Lens purchase - Your thoughts?

[ChrisD]

I've been struggling with my Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro at the long end (on a 550D). Getting wildlife shots sharp/clean enough for moderate cropping has meant F8 and careful choice of lighting/background, often at high ISO. In short I'm spending too much time working around its weaknesses. I bought it for £30 so not heartbroken and I want a lens with image stabilisation.

Getting a telephoto with IS and better IQ/sharpness at the long end. Budget = wallet moths... 

The Tamron 70-300mm VC USD seems popular, ~£260 new (with dubious overseas warranty). Still a lot of money for me when (unsurprisingly) I'd really like a longer lens.. After much brain fatigue I've ordered an EF-S 55-250mm IS STM (good reviews). My reasoning being that I need the IS and IQ but will need to get a closer to some subjects. Less restrictive than my current situation? Next is the price, £108 (with same dubious warranty). Money saved here will go towards a longer lens in the too-distant future. 

From reading and pixel comparisons this lens gives the Tamron a run for its money at equivalent focal lengths. I'm not going to move to a full-frame, did I do the right thing? is bob-a-job still  a thing? I kept my woggle! 

[Black Pearl]

Its a pretty decent lens which should give a slightly sharper image - but - its still a bit short for what you're after so you might struggle with small/distant birds.

It'll make a good day-to-day lens mind you so not a bad purchase.

[Ryewolf]

Ohhh, I'd say if your budget could stretch, I have a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary, however it's still around £700-900 mark, but a significant amount cheaper than Canon's big primes/zooms. It'll also give you a focal range equiv to a 240mm-960mm lens on a full frame camera.

[ChrisD]

Thanks BP/Ryewolf. I do intend to get a decent long lens when I can afford it. Unfortunately that isn't soon (Xmas if I'm lucky). Hopefully this lens will be enough of an improvement to get some keepers this year, and as BP mentions, will be a useful walkabout lens once I have the new one.

Should arrive early next week, I'll post some pics and thoughts once I've had some play-time with it.