2x converter or 18-200 IS or 70-200L

Sorry yet another 'which lens' thread - I've spent ages checking lenses for my 550D - I have a nifty 50, and a 28-135, I'm fairly happy the 28-135 it's a little soft but was very good value but I want to add a little length and I've realised I should think about spending a little more money (not a lot) - the 18-200 is nice and reasonably priced, the 70-200 L is very nice but a little more expensive and I'd need to find something wide to go with it ('cause I was thinking of selling the 28-135). I could possibly buy a converter for the 28-135 or is that a waste of money (cheap solution on cheap glass)? ... I'm really keen on sharpness (before post) speed is not a big deal as I don't envisage covering indoor low light concerts etc, little bit of nature little bit of studio 'still lifes' - hope this is enough info for someone to offer some advice and thanks to anyone taking the time - Roger

The 18-200 isn't a bad travel lens but it does not have enough quality to handle a 2X or even a 1.4 converter. You didn't specify which 70-200mm lens you are considering but I assume it is the f4. This lens handles a 1.4 converter O.K but you are really pushing your luck with a 2X. In addition you will lose AF with both of these lenses when used with a converter.

The 18-200 is a great walkabout lens and mine is very sharp stopped down.

The only downside is the lens has a lot of zoom creep.

Looks like the 18-200 ... I'll maybe find somewhere to try it out .... thanks for your help chaps ... Roger

Avoid the 18-200. IQ versus the 70-200 f4 is like night and day.

The 18-200 is an ok travel lens but I have never regretted selling mine. It just wasn't good enough.

Thanks bang Bang Boy - your lens kit looks like it covers most eventualities ... would you say ?

Roger

Yeah sort of, If I only had a crop I would probably buy a 10-22 instead of the 17-40 and get a 17-55 to cover medum ranges. And right now I am saving up for a 24-70 to cover my need for a fast everyday zoom lens. And I am also going to upgrade the f4 70-200 to a 2.8 IS eventually...

In your case I would get a 70-200 f4 and a 10-22 eventually.

/Felix

Bang Bang Boy wrote in post #12390380
Avoid the 18-200. IQ versus the 70-200 f4 is like night and day.

The 18-200 is an ok travel lens but I have never regretted selling mine. It just wasn't good enough.

Agree. I rented both to try out and hands down the 70-200 clobbers the 18-200. The image quality was quite noticeable. The lens creep on the 18-200 was terrible and very annoying. If your mainly using it to shoot outdoors I'd get the 70-200 f4 non IS instead.

just add a 55-250IS...best $200 you can spend...

70-200 f/4... The extender is nice too.

rogertb wrote in post #12387718
... I'm really keen on sharpness (before post) speed is not a big deal as I don't envisage covering indoor low light concerts etc, little bit of nature little bit of studio 'still lifes' - hope this is enough info for someone to offer some advice and thanks to anyone taking the time - Roger

If sharpness is your ultimate goal then the 70-200 f/4 is your best bet. Obviously it comes at a cost and only you can decide if it's worth the price, also taking into consideration that you will have to get something wider. If you can afford it, it's hard to recommend against that lens. I just sold mine and it was an absolutely great lens.....fantastic IQ, fast AF, manageable weight, and constant aperture. If it turns out that lens is not in the budget, the 55-250 that was suggested is a very good lower cost alternative.

Hi
Have you had a look at Silverfox1, he did some great testing and is very helpful.
https://photography-on-the.net …p=11838240&post​count=2707
I got a local brand 2x converter with my 70-200, am very satisfied withit, I think it is one of the Kenko DG versions.

rogertb wrote in post #12387718
I could possibly buy a converter for the 28-135 or is that a waste of money

A 2x on that lens will make it a 56-270mm f/7-11 - which is completely useless as you won't be able to autofocus with it. Even if you manual/live-view focus, I'm certain it will be very soft (the 28-135 is not that good to start with).

Cheap+decent: 55-250mm
Very Good: 70-200 f/4
Excellent: 70-200 f/4 IS

If you sell the 28-135, recommend 18-55mm IS + 55-250mm IS as a starter kit. If you want a 1-lens solution, I think there's a tamron 18-270mm that is okay.

Bang Bang Boy wrote in post #12390380
Avoid the 18-200. IQ versus the 70-200 f4 is like night and day.

The 18-200 is an ok travel lens but I have never regretted selling mine. It just wasn't good enough.

JimiJam wrote in post #12394437
A 2x on that lens will make it a 56-270mm f/7-11 - which is completely useless as you won't be able to autofocus with it. Even if you manual/live-view focus, I'm certain it will be very soft (the 28-135 is not that good to start with).

Cheap+decent: 55-250mm
Very Good: 70-200 f/4
Excellent: 70-200 f/4 IS

If you sell the 28-135, recommend 18-55mm IS + 55-250mm IS as a starter kit. If you want a 1-lens solution, I think there's a tamron 18-270mm that is okay.

+1

Now the Tamron 18-270 is looking good ... isn't life fun ... thanks you all for helping me out, you wont believe how good it is to get advice from knowledgable people. Roger