Canon 18-200mm zoom lense

[jazzman1]

I'm new here.  I have a Canon T3i.  Two kit lenses came with it in a bundle...18-55mm, 55-250mm.  I am considering getting the Canon 18-200mm.  Would the Canon 18-200mm be a good choice to replace both lenses, or are there better choices to replace them with and keep the 18-200mm also?

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

I would not buy one for a few reasons.  One and formost, it is more difficult to make a zoom lens when the zoom range gets very extreme.  18 to 200 is a 11x range and very ambitious to say the least. Not solely in optics but in build quality, too. It will be in the same quality level as the two lenses you have so the only advantage is having just the one lens.  Is that what you require? The top benefit of a DSLR is the ability to have the right lens for the right job.  That usually involves several different lenses.  So you will be defeating that concept somewhat!

I would rather see you get a different level of lens for instance the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.  Directly replacing your 18-55mm kit lens. Of course this is in case what you have is not working for you. But this move is into a better built, better optics and a little faster lens all of which can be very useful.  Make no mistake the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a very good lens and offers a constant aperture.  A super plus in my book.

Unfortunalely these lens upgrades are expensive and replacing the 55-250mm is going to be more so.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

I would not buy one for a few reasons.  One and formost, it is more difficult to make a zoom lens when the zoom range gets very extreme.  18 to 200 is a 11x range and very ambitious to say the least. Not solely in optics but in build quality, too. It will be in the same quality level as the two lenses you have so the only advantage is having just the one lens.  Is that what you require? The top benefit of a DSLR is the ability to have the right lens for the right job.  That usually involves several different lenses.  So you will be defeating that concept somewhat!

I would rather see you get a different level of lens for instance the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens.  Directly replacing your 18-55mm kit lens. Of course this is in case what you have is not working for you. But this move is into a better built, better optics and a little faster lens all of which can be very useful.  Make no mistake the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens is a very good lens and offers a constant aperture.  A super plus in my book.

Unfortunalely these lens upgrades are expensive and replacing the 55-250mm is going to be more so.

[jazzman1]

LOL....Man, I just got the Canon 18-200mm lens today.  I do appricate your input and now know the real value of that lens.  To be honest, I had read in many treads that the lens is not as good as either of my kit lens for the range each one covers.   But I did want the 18-200mm lens as a carry all lens, to traval with, and have fun taking pics and not have to carry all the other gear along.  Not being able to get whatever I want, whenever I want it, I felt this was a good compromise till I can get better lens.  I do plan on upgrading both kit lens to do serious photo work with.  After reading a few treads here, my next purchase will be the Canon 17-55mm 2.8, to replace one of the kit lens.  I also will replace the 55-250mm when I can spare the funds and I find a good lens to replace it with.  "In good", I mean a decent, quality lens, within my means, that won't break the bank.  I want good lens, but don't have to have the latest and the greatest....if you know what I mean.   Just lens that I will be satisfied with, and with the results.   I'd love to have many of the lens alot of guys drool over, but I have to consider my funds.  In the mean time, I thought the Canon 18-200mm would solve my problem till I can get the glass I want.  Two lens that's on my...to get list...are the EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM you spoke of, and the Canon EF 50mm 1.4.  I assume they're both crop factor, not L.   Then I would like to add a long zoom in the range from 55mm to anywhere up to 400mm.  I do have a fair income, but I also have other priorities, for now photography is just a hobby.  But I will get good gear within my means when able.  I have searched through alot of camera sites and read alot of info on cameras and gear.  But for some unkown reason, I can't answer, I got special vibes here in the Canon Community.  Alot of you guys here say things very helpful to me, you, as well as others.   I have no idea why I did'nt come here before now, I've been a Canon guy almost 30 yrs.  I've had over the years...6 cameras, 5 camcorders, plus acc, all Canon.

Ok ebiggs1, I'll be reading you.

[ebiggs1]

The very reason Canon makes over a hundred lenses of all types, quality, build and focal length, etc is there are so many different photographers with so many different requirements.  If a single "do all" lens is your top priority, than you selected the right lens!  Maybe not one I would buy buy my requirements are different than yours, too.

When you go the replace the 55-250mm maybe you should look at Sigma and/or Tamron.  No, they are not Canon but they are very good and seem to be able to provide great value for less money.  And of course the best buy in a "great white" is this lens Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens  If you don't need IS, that is but remember at one time we didn't have IS and somehow we managed to get the shots.  This is a full on Canon "L" lens in every sense of the word and a great value.

You said, "... the Canon EF 50mm 1.4.  I assume they're both crop factor, not L."  What do you mean they are both crop factor?  The EF-S 17-55 mm f/2.8 IS USM is designed to be used on a crop body IE, Rebels, 7D, 7D Mk II and some others.  It can NOT be used on the 5D Mk III or any 1 series body.  The EF 50mm f1.4 can be used on any Canon body.  This is indicated by the EF as opposed to the EF-S of the 17-55mm f2.8.  Neither is an "L" lens and there are no "L" lenses

in the EF-S line.

