PLEASE Help a Student Out!

[OLC37]

Here's one of the reviews I read for that lens.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

The EF-S 55-250mm IS is about $255 retail. I can speak personally as I own it, and while it doesn't compare to high end canon lenses, it's a nice lens that takes decent shots. You will lose the 50mm of range on the telephoto range though.

A review for the 55-250 from the same site, a bit more favorable than the 75-300:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

The 70-300 IS is definitely better than both of them. But I believe it runs in the $500+ range. I think used you might be able to get it for around $400.

Yeah I did read that one review that bashed the lens, but it seems a lot of customers on the BH site were very happy with it. All those reviews seemed very positve.

Now the one you suggested (EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Autofocus Lens for Select Digital SLR Cameras) has I.S but not USM.. One person recommended I get USM and your recommending I.S

Can someone break down what USM is and what I.S is?

And you think I shouldn't bother with the 70 - 300usm at all? As in it will be a waste of money. I know that one website ripped it to pieces but like I said.. I've read a lot of favorable reviews too.

I just did the math and I could definitely purchase the 55-250mm I.S with out breaking the bank. Should I go for it over the 70-300usm? With the 55-250mm I wont need a tripod due to the image stabalization, yes? Where as the 70 - 300mm I would almost certainly need one?
Remember I will be shooting sports Mixed Martial Arts Cage-fighting from beside the cage and football games from the sidelines. I will be also shooting portraits but I'm sure the 50mm should handle that