Affordable Do It All Lens?

I am currently looking at

Canon 18-270
Canon 18-250
Canon 18-200
Tamron 18-200
Sigma 18-200

for an affordable all-around lens. Got the idea from Digital Photo Magazine.

This will go on a T3i or a T4i, depending on many factors. I would be negotiaing with the vendor to replace the "kit" lens(es) with one of these. The "kit" lenses would be the 18-55 and the 55-250. I've heard good things about the 18-55, but mixed reviews, even from DigitalRev on the 18-250. He seemed bored by it.

I have been to the "60D and Canon 18-200" thread, and THAT was impressive. https://photography-on-the.net …t=578814&highli​ght=18-200

No, I can't afford ""L" glass, and, being retired, perhaps never will. The Amazon prices vary wildly on each lens, sometimes by more than 100% within each lens.

Unfortunately, the lens rental places in my area don't have these.

What are your thoughts?

24-105L

24mm is not very wide on a crop camera so it isn't a very versatile do-it-all lens. The 18-135 STM is a better choice.

The Tamron 18-270 is supposed to be a very good superzoom, but I think the 18-135 is a good choice, although maybe a little more expensive than you're other choices.

Consider other options, such as keeping the 55-250 and getting the Canon 15-85, a well regarded lens, at least in my household. Another option is the Canon 18-135STM, particularly if you get the T4i, as it is a kit-lens option.

For whatever it's worth, I think you meant Tamron 18-270. Canon doesn't make anything longer than 18-200. I had three copies of the Tamron 18-270, the last two the PZD version. For some reason, neither of the PZD's would focus consistently on my 60D. When they did get the focus right, they gave fairly decent results.

Sigma 50-500 ? Just throwing it out there. LOL

well your first two lenses don't even exist...so that helps narrow it down...

i don't think any of them will give you improved image quality...but you'll get the convenience of one lens...whether that's worth the extra money spent is up to you

Oops on the list.

I read also
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1306471

Lot of good advice there.

I guess it also has to do with learning the equipment and making allowances for shortcomings. My 1944 South Bend lathe is slightly worn on the ways near the headstock, so the cut may not be cylindrical close to the headstock. As long as you realize this, you can get excellent accuracy.

I'll get the 135, and keep pestering the rental places, and my friendly neighborhood used camera store, Clem's. Mayhap I get to try out one or two on my list, but at a much later time.

One thing that keeps coming up time after time are the words, "this copy of". For the more affordable lenses, is there such a quality control issue? The 135 was SAVAGED on Amazon on a lot of reviews. Yet, it was roundly praised on a large number. What do I do is my copy of the 135 is "less than optimal" but fully functional? Is it a good idea to pay an experienced guy to test it out of the box? I wouldn't know all the things to look for.

I use the Canon 18-200mm and it has its limitations but it is a good all-around lens. Supposedly it has the best IQ in its class:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx

for the 18-135mm the thing to realize is that there are two different versions the STM version is supposed to be a lot better than the other

This may be OT, but is there an upload site not limited by this forum's pixel count? I could upload, say, 4MB or 6MB pics, then link to them in the post?

buffumjr wrote in post #16073688
This may be OT, but is there an upload site not limited by this forum's pixel count? I could upload, say, 4MB or 6MB pics, then link to them in the post?

Flickr would be a good option for this, if you are not put off by the new user interface.

buffumjr wrote in post #16073556
I am currently looking at

Canon 18-270
Canon 18-250
Canon 18-200
Tamron 18-200
Sigma 18-200

for an affordable all-around lens. Got the idea from Digital Photo Magazine.

This will go on a T3i or a T4i, depending on many factors. I would be negotiaing with the vendor to replace the "kit" lens(es) with one of these. The "kit" lenses would be the 18-55 and the 55-250. I've heard good things about the 18-55, but mixed reviews, even from DigitalRev on the 18-250. He seemed bored by it.

I have been to the "60D and Canon 18-200" thread, and THAT was impressive. https://photography-on-the.net …t=578814&highli​ght=18-200

No, I can't afford ""L" glass, and, being retired, perhaps never will. The Amazon prices vary wildly on each lens, sometimes by more than 100% within each lens.

Unfortunately, the lens rental places in my area don't have these.

What are your thoughts?

When you get beyond reputations and rumors and look at real pictures, the inexpensive Tamron 18-200mm lens has plenty of potential.

as mentioned above ....
take a close look at the T4i and 18-135 STM combo ... if you're patient you may find that combo on sale somewhere.

DC Fan wrote in post #16073747
Now, some people will recommend the purchase of a lens that is far more expensive, but those people will not help anyone actually pay for the equipment.

And I HAVE been noticing that!

So many want to recommend "L" glass, and f/2.8 superzooms, but, unless you have lots of money, they are inaccessible. They probably are far and away better. I'll probably never know, unless I RENT one.

(heavy sigh) So, it's still between the 135 and the 200's.

BTW, what's photobucket.com?

Buckeye1 wrote in post #16073581
24-105L

Yeah, I love mine on my T2i. Not a true wide angle, but I make due. The EF 24-105 f/4.0L used prices are the same as the 18-200 new prices...