topic Re: Best affordable telephoto lens? in Gear Guide

Best affordable telephoto lens for EOS 1300D?

bravo3 — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:34:12 GMT

I have the 1300D and want a telephoto lens for my holiday this year, where I’ll have the chance to spot a lot of wildlife (apparently dolphins can be seen out in the bay from shore, so would like a lens that can capture these and still be sharp after cropping in further if necessary). I am on a very strict budget and would be buying second hand, so looking for recommendations. Thanks!

Re: Best affordable telephoto lens?

justadude — Sun, 25 May 2025 13:44:28 GMT

Everyone has a different amount of money they would spend on a "strict budget". To some, it may be $3,000, to others it might be $100. What is a reasonable amount you would like to spend under your budget? Answering this will help us give you a much more accurate answer to fit your budget.

Re: Best affordable telephoto lens?

ebiggs1 — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:32:20 GMT

"... would like a lens that can capture these and still be sharp after cropping .... , ... very strict budget and would be buying second hand, ..."

If you were trying to define the word impossible you have done a good job no matter the budget. However like Gary asked just what is a " very strict budget "? And nothing wrong with used if it is good used and not trashed by the previous owner. IMHO, I would not consider anything less than 400mm.

The choice, budget notwithstanding, for a Rebel T6 is very limited unless that very strict budget involve a wheelbarrow full of money so the first thing that comes to mind is one of the 150-600mm super zooms. Tons of them on the used market and remember you can sell it on after your holiday if need be to help budget wise.

There is the ef 400mm f5.6L which is a prime and is reasonably fast, is very sharp and is very light. The ef 300mm f4L and a 1.4x tele-con could fill the bill. It is even better IQ wise than the 400mil and offers 420mm @ f5.6 as well. Both discontinued and a must buy on the used market.

Besides the tele lens I would consider a tripod or at least a monopod. Lastly again budget notwithstanding the very best lens for you is the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon. If I was you, I would see what you can do to buy one of these or rent one.

Re: Best affordable telephoto lens?

Waddizzle — Sun, 25 May 2025 15:12:55 GMT

The 150-600mm lenses from Sigma and Tamron are both great lenses. I think they are a bit too big and heavy for an entry level camera like the 1300D.

The Sigma seems to no longer be available through one of the largest online stores for camera gear, B&H. The Tamron is still available.

Both companies have offered 100-400mm lenses that are not as big and heavy. Unfortunately, neither of them are available on the B&H web site.

Canon EF 200-400mm lenses are available. But they are priced at over $2000 USD.

I don’t know what is available in your country of origin. Availability is probably limited, too. It looks like a used lens could be your only option.