What longer lens to choose? My choice was the 70mm - 300mm f/4 L lens. I have been very happy with that choice along with a 1.4X tele-converter for several years now. Sometimes I have thought the 100mm to 400mm L lens would be a good choice. The latest version is a great lens, yet my 70mm to 300mm would be missed because 70mm is so much more valuable more often than the 100mm. There are so many houses and cars; [ for example ], that you can take easily with the 70mm while the 100mm seems impossible. The size is just right as well. Size and weight are more important than I ever thought. So, my advice is think over 70mm - 300mm carefully before you invest in your ' Workhorse ' lens. For macro photos I use a Panasonic FZ point and shoot camera. Saves on costly macro lens and is handy for wide angle and macro alongside your Canon camera. No need to ever take your 70 - 300mm off the Canon. Keeps the sensor really clean for ever. TG
I am using the EFS 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS STM lens for wildlife. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of photo's of birds and ducks etc. My ambition would be someday to have say the 150-400mm lens the present lens is sufficient. I can recommend it.
i agree that 70-100mm would be missed. i shoot with a 55-250 STM for closer birds, and the 55mm end allows me to get close things like flowers, rusty locks, etc, and i sometimes carry a panasonic ZS50 for macros, wider shots and in case i need up to 720mm for something; if i'm going where the birds are generally further away, i bring my nikon P610 for shots up to 1440mm. since i have wrist damage, the heavier lenses are probably out for me, but in spots like marina del rey's fisherman's village, the 55-250 STM is a perfect solution. btw, i know a guy who shoots all his wildlife - and he gets great shots - with a 150-600 sigma. it wouldn't be a single lens solution for me as i'm not strong enough to use it freehand like he does, and i often like to shoot closer things as well as birds, but he only shoots wildlife and birds, so it works very well for him.
I bet your panasonic ZS 50 gives you some fine macros. If it is anything like my Panasonic FZ47. I can understand how heavy lenses can be so demanding. Holding the long lens and waiting long periods can give me a cramp. But it takes patience to get good looong shots. TG
i do like its macros, although the P610 also does good ones. it's not just demanding - due to tendonitis and torn muscles, holding a heavy camera or lens is quite painful and causes shaking fairly quickly. it can also cause further damage, and while i'm working on rehabbing, for now it's not possible. i can, however, track and wait with an SL1 and 55-250 STM or a nikon P610, and since i couldn't for some time, i feel pretty fortunate. and with more PT, i'm hoping to work my way up to something a little beefier
To get away from the weight of the Canon 5D Mark III, 6D & 7D and 70-200mm L lens with tele-extender, I sold the 6D & 7D and the lens (and kept the 17-40mm & 24-105mm for serious shoots) and bought the 77d with the 10-18mm & 18-135mm, then augmented that with the M5 (and M3) with those smaller lenses, the 15-45mm, 18-150mm and also have available the 22mm & 55-250mm M lenses. I also kept the ligher EF 70-300mm for a longer lens on both the 5D and the 77d crop body.
for those on a lower budget (like myself ) ..i agree with Blurwi there about the 55-250 STM, its lightweight, has decent stabilization, not the fastest for sure, but if your careful it takes nice shots in decent light. Its a pleasure to use really.
