zoom

[stepheno]

Are you sure you don't mean EF? Over here the Tamron 28-200 is an EF Di lens. The Di means it can be used on film and digital. If it has Dii then it is digital only. I personally wouldn't buy it - I'd rather go for the 18-200 ir 18-250.

I am getting the feeling that you have set yourself a price and are looking for a lens at that price. If so you'll get what you pay for. You would e far better deciding which lens will meet your needs and if necessary don't buy it until you have saved the money. Better than getting the wrong lens just because you have the cash available.