17-70/85 or 18-200?

Hi guys,

I'm new here to the forums as well as to dSLR photography. I was recommended to sign up here by a member on an unrelated forum. Anyhow, I've just purchased a Canon XSi and I'm now looking to get a new lens and was hoping you guys could help me out.

At first I was set on either the Sigma 17-70 or Canon 17-85 but after browsing through this forums, I'm now intrigued by the Sigma 18-200mm (Canon just came out with its own 18-200mm but at $699, I would rather go with the Sigma considering the raving reviews it has received so far).

I'm basically looking for a good walk-around lens so that I don't have to swap lenses all the time. I figured the 18-200mm would give me more range but because of the longer focal length, my IQ might be compromised a little bit. I've read some of the threads on this forums but I'm still a bit confused between the two. What are your thoughts? Which would you get? Please advice.

Thank you!

Get the 17-70.

For traveling purposes, the 18-200 is great. But you bought a DSLR for a reason, and having one lens to do it all goes against that.

ditto

Sounds good- I'll order the Sigma 17-70mm and later on a telephoto lens.

Thank you!