18-200mm lenses

[boBQuincy]

The 18-55 and 55-250 combo is likely to give better image quality at almost any setting than the 18-200. That is assuming you have the IS version of the 18-55m which is what should have come with your Xsi. The older non-IS 18-55 was not very good.

 

[C&B Young]

I've got the 28-135, bought it especially to use as a walk-around lens at Disney World in fact, and I regret the purchase. Its not wide enough on one end, and doesn't provide enough telephoto on the other. I'm much happier using the kit lens/55-250 combo.

 

[photo_chick]

I use the 18-55 on a regular basis. It's a finicky lens in a lot of ways but it does give good results for an entry level lens. You do have to be spot on with your focus when it's wide open with a short focal length, but then that's more a depth of field issue there and not the lens.

From what you listed, I'd go for the 55-250. But do it for reach. IMO, it's not going to really give a higher image quality, it's still an entry level lens.

 

[Frantasmic]

Put me in the 55-250 lens camp. I've gotten shots with that lens that technically shouldn't be possible in low light. It's not a great low light lens, but messing with the raw pictures in Elements and Topaz Adjust gives me very decent results for the money. Outside in good light, it does a great job.

I know posters here have selected a general type of lens and are very happy with their results. I haven't tried that so I won't knock that approach. For me, the kit lens and the "kit" zoom are two very good lenses for the money.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4418759888_c27e5ef0d3.jpg

Here's a link for the picture I recently took inside.

 

[KCmike]

Another vote for the 55-250. I enjoy the results I get with it. They don't call it the nifty two fifty for no reason.

 

[bdtracey]

Thanks for all of the info! I was thinking about the nifty two-fifty some time ago and strayed away from it because I wanted a bit more of an all purpose lens. From what I've heard here I think I need to start looking at this lens again! Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[ThurlFan]

After following this thread, I ordered the 55-250 just the other day. Looking forward to its arrival!

 

[Frantasmic]

Thurl,

You got a really good shot at the Haunted Mansion. I tried to duplicate it and it wasn't as clear as yours was.

 

[ThurlFan]

Thurl,

You got a really good shot at the Haunted Mansion. I tried to duplicate it and it wasn't as clear as yours was.

Which one? I got lucky on the singing busts as our doombuggy came to a stop right in front of them and I was able to slow the shutter to 1/20

 

[Frantasmic]

Your icon picture. I had the nifty 50, but my buggy didn't stop, so you did have a bit of luck with you. We both have the Canon XSi if I remember correctly.

 

[Altair]

Canon also makes a 75-300mm non IS lens. The 55-250mm IS lens is the kit lens now. This one may lake IS, but it gives you more focal length.

 

[StrwLady]

I wanted to thank all those who responded to my post about a mid range lens. Your information/thoughts was very helpful.

I am excited my Tamron 18-200m lens should arrive tomorrow. It cost me $279 and I will file the $60 rebate. I really wanted the 18-250mm or 270m but right now that was just a bit too much. So at least I will still have the 55-300 to switch too if I need a bit more range.

I can not wait to start playing with the lens and I am happy I will have it when I got to Disney in July.

Thanks again

 

[MinnieForMe]

That's the lens I want! I can't wait to hear how you like it!

 

[StrwLady]

So far I love the lens Here is a shot I took today at my sons baseball game. I was at the fence and he was at home plate. What that is maybe 10 feet away? His expression is him reacting to getting up for his first bat and finding out he would have to wait til next inning because they had 3 outs

The fence was giving me a really hard time with the automatic focus. I didn't think to use the manual focus. Dummy me. I didn't get many at the full distance because of the fence.

I still have a lot of playing to do. I can't wait until July to use it in Disney

 

[VVFF]

FYI pretty much all "sports mode" is is Aperture priority mode(Av) with the aperture set as low as possible and the ISO set to moderately high number.

You would benefit from using ISO800 in the shot posted instead of ISO400. 1/200th shutter speed is a bit too slow for 200mm and fast action.

 

[mom2rtk]

You can manually focus, or you can just go down and get really close to the fence. It's been a long time since we had anyone play baseball here, and I do miss it (although I don't miss being out in the heat!).

Keep playing and having fun!

 

[StrwLady]

 

[Janell]

I love the 18-200 great lens. Great photo. Keep shooting and having fun.

 

[ratlenhum]

I went with the Sigma and got mine about 2 week ago. I am in LOVE with it. Best part, I took it to my son's field day, and one of the assistants in my class asked about it. I told her how I hate switching from the 18-55 to my 55-200. She asked what I was doing with my 55-200 lens and offered to buy it!!! And she did! Woo Hoo!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I've been complaining to my wife for a while about switching lenses all the time. Currently my main 2 lenses are the Nikon 18-55 and the 55-200 VR. I've been eying up the 18-200 for a bit and she doesn't seem to have a problem with it

My question is this, someone posted something about things to consider when making the transition, one of them being loss of quality in your pictures. Weight wise, I'm not to worried about it but quality loss is making me second guess it. Has anyone used both the kit lens and something like the 18-200 and noticed a big difference in their pictures?

Also, if anyone could give me any suggestions on brands, I would appreciate it. I was looking at just going Nikon but the prices on the Tamron and Sigma are making me lean their way also.