So I finally picked up a Canon 90D after saving up for months. It is a huge step up from my old Rebel but right now I only have the 18-55mm kit lens and it is just not cutting it for what I want to do. My daughter is starting her soccer season in about three weeks here in Ohio and I really want to get some good action shots of her on the field without being that parent who is constantly running up and down the sidelines with a phone. I also live near a park with some cool herons and stuff so I would love to try some bird photography but I am on a pretty tight budget after buying the body. I am probably looking to spend maybe $450 or $500 tops, definitely looking at the used market to save some cash.
I have been doing some digging online but the more I read the more I get turned around. Everyone says the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is like the ultimate budget lens and that it is surprisingly sharp for the price. But then I see people swearing by the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM because it has that fancy Nano USM motor which is supposed to be crazy fast for tracking movement. The thing is the 70-300 is quite a bit more expensive even used and it is a full frame lens. I am worried if I get the 55-250 it is gonna feel like a toy on the 90D since the 90D has that 32.5 megapixel sensor and I heard it can be really demanding on older or cheaper glass.
I also looked at some third party stuff like the Tamron 18-400mm but those superzooms usually have some weird softness issues from what I have seen in sample photos and I really want something that can keep up with a fast kid. Plus I am mostly shooting outdoors in daylight so I dont think I need the crazy expensive f/2.8 stuff anyway. Just something reliable that wont break the bank or my back while I am carrying it around the tournament all day.
So between the Canon 55-250 and the 70-300, or maybe something I completely missed, which one actually makes sense for the 90D sensor? Is the 55-250 actually good enough for sports or is it gonna struggle to keep focus...
tbh i have been super happy with the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM on my 90D. That Nano USM focus is basically instant for tracking soccer players.
- Handles the 32.5MP sensor way better than cheaper glass
- No complaints at all about sharpness or speed
- Fast enough for those herons too The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is okay but this is worth the extra cash.
I totally remember that struggle! I tried using the budget one I got first, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM, and it was a wild ride. That high-res sensor is absolutely brutal on glass!
- The focus motor struggled with the burst rate
- Images looked soft when I zoomed in
- I missed shots because of hunting... Honestly, once I upgraded my current setup, the detail was amazing!
> I am worried if I get the 55-250 it is gonna feel like a toy on the 90D since the 90D has that 32.5 megapixel sensor Honestly it drives me crazy how these companies keep pushing megapixels higher and higher without any regard for our wallets. You buy a 90D and suddenly your affordable glass is basically useless because that sensor is so demanding. Its such a scam. Over the years Ive tried many setups and the barrier to entry for just shooting your kids soccer game is getting ridiculous. Quality used to mean something but now everything in the budget range feels like disposable plastic. Everything is built to a price point that ignores long-term reliability. Actually reminds me of why I gave up on new tripod brands recently. I went back to using my old heavy steel legs from the 90s because the modern stuff just doesnt have the same machining tolerances. I spent way too much on a travel setup last year that started rattling after three months of light use. Its so annoying how even basic gear is losing that solid feel. Anyway...
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
