Extra lens ?

[twokats]

I am considering a Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 AF DI-II LD IF Lens to add to my photobag which includes a Canon XTi with a 55-200 mm lens and a 18-55 mm. My main thought was that it would suffice for our upcoming Disney cruise in May where I would not have to change the lense as often as I usually do when we are at WDW. Opinions please.

 

[ukcatfan]

The IQ of a long zoom cannot match a two lens setup covering the same range. It will not make a huge difference, but they will not be as good. Then consider that the aperture at the mid to tele end will also be smaller than the 55-200mm which starts over again at 55mm. Not sure exactly where you would be on the super zoom, but it is likely around f/5.6 already at 55mm. All that means that it is not as good at capturing low light and needed shutter speeds could be affected at the tele end requiring a tripod when you would not need one with the two lens setup.

Are the downsides worth the cost of convenience?

 

[mabas9395]

And does the XTi autofocus with the minimum f/6.3 at the long end?

 

[boBQuincy]

Another consideration, the 18-200 (and many lenses) should be stopped down maybe two stops for best optical performance. This means smaller than f/11, where we start getting into diffraction issues.

Optical quality is likely to be noticeably better with lenses with a smaller zoom range.

 

[Wingman]

I am bringing my XTI to Disney in November for the first time and plan to bring my 50mm 1.8, 18-55mm IS and my 55-250m IS. My thought is that each will have a role in the trip, not that I would be changing lenses all the time.

Can you let me know what caused you to switch from the 18-55? I was thinking that other than animal kingdom, there would not be much of a need for the 55-250?

My question would be aside from the cruise, do you need a 18-200? If you don't need it and really feel that it would make things easier, you should look into renting the lens just for the cruise.

thanks,