Zoom Lens Decision

[maizenbluedoc]

I plan to purchase a zoom lens for my Canon 40D and don't want to spend much over $500. I have narrowed my choice to basically three lens; Tamron SP AF70-300mm Di VC USD , Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM , and Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD. I will be photographing wildlife (birds) and no indoor shots. Would appreciate if anyone has experience with these lens.

[RichardTaylor]

I have the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the Tamron 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 AF Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (not the 270 VC)

The Canon is a good, relatively small and light, general purpose long zoom. It is the long tele I use for walking around and on vacations(if shooting wildlife is not a priority. It is a bit short for shooting birds, especially small ones or those that are in the wild. (for that I use a Canon 100-400). Mechanically it is good and focussing is ok, as is the IQ (but better than the Tamroin).

I would expect the 18-270 Tamron to be similar to the 18-250 Tamron. Build quality, focussing and IQ is just ok (not great). The very large focal length range is great when you can take only one body & lens to cover a possibly large range of good light subjects. That is the only time (rarely) I use mine.