Canon Xsi and telephoto on budget

<p>I'm thinking of getting an Xsi and would like to pair it with a decent telephoto lens with a total budget between $1000 and $1500. Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated.</p>

<p>How long and what applications?</p>

<p>If you don't need a really long lens (a used Canon 300mm/ f4 with or without IS would be a good choice) think about getting a 85/1.8 USM or 100/2.0 USM - compact, fast, nice optics and useful for a lot of situations.<br>

georg</p>

<p>canon 70-200 f4 is or no is</p>

<p>Well, you can get an <a href="http://tinyurl.com/XsiRefurb">Xsi refurb for $470</a> ; that would leave about between and $500 and $1000 for the telephoto.<br /> I'm guessing you're more likely looking at the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/XsiKit">$700 Xsi kit</a> (with the decent 18-55mm IS lens); that would leave you between $300 and $800 for a second lens.</p>

<p>For $300, there are no really good options, but the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Canon55-250mmIS">Canon 55-250mm IS</a> is pretty good, and a <strong>great</strong> value at about $250. Here's a review: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/194-canon-ef-s-55-250mm-f4-56-is-test-report--review</p>

<p>Moving up the price scale, the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Canon70-300mmIS">70-300mm IS</a> at around $550 is another great deal. I have a number of friends who really like it. It focuses much faster than the 55-250mm, and is generally better built. Photozone has good review of it, too: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/200-canon-ef-70-300mm-f4-56-usm-is-test-report--review</p>

<p>At not much more that the 70-300mm, you can step into a totally different league with the Canon <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Canon70-200mmf4nonIS">70-200mm f/4</a> which runs about $600. This is one of the least-expensive L lenses, and an one of the best lenses Canon makes. It doesn't have IS (image-stabilization), but optically and mechanically it's distinctly better than the other lenses I mention.</p>

<p>At the upper end of your price range, you could consider the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Canon70-200mmf4IS">IS version of the 70-200mm f/4</a> at about $1070. This is another <strong>outstanding </strong> lens.</p>

<p>What would I recommend? To be honest, I've considered each of these lenses at various times. The 55-250mm and 70-300mm IS as a lightweight lens to carry when I don't want the weight of my heavier L telephotos, and the (various) 70-200mm L lenses just because they are one of the most versatile medium telephoto lenses you can buy for a Canon SLR. IMO each is a high-value lens <em>at it's price point</em> .</p>

<p>There are other lenses to consider from Sigma if you really need something longer, or faster.</p>

<p>What would you want to shoot with this lens?</p>

<p>I would say Xsi with the kit lens and the 70-300. When you're ready to add the next one, then it would be the 10-22. At any time, buy the 50 1.8 for portrait and low light.</p>

<p>I appreciate all the responses. For those that asked, I would primarily be shooting birds (and I know I'm very limited but my budget won't allow for the lens I would really need.) I've been using a Minolta Maxxum 7000 with a 70-300 for about 20 yrs and am wanting to make the jump to digital.</p>

<p>Craig,<br /> It's at the high end of your budget (at about $880), but the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Sigma150-500mmOS">Sigma 150-500mm OS</a> is getting good reviews. It has lots of reach and optical-stabilization for good hand-holdability.</p>

<p>Remember that the field of view you'll get with the 1.6 crop Xsi will make a 300mm lens look like a 480mm on your 35mm Maxxum, so even the $550 <a href="http://tinyurl.com/Canon70-300mmIS">Canon 70-300mm IS</a> will give you more reach than you're used to.</p>

<p>Good luck, and welcome to the digital age! (and don't forget to buy extra memory cards!)</p>

<p>If you could spend a little more than your $1500.00, I believe the 400mm 5.6 would be a great lens for birding. Otherwise on the shorter end, the 200mm 2.8 would fit your budget and is a terrific lens.</p>

<p>If you are shooting birds the 300 f/4L IS - anything else will be too short and/or too slow.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>... I would primarily be shooting birds (and I know I'm very limited but my budget won't allow for the lens I would really need.) I've been using a Minolta Maxxum 7000 with a 70-300 for about 20 yrs and am wanting to make the jump to digital.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>There doesn't sound to be a particluarly compelling reason to go with Canon then.</p>

<p>Given the budget constraint, look into a Pentax DSLR (for the in-body IS) or the Panasonic G1 (for unmatched lens adaptability.) Mate either to something like the <a href="http://www.pentaxuser.co.uk/forum/topic/Takumar-500mm-f45-A-Beast-9605">500mm f4.5 SMC </a> telephoto. This can be had on the used market for about $600; the 300mm f4 lens is about $300. Of course, you do give up AF but it's also a few thousand dollars less than a current Canon equivalent.</p>

<p>The Panasonic G1 is the best camera at the moment for this kind of application, for many reasons. The low end Canons are not so appropriate. The viewfinder is both too small and too dim for successful manual focusing.</p>

<p>Ive got an almost new EF 70-300 I may want to sell that is in mint condition. Its good but not perfect as evidenced by my recent post.<br>

If you are seriously considering it, and want to save a hundred bucks off new, I would be willing to part with mine for an upgrade to the EF 400 L :)<br>

Good luck on your quest.</p>