Sigma 18-125 vs 18-200 vs Tamron 18-200

[obrag]

Sigma 18-200, Tamron 18-200, or the canon 28-135 IS? Thinking of getting one of them.. but dunno which one to get.

Had a chance to test both the Sigma & Tamron in the last few days using same subject - from the look of it, both have 50/50 chance of good/bad copies.

The Sigma I tested had sharper tele end, but very soft wide (with blured corners), and the Tamron is the reverse with sharp wide end but mis-aligned tele end. This is for apertures from open to f16. The Tamron is quieter than the Sigma, but focus slower at the tele end (200mm). The zoom barrel on Tamron feels smoother, with a more positive LOCK button. I stand corrected, but I believe the 28-135 IS will be more consistent. However, 28mm may not be wide enough for you on APS-C DSLR.

From samples of friends/colleagues/mine, I'd say that given a good copy, the 17-85IS, 28-135IS, Sigma 18-200, Sigma 18-125, Tamron 18-200 all are equally sharp once given the USM-treament. Just remember you are buying consumer lenses and not 'L'. Your luck and the magnanimity of shop owners for exchange will be important too

If you don't need the 17-27mm range, then I'd say that you will be fine with the 28-135 IS with its useful IS: just buy and shoot lah!

 

[khuancc]

thanks for your reply.. hopefully i can make my decision tomorrow. haha

 

[shojibake]

Called over the phone to cathay photo. One of them said the sigma 18-200 was 595 inc. gst. Originally he said it was 640++.

damn....

 

[aH DaN]

need some advise...how is the 18 - 200mm sigma or tamron compare to the kit lens 18-70mm for D70? Sharpness and contrast.
Always find that the kit len is too soft, even after adjustment for sharpness by +2.
Love my 50mm 1.8, Super.

 

[budiman]

Tamron 18-200 is quite good at the wide end, but quality degrades at the long end. In addition, it's f/6.3 at 200mm, so we can't get nice bokeh.

However, as a walk-around lens and replacement of the kit lens, I think this lens is worth it. MS selling it for $650.