[jazzman1]

Hi ebigg1

Yes my purpose for the 18-200mm lens is for a do all lens when I want to traval light.  What lens would you pick for your "do all" lens if you got one???

Far as Sigma and Tamron lens I have thought about them.  Have read mixed reviews on their quality compared to Canon and Nikon. But you think they make good lens right???  I will consider the Canon EF 70-200mm when the time comes.

You said, "... the Canon EF 50mm 1.4.  I assume they're both crop factor, not L."  What do you mean they are both crop factor?:

I was asking if those lens were meant for crop body or full frame. cameras    I did'nt know before now that  "EF-S lens" were only for crop body cameras.  I still don't know what the "S" stands for.      I see theres much I have to learn about lens technology and which lens is for what cameras bodies, etc.    I do know that some lens is for crop body and some are for full frame.  Not quite sure yet of all the interchangablity between all the lens and camera bodies.

reading many threads about lens I realise I have much to learn about lens before I make my next purchase.  I'll have to re-think my thoughts on what lens is best for me to get.   I'm not sure yet if I will evolve to full frame bodies, or stick with the top crop body.   And I see that choice should determine the route I should take in future lens purchases.  Depending on the "hand on reviews" of the Canon Rebel 6i/6s, I may decide to upgrade to one of those or other of the top crop body cameras.   Full frame could be over kill for my purpose in photography.  I'm just not sure of which way to go at this point.  I suppose getting lens that would work with both crop and L bodies would be the best way to go for now till I decide which way I'm going.

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

Easy ones first!

The S in EF-S stands for short focus.  Any camera that can use a EF-S lens can use a EF lens, too.  A camera that is designed for EF lenses can only use EF, no S lenses.

The EF 50mm f1.4 is can be used on either EF or EF-S bodies.  It is not actually designed for either.  It is simply a 50mm f1.4 lens.  Either body no matter, it is still a 50mm lens.  It can not change that, however, on a crop body, a Rebel for instance, it will give the same perspective as a 80mm lens would on a full frame body.  Typically making it a pretty good portrait lens.

Now these are just numbers and of no real concern except to sorta guide you in a comparasion.  You choose the lens that works for your need.

You need to make the decision on whether you are going to remain with crop body sized camera or not.  You may wind up buying all your lenses over and that is not a good thing!  Is it?  I know lots of people that live with crop bodies all there lives and  know folks that only shoot FF.  There is not right or wrong.  It is what it is. Nothing more.  Lots of photographers even shoot both, believe it or not!

Now my personal feelings on a "do all lens".  For me there is none.  I always have at least two cameras and two lenses with me all the time.  A very strict rule I never broke..................until lately.  Another rule I will never break is to use any third party lens...............................until lately.  For the most part they were junk.  Oh sure if you lucked out and got a good one, it was pretty good, no doubt.  But very spotty and hit or miss.   Not for me!  But "lately" there has been a great change in third party lenses.  Especially at Sigma.  They make very high quality glass and they have improved their CS drasticly.  Tamron is close behind and getting better.  Forget the rest, Tokina and the others for now. 

Now back to that "do all" lens.  I did buy a Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD.  Not quite a "do all" but it has a fair amount of zoom useage.  It turns out it is a nice lens and impossibile to beat for $1100 bucks.  Worthy of consideration by anyone.

What do I carry?  A EF 24-70mm f2.8 and a EF 70-200mm f2.8  Canon "L" lenses.  My goto and workhorse combo.  That is as good as it gets.  There is nothing better on the planet.

[jazzman1]

Hi ebiggs1

Thanks for the lens lesson, and now I know what the "S" means in lens.

far as the 50mm f1.4 you mentioned, I've read before about how a crop body will change the mm to 50mm to 80mm on a crop body.  But I still am not certain I understand it all.  I would have to look through it on a full frame body, then on a crop body so I can see the difference.  Then I can visualise the change that makes and I will understand it better.  In therory I do understand what you're saying, but cannot at this point know how that will look on my camera.  Sorry ebiggs, not your fault, I believe you know what you're talking about.  But at this point I have no frame of reference to judge by.  Hope I'm being clear.

You're right, I sure don't want to buy lenses over twice and that's why I'm holding up on many of my lens purchase till I can come to a resonable decsion on that.   I will have to decide to stay with crop bodies or move to full frame.   That may take some time, I would like to test different lens with my camera 1st, to help me make up my mind.  In the mean time I'll play it safe and only buy lens I can use with both....like the EF 50mm f1.4.   I do have the EF 50mm f1.8 now, so there is no rush.  The reason I'm looking at that lens in the near future is bacause the 50mmf1.8 has such a cheesy build quality.  I've read it may stick to my Rebel Body and be hard to get off.  That's not good.  And the EF 50mm f1.4 has, from what I read, better optics.  Frankly speaking you're right about crop bodies, I may well stick with them totally.  As you say, depends on what I decide to do with my photography in the future.

