Looking for Inspiration, Part 3 - "Just" the 55-250 EF-S IS telephoto

[CaraRose]

The 55-250mm is one of the more inexpensive telephotos and has been one of the more common entry telephoto lenses. I figured with the spirit of Loupey's previous threads, this would be a good one to have a thread of its own.

Post your shots in this thread of shots taken with the 55-250mm.

Here's some of mine:

[Loupey]

Looks great, CaraRose! And thanks for posting. Hopefully others will find inspiration and post examples in this thread to help others.

Love that first image!

[Baldie]

Here's a pic I took of a duck as I was walking out of the Ballys hotel in Vegas. My first proud shot.... The next are of my dogs.

[CaraRose]

A few more... Some of the macros likely had extension tubes used with the 55-250mm.

[OldClicker]

That Goldfinch shot is beautiful! Have you considered joining one of the Chicago area camera clubs and competing?

http://caccaweb.com/

Terry

[CaraRose]

That Goldfinch shot is beautiful! Have you considered joining one of the Chicago area camera clubs and competing?

http://caccaweb.com/

Terry

I've looked at it briefly a few times. There aren't any close to where I live, but there's one in Riverswoods which is right by where I work.

[OldClicker]

I've looked at it briefly a few times. There aren't any close to where I live, but there's one in Riverswoods which is right by where I work.

Riverwoods is all nature which would be good for most of your work. There are some really good nature shooters there! - Terry

[ksbryan0]

Good thread, Cara. Here are a few more to add...

[CaraRose]

Beautiful shots, Ken!

[Buzzaro]

Some my first photos trying to really capture anything, just backyard photos of opportunity but here are a couple:

[maplestreet]

I had this lens in my hands today, very nearly brought it home and then I thought, I MUST check with the good folks at PR before I buy anymore lenses. I'm just looking for a little more reach than my 28-135 is giving me and I cant afford the L I want,,,, yet.

Anyone have any postive or negative thoughts to share regarding this lens? Also, I've heard that this is a "Grey Market" lens. I'm a little confused about what that means and whether or not it's a bad thing. I would very much apreciate it any input on these matthers!

Bert

[Loupey]

Bert - I've never handled one but I'll give you my thoughts based on what's on paper...

1) For a stabilized lens in this range of focal lengths, the price really can't be touched.
2) the AF mechanism isn't the high speed (USM) type so consider your subject matter before making the purchase
3) size and weight seem very conducive for travel
4) the speed (at f/4~f/5.6) isn't any/much different than other lenses like the 70-300 class of lenses

Just some random rambling...

[ksbryan0]

I own this lens and agree with Loupey's comments. If you don't have the budget for an L lens, this one is a pretty versatile choice to give you a little more reach than your current lens. As you can see from the images posted above, it is capable of making good images. The "grey market" lenses are essentially the same lens, but don't come with the Canon 1 yr US warranty. They are generally a little less expensive than the US versions. A number of lenses that are sold on ebay are grey market units.

Since purchasing some better glass, I don't use this lens much anymore. However I will pop in on the camera when I am shooting in a venue where I don't want to attract attention.

[maplestreet]

Thanks Loupey and Ken, I've decided to stop buying lenses for now and just practice more with what I have. I have a tendency to want to collect all these cool accessories when in reality I dont even know what I'm doing yet. My next purchase will be a good flash. Starting out someone told me I wouldn't need a good external flash unit but I've already been in several situations where the on-board flash isn't cutting it so I think that will be a wiser investment for me instead of another lens, for now.

Thanks for the replies and great advice.

[ksbryan0]

Nice show of willpower, maplestreet. I wish you luck in holding that thought!

[maplestreet]

Nice show of willpower, maplestreet. I wish you luck in holding that thought!

LoL Ken you must be psychic, during my trip to the Zoo today I only thought "I NEED MORE REACH!" about 300 times.

So now I'm off to buy a zoom because I wont be able to go on in life until I get it. Hey my willpower lasted almost 3 days! :thumbsup:

I still cant afford the L I want, but in many ways I feel like someone as green as I am owning an L is something of a crime against real photographers so I'm going to get something atleast 300mm with IS to start me off. Now I'm off to do research!

[maplestreet]

Got mine last week, finally got to take it out today.






Anyone know what kind of bird this is?

[Buzzaro]

Anyone know what kind of bird this is?

Where was that taken? Looks like an Osprey

[CaraRose]

Where was that taken? Looks like an Osprey

Definitely an Osprey

[maplestreet]

Where was that taken? Looks like an Osprey

Thanks, it was taken in Gilbert Arizona, there is this amazing Riparian Preserve just down the street from my house so I'm spoiled with the opportunity to take pictures of beautiful birds all the time.

I'm still learning what they are though.
http://www.riparianinstitute.org/

[Buzzaro]

Thanks, it was taken in Gilbert Arizona, there is this amazing Riparian Preserve just down the street from my house so I'm spoiled with the opportunity to take pictures of beautiful birds all the time.

I'm still learning what they are though.
http://www.riparianinstitute.org/

I was really curious as to where it was shot because I've seen them a couple places here in California. Along the Sacramento river just south of the Feather/Sacramento rivers confluence and a little farther north at Lake Shasta. After googling them though, it seems they have quite a range. Basically everywhere but Antarctica. Nice shot too, tough to get moving things zoomed in like that and still focused (at least for me).