Canon 18-200 Lens Opinions

I have never posted a question like this one before so be gentle.

We are taking the kids and the grandkids to the Outer Banks in May and I was considering the purchase of the Canon 18-200mm "do it all" zoom. Use would be for the quick vacation type shots that usually run all over the board on required focal lengths.

When we are just walking around and on the beach I really don't want to haul around several lenses at these times ... so I thought this lens might be an option.

If you look at my "Gear List" you can see that I have lots of wonderful Canon "L" glass, but really do not have any single lens that fills this need. I know that there are trade-offs for these ultra zoom lenses. The good stuff will also be going with me for the sunrises, trips to the close by wildlife refuges, etc. (without the thundering herd!)

I am looking for opinions on this lens or the Sigma / Tamron equivalents. Open to suggestions ... Thanks in advance.

Thoughts, comments, opinions?

This lens is good just for "beginner of dslr world". Not USM is a pain when you are used to usm.
If you put the lens face down, it will automaticly extend if you don't hold the zoom ring, that's a pain too.
But the IS is good, you can see the review/comparaison here:
http://www.juzaphoto.c​om …0_tamrom18-250_18-270.htm

Hi Bob

I honestly think that this is the ultimate vacation lens (this and the Tamron 18-270VC)
The 18-200IS is a very nice and very FUN lens, I had it and sold it to fund other stuff, but I sometimes miss it to be honest.
I did a comparison with my Kit lens 18-55IS and you can find it here

http://www.flickr.com …8/sets/72157622​216147556/

You can make your own conclusion
It does not have USM but I can tell you it focus even faster than the kit lens and is very reliable, The IS system is just great.
The not so great part is that is a slow aperture lens AND is not very light and creeps a little but you have a lock under it to prevent that while walking
Other than that it will give you great Vacation images, you can do pretty much what the 18-55 and the 55-250IS can do with one lens.
I went with this lens and a 35mm f2 to Disney and I had a great time
Dont expect a L lens, but again is a fun lens on vacation, family reunions etc.

Chris - Thanks for the link ....much appreciated
Borism - Your opinion was very helpful, thank you

sigma 18-200 is well reviewed

I had the 18-200 when I used to own a T1i. Honestly, it never left my camera bag. The sigma 18-50 2.8 suited me much better as I never took any telephoto shots. My main problem with shooting was low light so the 18-200 wasn't too great in respect to that.

However, it would be perfect for vacations or going to the beach. (don't want to be switching lenses with sand flying around)