A walkaround question: 18-125 OS or 18-200 OS?

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new lens to replace my 18-55 as a walkaround lens.

My criteria are the following:

- Wide end must be 18mm (or less) as I'm using a crop body (40D or 350D)
- Tele end should be above 75mm (or more) as I will mostly use it as a 2-lens combo with my 100-400.
- IQ must be as good as possible
- Of course, faster glass is better
- Budget is relatively limited, but I am ready to wait the time needed to put the money aside if it's worth it (I waited a year to buy my 100-400)...

All this being said, I think those two siggies would be the closest to fit the bill... 18-125 OS or 18-200 OS

What do you think? Which one would be better? Do you have any other suggestion?

Thanks for your help!

what kind of shots do you like to take? price range?

It would be mostly for landscapes, maybe a few portraits/candids.

Price range would be about 500$, but as I said, I'm ready to spend more and wait the time needed to spare the money if it's really worth it... I'd rather buy the right lens for 10 years, than buying a cheap one and wanting a new one after 1 year...

Some of your criteria really work against each other. The longer a zoom range a lens have the more compromises must be made, usually resulting in lower IQ.

I would consider the Sigma 17-70 and the Canon 17-85

If you really wanter faster you are going to have to reduce your zoom range. you can consider 24-70 or 17-55, or 3rd party alternatives.

DDA wrote in post #5913608
It would be mostly for landscapes, maybe a few portraits/candids.

Price range would be about 500$, but as I said, I'm ready to spend more and wait the time needed to spare the money if it's really worth it... I'd rather buy the right lens for 10 years, than buying a cheap one and wanting a new one after 1 year...

if that's the case i'd look at a tamron 17-50 or sigma 17-70. both very good at a reasonable price, although i find the tamron sharper for landscapes with less barrel distortion at wide angles.

dontblink wrote in post #5913655
Some of your criteria really work against each other. The longer a zoom range a lens have the more compromises must be made, usually resulting in lower IQ.

I would consider the Sigma 17-70 and the Canon 17-85

If you really wanter faster you are going to have to reduce your zoom range. you can consider 24-70 or 17-55, or 3rd party alternatives.

cricketboy75 wrote in post #5913668
if that's the case i'd look at a tamron 17-50 or sigma 17-70. both very good at a reasonable price, although i find the tamron sharper for landscapes with less barrel distortion at wide angles.

Thank you.

I know that I'll have to do compromises. Initially, I was thinking of the Canon 17-85. But with the new Sigmas, I wonder if they are a viable alternative. If IQ on an 18-125 or 18-200 is similar to IQ on the 17-85, it might be enough for me.

I feel that at the moment, although faster glass (<2.8) would be nice, it's not in the budget. And it would force me to add a 3rd lens to the lineup to have a full range coverage...

Basically, the point is that I want a focal range coverage as good as possible. I don't mind a small gap, but my actual gap (50mm) is too big...

in that case, i'd go with the sigma 17-70. the 18-200 which i have has much lower IQ than than the 17-70. if you can live with the shorter focal length though, i'd choose the tamron 17-50. having said all that, if you just want a pretty good walkaround and aren't going to shoot in low light, then the 18-200 OS is good for that. that's what my wife uses it for and she loves it. best thing i would suggest is go rest each one for a week and see how you go.

Thanks for the advice. If only I could rent lenses here...

I have the Sigma 18-200mm non OS.. Its a nice sharp lens but a tad slow at the long end at F/6.3..

end of the day, there are all good lenses with their pros and cons. you have to have a think about what is more important to you. especially when printed, even the 18-200 OS produces good prints, but you'll have to correct for barrel distortion at the wide angle.