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09-29-2008, 02:56 AM   #1
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Super Zooms

Looking for a decent grab and go all around lens under $400.

I'm ok with the performance of kit lens for this purpose but would be nice to get something with greater range with just a bit more money, size and weight.

The Tamaron 18-200mm looks about right.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

09-29-2008, 04:29 AM   #2
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The Pentax and Tamron 18-250s seem to be quite popular too. And I BELIEVE they fit into your budget.
09-29-2008, 05:50 AM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Stratman Quote
The Pentax and Tamron 18-250s seem to be quite popular too. And I BELIEVE they fit into your budget.
The 250mm costs about 230 bucks more than the 200mm right now. I got to question how much better that extra 50mm is worth considering the extra cost, weight and size.

I think if I was going to pay that much I'd just get the 200mm and have them throw in a FA 50mm 1.4 which I don't have yet.
09-29-2008, 07:51 AM   #4
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The Tamron/Pentax 18-250 (same lens) are reportedly MUCH better than either the Tamron or Sigma 18-200. Tamron just announced a 18-270, which should be as good as the 18-250 it will replace (or customers will be unhappy ) so the 18-250 might either be discontinued or get a price drop.

In any case, I would get the 18-250 instead of the 18-200. But I would also remember that those lenses, while good, are not as good as shorter zooms, or primes. The Pentax 55-300 is a great option, apparently.

09-29-2008, 08:25 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by wildman Quote
The 250mm costs about 230 bucks more than the 200mm right now. I got to question how much better that extra 50mm is worth considering the extra cost, weight and size.

I think if I was going to pay that much I'd just get the 200mm and have them throw in a FA 50mm 1.4 which I don't have yet.
Photozone has reviews of the Tamron 18-200mm and 18-250mm in the Canon system. The measured results are directly comparable. There's also a review of the Pentax 18-250mm, but they say not to compare the objective results between systems. All Tests / Reviews

Note that these extreme zooms are internal focus lenses, and only reach the specified focal lengths at infinity. I did some testing and found that zoomed in to 250mm, the Pentax 18-250mm was equivalent to a 55-300mm set for 160mm. Still pretty good, but a long way off of 250. Here are my test results: Picasa Web Albums - Dan - FL compare
09-29-2008, 10:16 AM   #6
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nah, Customers won't care. They'll just be happy that it's more "zoom" than the 18-250

QuoteOriginally posted by bdery Quote
Tamron just announced a 18-270, which should be as good as the 18-250 it will replace (or customers will be unhappy )
09-29-2008, 11:20 AM   #7
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As you have the kit lens you could go for the Tamron or Sigma 28-300 or one of the others $325 (after rebate) and $280 respectively. The 70-300's should also be in that ball park also.

09-29-2008, 12:05 PM   #8
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OK considered all posts - thanks all.

Am going with the Tamron 18-200.

I'm not all that concerned about IQ. I have other lens' for quality work. I just want to avoid something really awful.

My primary need is for a sort of single utility lens that will get the job done, not too big nor heavy nor so expensive that I have to be concerned if it's damaged or stolen. But with enough range that even if I'm not sure what I will be getting into it will probably handle it. It will be pretty much permanently attached to my back-up camera a DL. I have a K20D and other glass for quality specalized work.

Thinking about it what I really want to do is turn the DL into a powerful point and shot camera and use it that way.

Thanks for all the input.
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