Recommendations in a lens made for Canon DSLR (i.e. 20D)-All-around-lens around $300?

[FreakyShadow]

Hi guys,

I want to buy an all-around-lens for my Canon DSLR but I've found too many models around the $300 budget.

The Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM its a pretty good bet judging by the hell lot of positive reviews but it isn't designed for "small sensor" DSLR's so I would'nt really get a pretty wide angle at 28.

There are some other bets like the Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC IF which judging by the price, the "DC" and focal length it looks pretty good but it seems they say it won't produce pretty sharp images indeed.

There are other models out there which superficially look pretty decent, but judging by your experience or knowledge, do you recommend one model specifically?

Thanks in advance!

[SpecialK]

Hi:

You might have better Canon-specific answers if you ask in the Canon DSLR forum.

[DonSchap]

Superior sharp zoom lensing usually doesn't happen at $300

It usually requires lensing that is priced at around $600 on up, for a single lens.

You are asking a lot for $300 ... 18mm wide angle, plus telephoto ... just isn't out there. Sure, you can compromise with the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 utility lens, but you will lose the overall IQ. Price is right, though. The lens is designed for use on APS-C sensors, so you are right in the ballpark.

Separate the lenses and the overall cost goes up. You can get superior IQ out of a TAMRON SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR DiII LD and even catch a price break with it at $449. Couple that with the amazing IQ of the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM ... total price tag ... ~$1000 ... but "What a pair!" You'd have it covered: Low light, indoor close lensing and kick-butt long glass for outdoor stuff.

I think you are being overly optimistic looking for something in the $300 range. Experience says, it's just not out there. :(

[FreakyShadow]

Thanks a lot for your reply!

Hmph, now I'm guessing if I should go by the slow-but-safe route or I should go get this Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD kit.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000NOWL6Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/104-8996721-2601502?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1P9QRDRYY6FXL&v=glance

People say its one of the best entry level high focal length lenses around. They don't complain much about the IQ of it knowing what you are getting.

Any comments about this one?

[DonSchap]

Thanks a lot for your reply!

Hmph, now I'm guessing if I should go by the slow-but-safe route or I should go get this Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD kit.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000NOWL6Y/ref=pd_luc_mri/104-8996721-2601502?%5Fencoding=UTF8&m=A1P9QRDRYY6FXL&v=glance

People say its one of the best entry level high focal length lenses around. They don't complain much about the IQ of it knowing what you are getting.

Any comments about this one?

For the beginning of your lensing, the 18-200mm covers a lot of ground for a relatively light sting in overall cost. Once you establish what direction you plan on taking in your photographic selections, then you can spend basically knowing what you need to, to improve on that.

It really is hard to go wrong with the 18-200mm. Remember, you can always sell it for another lens, later on, if you take care of it. Skuffs, scrapes and, God-forbid, dropping will certainly reduce its trade-in value.

Good luck :D

[FreakyShadow]

Thanks a lot!

I'll order my 18-200mm in the course of this week.

I'll do as you say, as I see where in the focal length I'm most sited, I'll expand my lens posibilities.

That's, in my opinion, a very nice way to start.

See ya, good luck!

[FreakyShadow]

You see, now I'm again guessing which route should I take:

The Tamron 18-200mm which looks pretty good itself or this Sigma kit I've found: http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-18-50mm-55-200mm-DC-Set/dp/B000FLV9KO/ref=sr_1_31/102-3130592-5236917?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1175818673&sr=1-31

It includes both a 18-50mm and a 55-200mm which covers the same focal length as the Tamron one.

On the surface, on the Sigma point of view, cons are 2 lens cover the same focal length than the Tamron and pros is the massive difference in costs plus you get a camera bag which I'd need.

On the Tamron point of view, pro is the 1 lens does it all but its almost the double in price.

Now, I'm not sure if speaking about the IQ difference between this two buys there will be a major difference having the Tamron noticeable superior IQ than both Sigma lens by themselves.

Could you help me take my decision by this point, please?

Thanks in advance!

[DonSchap]

There are a number of reviews available confirming the enormous value of the 18-200mm compared to other "kit solutions." It seems rather trite to keep covering the same ground again and again.

I used the 18-200mm for several months before breaking it up into f/2.8 components. I wanted more light at all my focal lengths, costs held withihn reason, also.

I can offer the follwoing links to support the 18-200mm decision, but after that ... it is YOU who has to make the call for what you want out of your photography and what you can readily afford.

TAMRON 18-200mm - Photozone Review (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_18200_3563/index.htm)

TAMRON 18-200mm - Camera Labs Review (http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Tamron18200mm/)

TAMRON 18-200mm - DPREVIEW (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05022105tamron_18-200mm.asp)

Hopefully, these reviews will allow you to relax and be confident in your decision. Personally, I have one for Canon-mount I am ready to part with. I want to buy another one for the SONY A100. If you are interested ... send a private message.

[FreakyShadow]

Sure, I would be interested.

Thread solved.

I'll P.M. you.

Thanks a lot!

[coldrain]

The Sigma 18-200 is a tad better than that Tamron. Do take that into consideration.