Buddy with a T1i wants an EF-S superzoom...

[ahsanford]

Ugh, I can't stand large FL multiplier lenses, but a buddy of mine asked for advice for an 18-200, 18-270, etc. for his T1i for an upcoming trip. I tried to talk him into keeping his kit 18-55 and changing out for a 55- or 70- longer lens, but I think his mind's made up.

I don't follow EF-S superzooms at all. Help me out?

• Best value in an EF-S 18-200+ lens?
• Best performance in an EF-S 18-200+ lens?

EF is likely out for his budget, but he wants that wide end to go at least as wide as his current kit lens anyway. So EF-S it is.

Thx,
A

 

[Don Haines]

Ugh, I can't stand large FL multiplier lenses, but a buddy of mine asked for advice for an 18-200, 18-270, etc. for his T1i for an upcoming trip. I tried to talk him into keeping his kit 18-55 and changing out for a 55- or 70- longer lens, but I think his mind's made up.

I don't follow EF-S superzooms at all. Help me out?

• Best value in an EF-S 18-200+ lens?
• Best performance in an EF-S 18-200+ lens?

EF is likely out for his budget, but he wants that wide end to go at least as wide as his current kit lens anyway. So EF-S it is.

Thx,
A

IQ sucks on all the superzooms.....

The Canon 18-200 is the best of a bad breed, but it is expensive.....

Tamron 18-270 is probably the best bet as it is still affordable.....

 

[CapturingLight]

I have not looked into super zooms much but I do have the 18-135stm. While I have lenses with better optical quality I am happy enough with it given its versatility to still use it more than any other glass I have. It is not quite as long as the ones you suggest but with a 216 full frame equivalent focal length I find it is long enough for most of my needs. In fact it is the longest lens I own. It is my understanding it is better optically than the cannon 18-200 which is an older lens. It also has the advantage of STM if he does any video. The newer 18-135 with Nano USM I understand is identical optically but with the faster focus motor and higher cost. I am happy enough with the focus speed of the STM which has kept me from upgrading.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

A few years ago I also believed that a superzoom lens could meet all my needs ... At that time I chose the first version of the Sigma 18-200mm without image stabilizer.

I can not swallow the price way over the Canon EF-S 18-200mm, with its ever mediocre image.

Now the Sigma 18-200mm Contemporary, has the best balance between price and quality among superzoom out there. The Contenporary 18-300mm also does a good job for those who want only one lens.

If your friend has any faith in the laws of physics, 55-250 STM lens is a wonder.

 

[ahsanford]

If your friend has any faith in the laws of physics, 55-250 STM lens is a wonder.

I'm trying, believe me.

- A

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

The new Tamron 18-200mm f / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC seems pretty decent for the price.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLly6F9z6No

 

[Loswr]

I've used one good superzoom – the 28-300L, which is clearly out of scope here. I tried the Canon 18-200 back when I had a 7D, and I was not impressed with the cost:IQ ratio. All of the APS-C superzooms are major compromises as far as IQ goes, so his best bet is to at least minimize cost. As you say, the 55-250 STM is clearly the best option.

 

[TeT]

Tamron 16-300 or the Tamron 18-270 (NON PZD) the 18 270 PZD is soft in comparison to the other 2 lenses (using image quality charts)... http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=843&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=492&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

 

[unfocused]

Tamron 16-300 or the Tamron 18-270 (NON PZD) the 18 270 PZD is soft in comparison to the other 2 lenses (using image quality charts)... http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=843&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=492&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Yeah, I think I'd point him to the Tamrons, with the caveat that a superzoom is not going to be as sharp as a regular zoom, but if he wants a do-it-all lens for EF-S they are acceptable. You can issue a disclaimer that it's not what you would recommend, and he ought to read some reviews. But it probably won't matter.

If he's willing to go with two lenses, the Canon 55-250 STM (available refurbished for $130) coupled with either the kit lens or better yet the Tokina 11-20 f2.8 would be vastly superior options.

 

[ahsanford]

Tamron 16-300 or the Tamron 18-270 (NON PZD) the 18 270 PZD is soft in comparison to the other 2 lenses (using image quality charts)... http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=843&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=492&CameraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

Yeah, I think I'd point him to the Tamrons, with the caveat that a superzoom is not going to be as sharp as a regular zoom, but if he wants a do-it-all lens for EF-S they are acceptable. You can issue a disclaimer that it's not what you would recommend, and he ought to read some reviews. But it probably won't matter.

If he's willing to go with two lenses, the Canon 55-250 STM (available refurbished for $130) coupled with either the kit lens or better yet the Tokina 11-20 f2.8 would be vastly superior options.

He's actual a super technical guy who values reviews, but he's hung up on not needing to change out in the field, like a lens change in public is a pro move or something that is out of his wheelhouse. I'm trying to talk him down as we speak.

- A

 

[old-pr-pix]

As mentioned, in U.S. a Canon refurb. 55-250 STM is $130... maybe your friend can be sold on basis of cost? If dead set against ever changing lenses, then options are less attractive IQ wise. I have no direct experience with EF-S zooms aside from the 15-85 which is excellent - basically 'L' quality optics (seemingly too short for this). It remains my walk-around favorite for crop body and is the only EF-S I ever bought (didn't even get kit lens w/body).

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I had the EF-s 18-200. Its a good match for a Rebel Camera. It sounds like what your friend wants, so why not. Many here seem to think that everyone should get the best of the best, but its not really necessary. The big drawback is that in low light, he probably will not get any keepers with that lens, but stopped down in bright daylight, it does the job.

There is no current wide aperture super zoom for crop bodies.

Refurbs are in stock for $350 right now, you should push him towards a refurb, that way, if he wants to sell it later, he will not lose much.

 

[ahsanford]

Sanity prevails -- he found the same $130 55-250 canon store refurb deal and just pulled the trigger.

Thanks, all.

- A