What is the best zoom in the 18-200ish range?

Yes, I know that a focal length like this isn't ideal for serious photographers.

However, I need a pretty much all around lens to take with just ONE body when I go someplace like the beach. Normally I carry my bag with two bodies in it with the 17-50 2.8 and the 50-150 2.8 covered. This is what I view as my "travel setup". Which I use when traveling (or working on the cruise ship).

Just looking for an all-in-one to slap on the XTi and head out. No other body, no other lens.

I do realize that this focal length has some limitations and quality compromise with it. But just to clarify, the shots I am doing will 90% be outdoors in bright sunlight. Beach, Park, outdoor parades, etc...

any suggestions?

Maybe the sigma 18-200?

Sigma 18-200 OS (with optical stabilization)

Here are some snaps with it www.pbase.com/lightrul​es/norcalpics

ClickClick wrote in post #5039037
Yes, I know that a focal length like this isn't ideal for serious photographers.

I resemble - uh, resent - that remark...

Sigma 18-200 OS. No other competition.

LightRules wrote in post #5039045
Sigma 18-200 OS (with optical stabilization)

Here are some snaps with it www.pbase.com/lightrul​es/norcalpics

Uggghhh... it's *YOU*.



I did a research on the 18-200os and found nearly all your posts on it. Seriously, you should be on their employee list. In a good way. I had a look at your site as well. Very nice.

I guess at this point the Sig 18-200OS is it for me.

cosworth wrote in post #5039041
Maybe the sigma 18-200?

Have you ever tried it?

The non-OS version of the 18-200 is optically inferior to the OS version. It's not bad, but it's not excellent as the OS version is.

I guess it would be too obvious to suggest the Sigma 18-200mm?

Not much more to be said really...the 18-200OS is your best bet. I had one and took it with me to Mexico (see photo's in my pBase account below).

ClickClick wrote in post #5039711
Have you ever tried it?

Yes. It wasn't a bad lens.

cosworth wrote in post #5040550
Yes. It wasn't a bad lens.

Since you are using the past tense, I assume you no longer have it. Is there any certain reason?

LightRules wrote in post #5039045
Sigma 18-200 OS (with optical stabilization)

Isn't the new Sigma 18-125 OS coming out soon?

Since it doesn't fit my camera, I don't own it, I just tried it. OS works well, images look good with better than average CA control. Sharpness seems on par with the price.

A close friend shoots with it and loves it. It never comes off his XTi. Excellent versatility.

Many thanks to you.

I see that you have a lot of shots from the T&C region on your site. Sometimes spiritair and airtran (I think) run specials from Ft Lauderdale to those areas for like $9 each way.

I should go once and try to get some shots to round out my portfolio.

If you would like to download some full file samples shot with the 18-200 OS I have several here (and I will add thay I am quite pleased with mine).
http://picasaweb.googl​e.com/cicopo/LensSampl​es