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06/23/2009 12:21:59 AM · #1 |
I'm looking for a new (2nd hand that is) versatile travel lens for my 350D.
The problem is I only have a few hundred bucks to spend.
I'm looking into a AF 18-200 mm F3.5 - F6.3 Di-II at the moment and have been reading plenty of reviews - some good, but many criticizing the sharpness, particularly at 200mm zoom.
I understand it's not a spectacular lens, but can anyone tell me how the quality compares to say, my kit lens? And is the quality better or worse than one of those Canon 75 - 300 cheapish kit lenses?
I'm weighing up one Tamron vs two Canon lenses at the moment.
Cheers!
SB |
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06/23/2009 02:17:43 AM · #2 |
| I use the tamron, and find it better than the IS 18-55 kit lens. |
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06/24/2009 11:02:39 PM · #3 |
| Any lens with that huge of a zoom ratio is going to have drawbacks in image quality; it's a necessary compromise. What you gain, is versatility in one lens. I would suggest you consider if you really need the one lens solution or if you mind changing, and if you don't, consider the 55-200 for instance. The Tamron is pretty slow at 200. As far as it being a versatile travel lens, I coudl see it being useful in that capacity as is decreases what you need to pack (that's one of the ways I use my 18-200), but just understand that you'll get some distortion. |
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06/24/2009 11:10:19 PM · #4 |
When I get some money I'm buying this lense to be my main travel lense. Not too wide but surely useful in 80% of the situations.
Tamron 28-75 mm |
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06/24/2009 11:18:31 PM · #5 |
| My main everyday lens is the Canon EF 28-135mm F/3.5-5.6 IS USM. I got mine used for $300. It's fast enough and wide enough for most situations. I have the cheap Canon 75-300 and it's pretty soft. I haven't used the Tamron so I can't speak about that. |
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06/24/2009 11:33:10 PM · #6 |
| I have a Tamron 28-300 and the kit lens. I think the Tammy is at least as good, and probably a little better at a similar focal length. I do keep the the kit lens on hand for the wider view I can get with it. |
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06/25/2009 07:08:56 AM · #7 |
as said by spiritualspatula most lenses are going to have drawbacks. And most even the more expensive zooms are going to loose some sharpness on the long end. If sharpness is a concern while shooting at long range a good telephoto prime would provide a better end result. However they are expensive and in most cases very large and heavy.
You should be able to find a fair choice of Tamron or Sigma zoom lenses especially if you buy a used model that will cover the 200mm-300mm range for a decent price. |
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06/25/2009 07:18:32 AM · #8 |
I pumped it in one thread so I'll pump it again here.
Sigma 70-300mm DG/ APO version is a cracking lens for the $$$s it is light so you can take it with the kit lens and hardly feel the strain
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06/25/2009 07:33:38 AM · #9 |
| Fred Miranda has a pretty good review site. I usually check there when considering lenses. the Tamron 18-250 has higher ratings you might consider. And if you want to buy used, you might consider KEH. |
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06/26/2009 02:28:08 AM · #10 |
Thanks to all for the advice and dahkota, that review link you posted is invaluable.
Strangely, the task of finding a lens is now even tougher! But I feel better armed in the search.
Cheers
SB
Message edited by author 2009-06-26 02:29:17. |
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