EF 70-300 IS USM or EF 70-200 f/4L USM or ...?

[Sheiky]

It is interesting to see how many people have been through a few lenses and end up with the 70-200 IS USM L lens in either the f/4 or 2.8. I can see where this can become an expensive hobby I can see myself justifying the $1200 lens in my head when I started the search thinking $500-$600.

I think these are the first symptoms of L-disease. Good luck mate

Your idea sounds good though. Just see what you like and dislike about the 80-200 and go from there. Good luck!

[Kombi]

I think these are the first symptoms of L-disease. Good luck mate

I got that now.

I am also a beginner

--I bought the 55-250 as my first upgrade to my camera (t2i) Dec 2010, based on price and my kit lens ended at 55 --
I also thought I needed a zoom to capture the landscapes.. because they were in the distance

Anyway.. once I started researching and learning more about photography... I was happy with it until I started reading these forums.(Jan 2012)

The 55-250 met my needs for general image capture and online images. When printing some pictures to 5"x7" I was still pleased with results. However, once I bought my 24-105L lens the image quality is so much nicer, that I immediately started renting L series zoom lenses. Now that I'm making an effort to take better pictures I will definitely be replacing the 55-250.. still renting and testing for now.

If I was choosing today from the 3 you list I would go for the EF 70-200mm f/4L USM.

One plus for the 55-250 is it is very light when compared with any L series lens I've tried. So if your carrying it around or packing it in a day-pack you won't notice it's there.