drcjc Loc: Berkeley (originally Brooklyn)

I would like to have a way not to have to carry my two kit lens when on vacations - 18-55 and 55-250 canon kit lenses.
I am looking at the canon 18-200mm and the Tamron 18-300. Any recommendations ? I have seen that some folks love their Tamron and other just really don't! I am finding choosing a new lens more than challenging! HELP!

ole sarg Loc: south florida

Those lens are OK but can be troublesome because of weight. I would look at the 28-135. Has good reach and is wide enough for most situations. It seems that now many are leaving the long zooms and going to wider angle and shorter reach such as in the 18 to 50 zoom or some such range. I simply put a nifty fifty on my canon t1 and just walk closer or further away.

h2odog Loc: Brooklyn NY

Tamron has a 16-300 out soon. Maybe an interesting way to go.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/02/06/tamron-develops-16-300mm-f3-5-6-3-superzoom-for-aps-c-slrs

Canoe50d

I have the Tamron 18-270 and used it on my T2i. I found it to be much better than the kit lens , but not as nice as the L glass I have worked my way up to. I don't use it anymore as I moved up to full frame and I am selling it along with a Canon 50d and more. Overall it is a fine lens.

PaulB Loc: Alabama

I have a Sigma 18-250 lens that I have used successfully on my T2i. Moderately priced and not awfully heavy. Covers alot of shooting situations.

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Will you be birding? If not then why the long lens? For urban photography and for 90% of your shots I would recommend the Canon EF-s 15-85 lens. This is a pricey lens. I have this lens and have used it on the T2i. You will never be disappointed by the quality of the images.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Pappy

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I'm one of those who doesn't like Tamron because of a bad experience I had with their 18-200. It had focus and aberration issues so I stick with Canon for lenses.

Yes I'd recommend the 18-200. I own a Canon 28-200 for my walk around but it's now discontinued - probably too close to the 18.

Good luck

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I have had several Rebels and now have the 60 D & T2i. I have a very good and sharp 18-135 Efs. I also have the 18-55 & 55-250. I find that I like to shoot in the spot that there was a hole. There are many used copies of the 18-135 around and I have seen them as low as -100 USD, The 18-200 is OK, I think for me it is not as sharp for the price. J. R.

Bugfan Loc: Toronto, Canada

I shoot Nikon and I have no experience with Tamron either. But I'd like to comment on the range.

On my crop sensor camera I used to use the 18-200 and later when Nikon came out with the 18-300 I went for that. Those are two amazing ranges particularly for travel and walkabout.

They're not perfect at all focal lengths and they're kind of slow but usually when you're travelling or just going for a walk they're ok. Add to that they save you a lot of sensor cleanings since one lens can stay on the camera for ages at a time. I still have my 18-300 and I use it on my crop sensor body whenever I'm traveling. I love that range.

I have professional lenses when I want to create art or razor sharp stuff but they don't get used as often as that zoom.

I don't know if Canon has a 18-300 but I do know they have the 18-200. If you're considering Tamron or Sigma, they generally make good lenses so they might make you happy too. I actually have a Sigma, the 150-500, and it's ok, BUT ... read the fine print. Not all of their lenses have an image stabiliser. Both makers were late in introducing that technology and both have lenses that do not have it which is often why they're a lot cheaper.

Personally I prefer Nikon lenses and I think you should give Canon a first shot at your choice too. They make fine lenses too, often better than anything Sigma and Tamron cam make.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

I got the Sigma 18-250. I like it.

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I looked for a lens to take on a cruise to Europe. I did not want to take a bag full of kit glass, it was heavy and the lenses were not that good. I sold all my kit glass, and bought a Tamron 18-270. I is a great lens, and came with a 6 year warranty. (to the original purchaser) I sent it in and got it adjusted, cleaned and new element installed, when the lens went soft after 2 other trips. I now own the Tamron 18-270, Tamron SP 24-70 VC, and the new Tamron SP 150-600mm VC lenses. For your benefit, Tamron has announced a new version of the 18-270, I think it is 14-300mm lens. Tamron has come a long way improving its lenses.

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

Not satisfied with the 18-55 and 55-250 lenses that came with my 70D, I purchased a white box 18-135 is stm from 42nd St. Photo for 369.00. Lens came with USA factory warranty.

I have not used the kit lenses since as this lens covers just about all situations I have encountered.

Bill