zoom or telephoto lens?

[karen1961]

hi,i'm thinking of buying a new lens,and was looking at the Tamron - AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 DI II VC LD or the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Lens,what is the differance between them?i intend to use it for when i'm out on walks,taking shots of birds,landscapes ect,thank you karen

[RichardTaylor]

The Tamron is a very versatile general purpose lens. It will do every thing in your list of subject but not well. 270mm is too short for most birds and the autofocus will be much too slow for birds in flight. I own the Tamron 18-250

See this review.
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Then Canon is a good general purpose telephoto lens, however it may be too long for most landscapes. Again it will be to short for smaller birds but ok for larger ones. It is my travel and walk around long tele zoom mainly because of its size & weight - I also own this lens. I also own a Canon 100-400 F4.5-F5.6 IS L lens however while it is great for motor racing and birding it is a little large for use as a carry around everywhere lens.

Here is a review of the 70-300..
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review

[karen1961]

thank you for your reply,i have decieded to go with the Tamron,thank you karen