Which Superzoom?

I'm upgrading my XT to a T2i and am pretty certain I want to trade the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS for a single superzoom.

I'm particularly looking at:

Tamron 18-270mm Di VX
Tamron 18-270mm Di VC PZD
Sigma 18-250mm DC OS HSM

Both the Tamron 18-270 and Sigma 18-250 can be had for under $500, whereas the Tamron PZD is more like $650.

Looking for recommendations and experiences. The Sigma seems to be the most compelling because it has the high speed motor and OS for under $500.

Might be wise to wait and see some reviews of the Tamron PZD model. Supposedly it's pretty good, but there's some reports that it's "270mm" isn't as long of "270mm" as the previous version (even focused to infinity). But there haven't been any reviews posted on reputable sites, or any comparisons here that I've seen. Perhaps you could be the first. :P

jonnythan wrote in post #11606404
I'm upgrading my XT to a T2i and am pretty certain I want to trade the 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS for a single superzoom.

Pictures from a T2i and a Tamron 18-200mm lens.

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Those are great. I notice they're at wide-open or almost wide-open apertures, too. Thanks for those.

The old Tamron is better image quality and stabilization than the new pzd. I have both right now. I am sending back the pzd.

The big plus the pzd has over the old is smoother zooming and manual focusing wheels, lighter, smaller...both noticeablely so, and finally the focus and VC is quiter.

The old Tamron is $200 cheaper, better image quality and more effective VC.

I assume you mean the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC not VX

I have had this as my only lens on my 500D for just over a year and find it excellent. I wanted one lens to travel with and for general good quality shots that offered good stabilization control and this set up was recommended by all the camera shops I went into. This is my first DSLR set up, so I can't compare but I have been very happy with its IQ, the VC is fantastic as I shake a little, it is so good it lets me shoot with lower shutter speeds for low light conditions, hand held even at 270mm. I have used it for action shots of my lurchers, motor racing, outdoor and indoor events, including school plays in poor light, a little bit of macro and video and it has never let me down. Two of my friends have bought this lens after trying mine and they are very happy as well.

This is one image that I hope shows how good the IQ, AF and VC are. f8 ISO 640 1/320 @270mm in JPEG. He caught me by suprise hence the settings and it looks a lot brighter than it was on the day.

Great info. I'm surprised no one has weighed in about the Sigma offering yet.

I ordered a refurb T2i last night. I won't be buying the lens right away but I get mildly obsessive and want as much info as I can get.

I'd take the Tamron in this situation. Wasn't too impressed with the Telephoto Sigma IQ when I tried them out in the store.

Tamron 18-270mm Di VC PZD My sister uses this lens all the time and loves it. The IQ is great for a superzoom. The auto focus is a little noisy.