telephoto zoom for canon 300D?

[mustang85]

Hi,

Im in the market for a telephoto zoom lens on the cheaper side. I know that people are very against buying cheap lenses so if you are going to tell me not to buy a cheap lens, dont! Alright, im looking for some opinions on what telephoto zoom lenses (around the 70-300mm range) are good for a small budget? Also which lenses have IS? (and yes, i know that an IS lens wont be cheap! im just curious)

Thanks in advance!!!

[Dcoggs]

What kind of budget are you looking at? I just received my Canon 70-300 IS USM for my 400D and couldn't be happier. Yes it was around $600 shipped, but I'm glad I pulled the trigger and spent a little more to get it. The IS is pretty amazing under certain conditions where a slower shutter speed is used, and has already saved quite a few shots.
Although I haven't used one, you can also pick up a 70-200 "L" lens for about the same money. Good luck.

[TenD]

I understand people have budgets, and may not want to spend $1K+ on a lens. The most common error I have seen at this and other forums is for people to go out and absolutely stretch their budget to the limit and buy the most equipped body they can for their budget. The lens is an afterthought. The body doesn't make the image, the lens does. That is where you want to concentrate your funds.
All the incarnations of the Canon 75(70)-300 lenses are OK, but they get pretty weak(soft)above 200mm, with the exception of the newer 70-300 that does well all the way to 300mm. I am not familiar with the 3rd party lenses out there, but I am sure someone will chime in there.
A used lens is a lot of times a good buy, if you look for a used 75-300 look for one with the USM. That is the way I have filled out my stable of lenses. I've usually purchased from KEH, they offer a 14day return policy, Adorama, B&H, other photo shops have used sections. If the lens hasn't been absolutely abused, it will take fine photographs.
Read the reviews at sites such as photozone, photo.net, and FredMiranda. P-base is a great place to look also, you can search for photos taken with a particular lens. Looking at real world photos can help decide whether you can live with a certain lenses shortcomingings withing a particular budget range.

[CptOfGondor]

SIGMA 75-300mm f4-5.6 APO MACRO is a good one and shouldn't break the bank.