So I just got this Canon 90D because I really want to take photos of birds in my backyard here in Florida but honestly I have no idea how any of this works. The lens that came with it doesn't really get close enough and when I look online at lenses there are so many numbers like 70-300mm or 55-250mm and f/4 or f/5.6 and I am totally lost. I'm sorry if this is a super basic question but I really dont want to buy the wrong thing and waste money because I'm on a tight budget.
I'm looking for something that can:
- zoom in really far for birds or maybe my kids soccer games
- stay under $250 or maybe $300 if I buy it used
- work with the 90D without needing extra parts
- be easy for a beginner to use without too much manual stuff
I have a trip coming up to the Everglades in about three weeks so I'm trying to find something soon. Is there a specific one that's like the go to cheap option? I saw some stuff about EF and EF-S and my brain is melting trying to figure out if they both fit my camera or what. Does anyone know what I should look for?...
To add to the point above: be careful with autofocus speed. I would suggest a used Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD since that 300mm reach helps significantly and wont break the bank.
Re: "To add to the point above: be careful..." - honestly, I have to politely disagree about the 55-250mm being the best fit here. While it is a decent budget lens, the 90D has a very high pixel density at 32.5 megapixels. That sensor is incredibly demanding. It basically reveals every little flaw in cheaper glass, and 250mm is gonna feel way too short when you are trying to spot a Roseate Spoonbill in the Glades. I would be very careful with choosing older tech, but here are two options that might work better for your specific camera:
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
- This is the older version with the gold ring. The optics are actually quite sharp for the price and the Image Stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld shots. You can usually find these used for under $200 on sites like MPB or KEH which leaves you extra cash for a good SD card.
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM
- This is the newer version and it is much faster. It uses Nano USM technology which is nearly instant for focusing. Since you mentioned your kids soccer games, you really want that speed to track moving players. It might push your $300 limit used, but the performance jump is significant. Whatever you do, make sure you avoid the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III. It is incredibly cheap for a reason. It lacks stabilization and the image quality is honestly pretty poor on a high-res body like the 90D. It will just end up frustrating you with blurry photos. Just keep an eye on the used markets and I am sure you can snag one before your trip... just make sure it says IS on the barrel.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Youre a lifesaver honestly.
Came here to say the same thing lol. Great minds think alike I guess.
Basically, you want the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. It is the absolute go-to budget lens for your camera and it fits the 90D natively. Dont worry too much about the EF vs EF-S thing. Your 90D can use both types of lenses, but EF-S is specifically made for cameras with smaller sensors like yours, so they are usually cheaper and lighter. The 55-250mm is great because it has Image Stabilization (IS), which helps stop your photos from being blurry when you zoom in. The STM motor is also super quiet and fast. Tbh, for birds you always want as much zoom as possible, but 250mm is a solid starting point for a backyard or a soccer game. You can find these used for under $200 pretty easily on sites like MPB or KEH. If you can find a used Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM within your $300 limit, that would be an even better pick. It gives you more reach and the autofocus is noticeably faster, which helps with birds taking off or kids running. The numbers like f/4 or f/5.6 just refer to how much light the lens lets in. Since Florida is usually bright and sunny, f/5.6 is gonna work just fine for what you need.
I've been in your shoes and unfortunately I had some issues with picking the wrong gear early on that just wasn't as good as expected. It's really frustrating when you're trying to save money and things don't work out like you hoped. I'm super cautious now because I don't want anyone else getting stuck with a lens that can't actually keep up with a bird in flight or a fast soccer game. Honestly, the best way to be sure is to look at some real-world tests before you buy anything. I saw a really helpful video about this exact setup a few weeks ago that made everything way clearer than the technical specs did.
- Just search YouTube for "best budget telephoto for Canon 90D"
- Check out the lens buying guides on the official manufacturer website
- Search Reddit for "cheap 90D bird lens" It's usually the first or second video that pops up and it shows you exactly what the zoom looks like in person. Definitely do your own digging so you feel 100% safe before spending your hard-earned cash... the Everglades trip sounds like it'll be amazing though!
Huh interesting. I had no idea. The more you know I guess 🤷
