So Ive had my Canon 80D for a few years now and mostly just use the kit lens and a 50mm nifty fifty prime. But Im going on a trip to the Pacific Northwest in about a month and realized I really need a proper zoom lens for wildlife and landscapes when Im out hiking. Problem is im on a pretty tight budget right now, trying to keep it under 400 bucks if possible since flights and Airbnbs already cost a fortune. Ive been doing some research online and honestly my head is spinning from all the options. Right now im torn between the classic Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM cause its super cheap and people say it punches way above its weight, and the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO which gives me a bit more reach on the long end. Wait, I also looked at the Tamron 70-300mm VC USD briefly because of the image stabilization since my hands get kinda shaky sometimes, but Im not sure if it pushes past my budget too much depending on where I find it used. Im leaning toward the Canon 55-250 because its lightweight for backpacking and everyone raves about the STM focus motor being super quiet for video too, but part of me is worried 250mm wont be enough for eagles or bears out in the wild. Anyone here shoot with these on an 80D and can tell me if the extra reach on the Sigma/Tamron is worth losing the Canon sharpness and better IS?
Honestly, I took the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM to Glacier last year and it was a lifesaver. Carrying heavy gear up trails is a rookie mistake thatll wreck your back.
- Pack light because the 80D is already bulky enough
- Use a fast shutter speed to compensate for the reach Honestly, sharpness beats reach every time. If you crop your photos, you wont even miss the extra 50mm. Trust me.
Skip the Sigma and grab the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. I've used that exact setup for hiking and you wont regret the weight savings.
- The STM motor is lightning fast and totally silent
- Sharpness beats out budget third-party options easily 250mm is plenty for crop sensors like the 80D anyway.