Expert: Abe - 11/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: Abe, I saw in one of your reponses that you recommended the Cannon xsi  18-55 IS lens and a 70 -300 IS lens.  I saw the same camera bundled with a 18-55 IS lens and a 55-250 IS lens.  Is the  55-250 IS lens just as good as the 70-300?  I am a novice so please explain.  The price was $800.
Sincerely,  Jeff

ANSWER: Hi Jeff,

The 55-250 is a lower quality lens in that it has cheaper (and less durable) construction. It is more easily affected by moisture and every day knocks and bumps, among other things which can shorten its lifespan. It also has 50mm less telephoto reach. The 70-300 IS lens offers much better image quality and has the ability to handle the 12 megapixels of the XSi, whereas the 55-250 lens isn't quite up to handling the resolution of 12 megapixels.

Don't get me wrong - the 55-250 is a good lens, but if you want to get the most out of the camera, it will demand better quality lenses, like the 70-300 IS.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask a follow up if you'd like to.

Abe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your help.  I want to use the 70-300 IS or the 55-250 IS for shooting shots of my young children including something like a T-ball game.  I know that lens speed has something to do with how well the lens can shoot an action photo.  I guess Im looking for an all around lens that wont break the bank.  Sincerely,  Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Yes, lens speed does make a difference. But for what you're doing, either lens is sufficient as far as lens speed goes. The differences I mentioned in my earlier response have to do with image quality and lens construction/durability.

If you were shooting car racing, for example, then a faster lens (like an f/2.8 vs. f/4 - --- f/2.8 being faster) would be critical, because the f/2.8 would allow for faster shutter speeds.