Im trying to figure out what the best budget zoom lens for my Canon 80D would be and honestly Im getting super overwhelmed going down these rabbit holes. Ive been looking at the classic EF-S 55-250mm IS STM because everybody online says its the ultimate cheap telephoto and punch way above its weight class, but then I also read some stuff about the Tamron 70-300mm being better if I want a bit more reach since Im mostly trying to shoot my kids soccer games on the weekends down at the local park. My budget is pretty tight, max like 200 bucks cuz christmas is coming up and cash is a bit weird right now. So I was thinking maybe I should just grab a used copy of the Canon off mpb or keh, but my logic was maybe that extra 50mm on the Tamron actually matters? Or will the autofocus be too slow compared to the STM motor? I just keep second guessing every option I look at. Anyone actually use either of these on an 80D?
> my logic was maybe that extra 50mm on the Tamron actually matters? Or will the autofocus be too slow compared to the STM motor? That extra 50mm on the long end barely gets you closer to the action, tbh. Soccer fields are massive and 250mm vs 300mm wont make a noticeable difference in framing. What you will notice is the autofocus speed. The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM uses a stepping motor that locks onto erratic movement way better than older third-party screw-drive lenses. Kids running around a pitch need quick tracking, and older budget zooms tend to hunt constantly when the light drops or backgrounds are busy. Since you are trying to stay under 200 bucks, check out MPB or KEH like you planned. You can easily find a copy in good condition for around 120 to 150 right now. Another solid alternative if you want to stretch just a tiny bit is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (not the II version), but the 55-250 STM is sharper wide open at the telephoto end anyway. Stick with your first instinct. Grab the Canon STM version and put the leftover cash toward a hot chocolate at the park.
- Skip the Tamron for soccer. Grab a used Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM instead. The STM motor is way faster for tracking running kids, and you will actually get sharp shots.