Canon EF-S 55-250mm vs Canon EF-S 18-200mm

Please tell mewhich lens will give higher IQ betweeen the

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

and

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

If I get the 55-250, I would get the Canon EF-S 17-85mm to cover the wide end (and I know that is a pretty good lens ) but I am worried at the low price of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, that I would be better off with the 18-200.

please let me know your thoughts.

I can't personally comment on the 18-200mm but I have the 55-250mm and think that it's an underrated lens. Take a look at this comparison and see what you think of the quality.
I haven't been disappointed in the performance I've gotten out of the 55-250mm. Also I've definitely appreciated the additional 50mm of zoom that this lens offers.

AMG wrote in post #10624657
Please tell mewhich lens will give higher IQ betweeen the

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

and

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS.

If I get the 55-250, I would get the Canon EF-S 17-85mm to cover the wide end (and I know that is a pretty good lens ) but I am worried at the low price of the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, that I would be better off with the 18-200.

please let me know your thoughts.

The 55-250mm is better and much less expensive, but less versatile. With the 18-200mm you could stick with just the one lens (provided the IQ is good enough for you).

Why don't you get the 55-250mm IS and the 18-55mm IS to cover the wide end.

that is what Im thinking but I figure why not get the 17-85 for a bit more range and from what I gather, better IQ. I have been flipping back and forth on what to do, and have a hard time committing to a decision on this one.

I know if I don't get the 18-200, there will be times when I'll say, gee I wish I had that lens because I can't change lenses right now,

and vice versa,

I fear to look at the result of the 18-200 and say the IQ is not up to par.

but either way, if I buy new, I can return it within 14 days if I am really not happy with it.

Well, for what it's worth I just decided on the 17-85mm to complement my 55-250mm and replace my 18-55mm. I don't expect to get better IQ out of the 17-85 but I do expect to get faster focusing via the USM. It's a better quality (but much more expensive) lens than the 18-55.
Really I had the same thought as you though, I didn't want to have to change lenses quite so frequently. I figure the additional 30mm of zoom will make a noticeable difference for me.