So I finally got a Canon T7 for my birthday because I really wanted to get into photography but man looking at lenses is so confusing. I have the basic one it came with but I'm going to my nephews soccer game next month and I need to be able to see him from across the field. I tried looking on ebay but there are so many numbers like 75-300 or 55-250 and I dont really know what the difference is or which one fits my camera. Is there something decent for like under $200? I really dont want to buy the wrong thing and waste my money since I'm still learning everything...
Regarding what #1 said about avoiding the 75-300... I totally agree, but honestly, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II is the safer pick for your wallet. I've been really happy with mine and it works well for soccer. It's a reliable lens that usually costs way less than the STM version. No complaints here, it gets the job done just fine.
Honestly, I've seen way too many people waste cash on that 75-300 lens... it's just not great. In my experience, you really want the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. It's way sharper and the image stabilization is a lifesaver for soccer games. You can usually find a mint used one for around $150, which fits your budget perfectly and wont let you down.
> Why is a simple lens so complicated? It is just a total disaster for anyone starting out! Seriously, I feel this so much. I spent hours staring at glass specs when I started and it is honestly exhausting. It feels like every time you settle on a price, you realize there is a different version that does something slightly better and it just never ends. I have been shooting for years and I still get annoyed trying to figure out which glass is worth my paycheck and which is just overpriced plastic. I ended up grabbing a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM a while back and I am genuinely happy with the results, but the hunt to find one under two hundred bucks was a massive headache. Dont even get me started on the prices for newer gear these days... it is definitely a struggle to stay within a reasonable budget without feeling like you are settling. Sometimes you just gotta pull the trigger and hope for the best, because the market is honestly a complete mess.
Bookmarked, thanks!
Honestly its totally ridiculous how confusing these big brands make their gear! First, finding something decent for under $200 is getting impossible. Second, the naming conventions are clearly designed to mislead you. It drives me crazy seeing beginners struggle with these numbers. Photography is fantastic but the market makes it so frustrating! Why is a simple lens so complicated? It is just a total disaster for anyone starting out!
