Zoom Lens to Replace Kit Lens?

[Hedgehog1]

Alright: Firstly, please keep in mind that I have a grandson in college, a mortgage, a car payment and a spouse who has grown accustomed to eating regularly. Now: I recently purchased an SL-2 with the 18-55mm and the 70-300mm kit lenses. It didn't take very long to figure out that the 70-300mm was not the greatest zoom lens. (Not complaining, as you get what you pay for.) But I would like to improve on the zoom quality somewhat. I would appreciate any recommendations for a better-quality lens to replace my 70-300mm that is in the reasonable price range of, say, $500. I would not object to refurbished. My favorite subject is wildlife, especially birdwatching. Any advice appreciated!

[deebatman316]

Usually 2 lens kits are bundled with the EF 75-300mm. Do you have that lens instead. Canon does make a 70-300mm which is a good lens. They offer multiple different 70-300mm lenses to choose from. Also for your budget you won't get you a new telephoto lens.

[Hedgehog1]

My mistake: 75-300

[deebatman316]

The closest NEW lens to your budget is the EF 70-300mm F/4.0-5.6 IS II USM lens at $600. You can't get any lower than this with telephoto lenses.

[blazeracer]

I got my 70-300 f/4-5.6 from FB Marketplace used that came with another older camera. I threw my 75-300 with the older camera and sold it for what I paid. So basically, a free upgrade. I recently sold my 70-300 and that was a mistake. Used the money to get a 80-200 f/2.8L "Magic Drainpipe". Frankly, I like the 70-300 better. 

[deebatman316]

"I would not object to refurbished."

I took that as the OP wanted a new lens but that won't happen with their budget. Also since you own the EF 28-80mm f/2.8-4L USM lens how well does the electronic manual focus work for you. Compared to STM lenses newer Nano USM and USM lenses with mechanical AF override.

[blazeracer]

I've never actually used the manual focus on that lens. The auto focus works great. 

[deebatman316]

I've heard that the early Ring Type USM focus by wire lenses were slow to respond. That's why I was asking if that lens was slow.

[blazeracer]

Ahh, gotcha. Compared to a newer STM kit lens, yes, it is slow. It's my walk around lens when the wife and I are out and about. A half a second focus time is not an issue for me. 

[deebatman316]

I know that the EF 85mm F/1.2L USM (OG) and the EF 85mm F/1.2L II USM lenses both have slow AF performance. The focus rings on both of those lenses are also slow since there ring type USM focus by wire lenses.