40D + Canon kit lenses or Sigma?

After a while debating on wether or not to buy a 450D or a 40D I have finally decided on a 40D...now the next problem:-

I'm looking at a Canon kit from Park Cameras (UK) which includes the 40D and both EF-S 18-55 IS and EF-S 55-250 or just buy the 40D body only and buy a Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS.

I'm only just getting back into the DSLR game after a few years out (last body was a new 20D!), but will eventually get some 'L' lenses again if the bug bites!

I do like wildlife photography and whilst the 50mm difference in length isn't huge it may well help me along untill SWMBO lets me buy some pretty white lenses

Would there be a huge difference in the quality of either manufacturer?

Do not get the super zoom (18-200.) Get the 2 lenses: 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS. quite a deal and perhaps all you need to for a long time. Proceed slowly and work your way up to big whites.

gasrocks wrote in post #6958699
Do not get the super zoom (18-200.) Get the 2 lenses: 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS. quite a deal and perhaps all you need to for a long time. Proceed slowly and work your way up to big whites.

+1

The 18-55 IS and the 55-250 IS is about the best inexpensive combo you can get for a 18-250 reach with excellent IS, and way better than any superzoom. And as a kit with the body, it is even cheaper, too.

Kind regards, Wim

tmurphy wrote in post #6958688
I'm looking at a Canon kit from Park Cameras (UK) which includes the 40D and both EF-S 18-55 IS and EF-S 55-250 or just buy the 40D body only and buy a Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS

The IS lenses will deliver somewhat better IQ overall, but you lose the convenience of the superzoom. See my test here http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/superzoomtes​t

I have used them all, taken then on various travels and shoots, and overall, I still prefer the superzoom option over the (excellent value) Canon IS combo. I'm currently using the Tamron 18-270 VC, and it's excellent.

Depending on how it's priced, the body & 2 lenses sounds like a good place to start. Not familiar with Park Camera.

wimg wrote in post #6959352
+1

The 18-55 IS and the 55-250 IS is about the best inexpensive combo you can get for a 18-250 reach with excellent IS, and way better than any superzoom. And as a kit with the body, it is even cheaper, too.

Kind regards, Wim

..+2

40D+kit lenses it will be then. They have them in stock, so I should be the proud owner (again!) of a Canon DSLR by tomorrow

Thanks again for all the advice

Tony