Budget but sharp telephoto for 400d?

My friend needs a telephoto lens.

95% of its use is for taking horse show photos. Im presuming 300mm on the crop sensor would be plenty adequate and possibly even a 200mm.

Im not familiar with Canon at all so I thought Id ask people who know. Any tips of a budget (sub $400, used or new) lens that will deliver reasonable IQ and sharpness? Not expecting a prime at this price point obviously

EcoPics wrote:

My friend needs a telephoto lens.

95% of its use is for taking horse show photos. Im presuming 300mm on the crop sensor would be plenty adequate and possibly even a 200mm.

Im not familiar with Canon at all so I thought Id ask people who know. Any tips of a budget (sub $400, used or new) lens that will deliver reasonable IQ and sharpness? Not expecting a prime at this price point obviously

You can get a used 70-200 f/4L for between 4 and 500 which is little above your friend's budget but better than anything that you can find in the budget range. For a little bit more you could get the 200mm f/2.8 L. You gain on aperture but lose a little flexibility vs the zoom.

nm

The Canon  55-250 is a "kit" lens that gives very good results and is really exceptional given its modest price.  There are lots of used ones available through eBay and some real bargains, with one year warranties, on Canon's refurb site.  I use this lens a lot and am very pleased with it.

EcoPics wrote:

she has the 55-200 but that seems to get terrible reviews on BHP. where the sigma 70-300mm for $199 seems to get VERY good reviews.

I can't comment on the review there, but the 55-250 gets  strong recommendations from the majority of users.  If she has the 55-250 now, does she find the lens inadequate for what she needs?

EcoPics wrote:

she has the 55-200 but that seems to get terrible reviews on BHP. where the sigma 70-300mm for $199 seems to get VERY good reviews.

The 55-250 IS STM is sharp. Not the 55-200.

EcoPics wrote:

she has the 55-200 but that seems to get terrible reviews on BHP. where the sigma 70-300mm for $199 seems to get VERY good reviews.

there is an old 55-200, if you really mean that. That is not that good and not comparable to the new 55-250 IS, and in particular the latest 55-250 STM.

70-300