Tamron or Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3

[raylks]

I would like to buy a light lens for travel. Definitely the Canon EF28-300mm gives a all the focal length needed except the very wide angle on 20D or 350D. However it is heavy and expensive. (I think the main reason to resist this lens is its price instead of its weight).

I am now looking for the performance of either Tamron or Sigma's counterpart. Don't know if they are good and which one is better.

Thanks.

[tim]

Are the $300 sigma/tamron lenses as good as the $2200 canon lens? No. Are they good enough? That's for you to judge. Read lens reviews here (http://www.photographyreview.com/pscLenses/35mm,Zoom/PLS_3128crx.aspx) and at http://fredmiranda.com

[MrChad]

I have the Sigma 18-125mm DC, I guess this is the lens prior to the 18-200mm DC.
The build quality of my copy is awesome, and I find the performance to be very acceptable for the price. I have no complaints with the lens.

That being said I'd give the Sigma 18-200mm a try, the Tamron looks to have all plastic construction with a plastic mount, I've not yet used one. This likely shouldn't matter, but I place a degree on build quality in my book. For that reason I've always liked the Sigmas a tad better then the Tamrons. I've used Tamron 28-200mm back in the film day and I never liked their construction. But I guess the Tamron version just won an award? www.dpreview.com

However, I do like the Tamron 24-135mm. I wish they built more glass like that.

I often only carry my Sigma 18-125mm DC & Drebel in a small day pack on many trips and I love the thing. For hobbiest-travel photos I love these hyperzooms. To have another 75mm might make my telephoto USM IS live in the closet alot more.

I'd say try them both out at a bricks and mortar store and buy the one you like better.

[Hellashot]

Are the $300 sigma/tamron lenses as good as the $2200 canon lens? No. Are they good enough? That's for you to judge. Read lens reviews here (http://www.photographyreview.com/pscLenses/35mm,Zoom/PLS_3128crx.aspx) and at http://fredmiranda.com

I've only seen them selling for $400 not $300.

[tim]

I've only seen them selling for $400 not $300.

My point was the huge price differential between the Canon and the other lenses, not the exact price of each lens.