70mm - 300mm Canon, Tamron or Sigma?

[edryn80]

Looking for a budget telephoto for everyday and as a bit more range than my kit lens for going on Safari in Kenya soon.

Using on a 350D at the moment but may upgrade soon.

So, which one? Both Canon and Tamron are £130ish then the Sigma is a bit more and I have heard it's better but how much better and whether its worth it?

Canon
Tamron
Sigma

 

[Fletcher]

I have the tamron, pretty good lens TBH..

Although i've not tried the canon, or sigma.

 

[mace¬]

I have the Tamron and I find its slow & searches a bit when focusing

 

[Feirny]

I have the tamron, pretty good lens TBH..

Although i've not tried the canon, or sigma.

I have the Tamron and I find its slow & searches a bit when focusing

Same here, not a bad first tele lens though for the price.

 

[Mike_182]

Was going to say 70-200 f4 L Canon, but it's a fair crack more than those.

 

[edryn80]

I think the Tamron and the Canon are quite similar in optic quality but the Canon has the USM which is useful. Might have to find a nice shop and play, then buy online for cheap.

The Sigma would be nice but it's an extra £50 which will almost pay for a 50/f.18, which I am also tempted by...

 

[Fletcher]

Same here, not a bad first tele lens though for the price.

Yeah, I had mine with thrown it with my 450d.

 

[Paul_G]

I've used the Canon 75-300mm (borrowed) and have to say I was not that impressed, soft images, focus slow and can hunt quite a bit. The newer 70-300mm is generally seen as a much better lens, albeit significantly more expensive.

Can't speak about the other two lenses, however I think quite a few people on here have the Sigma and are generally pretty impressed.