What walkabout lens c.£200? Shortlist inside...
Discussion
Right, I'm fed up with keep swapping lenses when I'm out-and-about doing general stuff. The 18-55 just hasn't got the flexibility, and the (current) 75-300 doesn't give anywhere near the width for a nice landscape.
So, have been looking at large-spread zoom lenses. All are compromises to one degree or another, alas, most particularly aperture sizes. But wanted to ask everyone's opinion on this shortlist, and see if I'd missed any obvious candidates.
Thanks,
Martin
Shortlist:-
1) Tamron 18-200 "XR Di-II LD Asp. IF Macro" f/3.5-6.3
2) Sigma 18-200 IF Asp. f/3.5-6.3 DC
(Are these two actually the same lens?!? Same size, weight, lens construction and min focal-length!!!)*
3) Canon EF28-200 USM f/3.5-5.6**
* Did consider the 28-300 ones, the Tamron "XR Di-II LD Asp. IF Macro" and the Sigma DG Macro, but I thought what's the point when I have a 75-300 with a 70-300 IS on order to replace it. Plus they're supposed to be mediocre above -200.
** The Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS isn't a huge amount more, but not sure if a) I need the IS that much; and b) I'd miss the extra zoom on it.
So, have been looking at large-spread zoom lenses. All are compromises to one degree or another, alas, most particularly aperture sizes. But wanted to ask everyone's opinion on this shortlist, and see if I'd missed any obvious candidates.
Thanks,
Martin
Shortlist:-
1) Tamron 18-200 "XR Di-II LD Asp. IF Macro" f/3.5-6.3
2) Sigma 18-200 IF Asp. f/3.5-6.3 DC
(Are these two actually the same lens?!? Same size, weight, lens construction and min focal-length!!!)*
3) Canon EF28-200 USM f/3.5-5.6**
* Did consider the 28-300 ones, the Tamron "XR Di-II LD Asp. IF Macro" and the Sigma DG Macro, but I thought what's the point when I have a 75-300 with a 70-300 IS on order to replace it. Plus they're supposed to be mediocre above -200.
** The Canon 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS isn't a huge amount more, but not sure if a) I need the IS that much; and b) I'd miss the extra zoom on it.
Gemm said:
28-135 is one of the most versatile lenses I've used and I love it. If you are interested, I've got one for sale. 
OK, not exactly a disinterested post! But appreciate the comments! What's the condition of your 28-135? And what's it's performance like (aperture, chrom. ab., etc.) at full-zoom?
28-135 is a brilliant walkaround lens on a full frame SLR but might be a bit too long otherwise. IS is really worth having. I've actually been looking at the Sigma 18-125 for my 350D as a cheap but useful tool that's not so precious to matter if it gets bashed while skiing or something. Looks to be more consistent quality over the range than the 18-200 and other superzooms that I'd avoid like the plague.
I have a 28-300mm Sigma I don't need since I upgraded all my gear, comes with a circular polariser and uv filter - £100. Drop me a mail if you're interested nick.grant@virgin.net
These were all taken with it...
www.grantgb.com/thorneyisland.htm
...it is a bit soft right at 300 but I didn't use that end too much, for this money though it's a bargin.
These were all taken with it...
www.grantgb.com/thorneyisland.htm
...it is a bit soft right at 300 but I didn't use that end too much, for this money though it's a bargin.
Edited by badbeachbuggy on Thursday 16th November 21:15
Let me have a think about what'd be most useful, and I'll get back to you guys! Gassing Station | Photography & Video | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff