Why the big price difference?

[OK_to_Point]

I'm thinking about a new lens for my Rebel XS. I see that for $200 I can get a EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS Canon lens. Then for $600 I can get an EF-S 18-200 F/3.5-5.6 IS Canon lens. Why the big difference in price? I'm more interested in the zoom capabilities than the wide angle. I already have a 18-55 lens. One more thing, is that a decent lens for that price? I found these prices from B&H btw. I appreciate any help here guys........

[NicoleScraps]

I have the EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS. It came with my camera. I do not love it. Not even a little bit. It does *okay* outdoors, but you can forget about anything indoors. I stress that it is just OKAY. Nothing remarkable.
I don't know anything about the other one (for $600). I just know that ebay and craiglist is full of those EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS lenses for next to nothing. I imagine not a lot of others are in love with theirs either.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 18-200 is more expensive for several reasons: Better built (more metal than plastic), larger focal length range (covers from 18 aaaaaall the way to 200), and it's the same aperture as the other two together as well.

The main thing is covering that focal length range: its not that easy to do.

If you're looking at something in the 200-300 range, look at the older 70-300 IS or the 70-200 f/4

[rosserx]

I'm looking in that range too. I've read glowing reviews of the Tamron AF 70-200mm f/2.8. It's fast and affordable. But I'm on the fence about 3rd party lenses.

[OK_to_Point]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

I have the EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS. It came with my camera. I do not love it. Not even a little bit. It does *okay* outdoors, but you can forget about anything indoors. I stress that it is just OKAY. Nothing remarkable.
I don't know anything about the other one (for $600). I just know that ebay and craiglist is full of those EF-S 55-250 F/4-5.6 IS lenses for next to nothing. I imagine not a lot of others are in love with theirs either.

Thanks for the feedback.....I appreciate it hearing from someone who actually has one. That is probably exactly why these lenses are so cheap......thanks again

[OK_to_Point]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The 18-200 is more expensive for several reasons: Better built (more metal than plastic), larger focal length range (covers from 18 aaaaaall the way to 200), and it's the same aperture as the other two together as well.

The main thing is covering that focal length range: its not that easy to do.

If you're looking at something in the 200-300 range, look at the older 70-300 IS or the 70-200 f/4

Thanks for the reply......how do I exactly know what is the older models? How old are we talking about here? And what do you think they run about? Thanks again.....

[Kellyj69]

I have a Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens .. I bought it used on Craigslist for $350 and I LOVE it .. I don't need the wide angle on this lens because I have that covered elsewhere.. My next purchase will be the 70-200mm f/2.8 but thats $1000 more

for shooting sports outdoors, this lens is awesome in this price range.

here are 2 shots I took with this lens .. both are UN edited other than resizing for posting...
one is at the 200mm range and the other is at the 300mm range..
you figure out which is which
these were taken at about 1000 yards while in a MOVING car!

[OK_to_Point]

Originally Posted by Kellyj69

I have a Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens .. I bought it used on Craigslist for $350 and I LOVE it .. I don't need the wide angle on this lens because I have that covered elsewhere.. My next purchase will be the 70-200mm f/2.8 but thats $1000 more

for shooting sports outdoors, this lens is awesome in this price range.

here are 2 shots I took with this lens .. both are UN edited other than resizing for posting...
one is at the 200mm range and the other is at the 300mm range..
you figure out which is which
these were taken at about 1000 yards while in a MOVING car!

They are both very good and it's hard to tell the difference.....thanks....I appreciate it

[Krusty79]

You may want to take a look at this thread:

Budget Lenses (under $200.00 US)

[Kellyj69]

i wasn't trying to be offensive.. and sorry if It came across that way .. the closer view is at 300mm ..


the only advice I would offer .. is when you have to make a choice between focal length and aperture.. choose aperture..
good luck in your lens hunt

KJ