Should I sell my kit lenses and get a Tamron?

I was out taking pics at the lake today; it's so frustrating to changes lenses so often; back and forth and back and forth. Now I'm considering the "one lens" angle.

My current lenses:
--> Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (kit)
--> Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II (kit)

Is there a reason why I should not sell those two lenses and purchase a Tamron 18-270MM F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens? One lens. No lens swapping. Lighter camera bag.

Another option is a REFURBISHED Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS for about the same price. Thought it's a Canon, its two immediate drawbacks are that it's refurbished and it has 70mm less reach.

Had I the resources, I would jump on some nicer glass, but that is not an option at the moment.

Any advice or input would be GREATLY appreciated

I'm not sure those super range lenses would be the best quality. I'd rather have a few quality lenses than just one like the ones you have listed. If you're going with a 3rd party lens, I've heard good things about the Tamron and Sigma 17-50 ...

Sigma's releasing an 18-35 f1.8 soon and it seems like it's a good one.

emelvee wrote in post #16015212
I'm not sure those super range lenses would be the best quality. I'd rather have a few quality lenses than just one like the ones you have listed. If you're going with a 3rd party lens, I've heard good things about the Tamron and Sigma 17-50 ...

^^ This.. It would be far better for you to purchase the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non-VC and the 70-300 VC as a combination than buying the 18-270. While it may not be the answer you would like to hear, most superzoom lenses do not produce good image quality. Sigma also makes a very nice 17-50 f/2.8 OS lens which would be an upgrade to the 18-55, but its also somewhat pricey.

If you don't mind the trade-off of losing image quality in some circumstances, get the 18-270.

I do appreciate the responses. Ya'll are giving me good things to consider. The convenience of a super range lens is enticing, but if it means reduced image quality over the kit lenses, well I may have to reconsider.

Stick with your kit lenses. The 18-55 and 55-250 are very good performers

One thing to consider is a lens combo that gives you more than the zero overlap you have now between the 18-55 and the 55-250. Greater overlap will reduce your lens swapping (perhaps... depending on what you are shooting, etc.).

So, consider replacing the 18-55 with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. This lens is about the same price as the Tamron 18-270, and according to reviews, IQ is quite comparable to the 18-55.

RTPVid wrote in post #16015546
One thing to consider is a lens combo that gives you more than the zero overlap you have now between the 18-55 and the 55-250. Greater overlap will reduce your lens swapping (perhaps... depending on what you are shooting, etc.).

So, consider replacing the 18-55 with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. This lens is about the same price as the Tamron 18-270, and according to reviews, IQ is quite comparable to the 18-55.

That's actually a really good idea. Thanks

Well, I may belong to the other camp and suggest that if you are frustrated with changing lenses all the time and thus potentially missing a shot, a superzoom may be good for you.
When I started out, my first 2 lenses were the Canon combo, then I bought a Tamron 18-270 VC, the old non-PZD version. I was happy with my decision. I knew back then that if I wanted to achieve serious image quality to shoot let's say portraits, or wildlife, neither the Canons, nor the Tamron superzoom are good enough (I don't knwo anyone who shoots paying portrait gigs or weddings or serious birding with the Canon combo). But it was good for replacing the two Canon lenses I had before.
The Tamron was about 98% quality of the Canons, but I did not mind, since the Tamron allowed my to capture shots that I had sometimes missed due to not having the right lens on my camera.

Again, image quality is not superb, but it's not as bad as many people claim either.

Currently, the best of these superzooms is probably the Sigma 18-250mm OS MACRO, the newest version. Reviewers also are generally on the opinion that this model is the best. (DPreview review)

Currently there is a good deal going on here, costing only $300 from an authorized dealer (actually this deal is on the front page of Slickdeals)

I sold my Tamron 18-270 VC and bought this a few months ago and I'm happy with it. sharpness at 250mm is virtually the same as my Canon 55-250 was at 250mm.

This Sigma lens is pretty good for what it is: a lightweight, compact 14x zoom to take on a trip, travels, walkaround. Again, I do value great image quality (look at my signature for my gear). I know that when I shoot portraits, or events, or wildlife, I do use my other lenses specialized for those purposes. But they also cost a lot more and aren't by far as versatile for an everyday hike as my Sigma 18-250.

the IQ will pretty much be the same from anything i've read...you're just paying more for the convenience of not switching...

if you do go for the 18-135mm go for the STM version, it is supposed to be better

+1 to 18-135 STM - it should minimize lens switching for you, IQ is on par with your kit lenses - reasonably good, and much better than any superzoom (even better than 28-300L, according to photozone.de).

I've had an 18-135mm, and while it is a great zoom range, it falls just short of being long enough to leave the telephoto at home. So then (IMO) it becomes no more versatile than a short zoom.

Ceallach62 wrote in post #16015526
I do appreciate the responses. Ya'll are giving me good things to consider. The convenience of a super range lens is enticing, but if it means reduced image quality over the kit lenses, well I may have to reconsider.

It's not a LOT of tradeoff vs the kit lenses, honestly. Almost zero if you are in good light and can shoot at f8.

One major benefit to the Canon 18-200 is that it will allow you to use in camera corrections for CA and distortion, which are a bit more problematic on superzoom lenses. Canon doesn't auto-correct non-Canon brand lenses.

Don't be afraid to get a superzoom if you are after a one lens solution that fits YOUR needs. If you know what you're getting, you can be happy because you understand the drawbacks/benefits. I emphasize YOUR needs, because notice how you say YOU say you want a one lens solution and people still suggest a two lens solution to you LOL.

And keep in mind, what the majority of people on POTN consider sharp is nothing like what the general user worries about POTNers tend to be a bit more stringent with their standards

sell both. Get the 17-55 f2.8 and 70-200 f/4. Will be a HUGE upgrade.