I was surprised about your comment to get a Sigma or tamron lens, I read other posts where you dissed them and other 3rd party lens.  But you've explained you have found a few gems within those brands.  Funny thing, about 4 months ago I bought the Sigma 18-250mm lens 1st, as my walk around lens.  But when I tried it out on my camera in the parking lot outside best Buy the lens looked terrible, was out of focus, and looked nothing like my Canon EF-S 18-250mm IS kit lens.  I was shocked after reading good reviews on that lens, and saw the lens on some of my photo Club Members.  I immediately took the lens back in Best Buy for a refund.  Got  it on sale too...1/2 the price I paid for my Canon 18-200mm lens.  My canon 18-200mm walk around is a much better lens than the Sigma I had.  Maybe it was a defective one, I can't see so many people liking it if it's bad as the one I had.  But I will try them both in the furure when the time comes, I've read about Sigma's Art series lens that are getting rave reviews..

I've read alot of good things about the two lens you carry around (24-70 & 70-200mm Canon L's)  I've read they're superb.  But again, they're L lens, so won't know for awhile if I'll go for them.

Thanks for all your info and help ebiggs1.  It certainly won't go to waste with me.  I'll be reading you.

[ebiggs1]

You must remember I "generally" do not like nor do I recommned 3rd party lenses.  But any company out there can change.  This is the case with Sigma.  The currect line and their "A" line is top drawer.  Nobody males better lenses.  Not Canon, not Nikon, they are simply outstanding.  I imagine they have perked the interest of Canon engineers.  However, the Sigma top of the line lenses are not cheap.  They are quite expensive sometime more than a Canon.

But the one you bought from Best Buy is from the old Sigma line up and in my thoughts not a worthy lens.  Sigma changed top management recently and that is the reason.  So in the Sigma line you must choose wisely.  In truth Sigma has always had some truly great lenses especially their super teles.  It was/is just the consummer grade that stinks.

The EF 50mm f1.8 is a poor lens.  It is a throw-a-way.  Use it till it quits and get a new one.  The f1.4 is worlds apart better and a really great lens.

Tamron only has three lenses in their entire line-up I can recommend.  Stay away from the rest but Tamron is trying, too.  They have to or they are not going to be around long.  They are improving just not as fast as Sigma.

OK, now about crop bodies.  You must keep in mind the lens CAN NOT chamge its focal length once it is constructed.  No matter what camera it is used on.  A 50mm is a 50mm is a 50mm, regardless of the body.  Its perspective or AOA, angle of acceptence, is what is altered.  A crop body does not crop anything either.  How's that for you to think about?  It just sees less because of the AOA.  And it only matters if somebody takes the same photo with a FF, same lens and crops it in PS to compare it with.

[jazzman1]

Hey ebiggs1.  Man, you're sharp.  You've explained the AOA with the EF F1.4 lens in terms I can understand.  Just today I was talking with a friend about just this.  He's a retired professional cameraman at a TV station and very into photgraphy.  He has the Canon 3D and 4D Camera's.  But I could not fully understand what he was telling me as good as you have here.  I only know that looking through the lens with the EF f1.4 on a crop body and then on a L body...will look farther away on one, and up closer on the other body, at a object the same distance away.  Did'nt know it would'nt change the mm.  My friend could not explain that to me in terms I would understand it all.  He mentioned nothing about any AOA that I can remember.  You have my friend.  You know, I've always known that some people are better at explaining stuff to me than others.  And it's not that one or the other does'nt know their stuff.   Just that everyone does'nt have the talent to teach.  ebiggs1 my friend, I think I will be able to follow your drift just fine.....least ways most of the time.   Thumbs up.

[RobertTheFat]

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@jazzman1 wrote:

Hey ebiggs1.  Man, you're sharp.  You've explained the AOA with the EF F1.4 lens in terms I can understand.  Just today I was talking with a friend about just this.  He's a retired professional cameraman at a TV station and very into photgraphy.  He has the Canon 3D and 4D Camera's.  But I could not fully understand what he was telling me as good as you have here.  I only know that looking through the lens with the EF f1.4 on a crop body and then on a L body...will look farther away on one, and up closer on the other body, at a object the same distance away.  Did'nt know it would'nt change the mm.  My friend could not explain that to me in terms I would understand it all.  He mentioned nothing about any AOA that I can remember.  You have my friend.  You know, I've always known that some people are better at explaining stuff to me than others.  And it's not that one or the other does'nt know their stuff.   Just that everyone does'nt have the talent to teach.  ebiggs1 my friend, I think I will be able to follow your drift just fine.....least ways most of the time.   Thumbs up.

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How good a look did you get at your friend's 3D and 4D cameras? There were rumors as far back as 2008 that Canon was considering cameras with those model numbers, but I don't believe either actually saw the light of day.