For those that have used 18-200 lenses....

I know there is no denying the convenience factor. But are you really put off by poorer optical quality compared to shorter zooms you may have? Because, I am trying out a(tamron) 18-200, and for the life of me, I can't see any difference in sharpness between various focal lengths of that lens and my two (18-55, 50-200). And it's not much slower either, so that's not much of an argument for the two lens kit. I mean, right now I am thinking I should sell my two lenses I have already and buy this 18-200 for redundancy reasons.
Maybe I am not critical enough and not seeing it?
Please be gentle. Am a newbie.

Seems perfectly good logic to me. Maybe you will want the faster lenses at a later date,, but by that time maybe you will have discovered what range you use most and can buy a nice fast prime for low light or big prints.

hi vjayshutterbug, i have an 18-200mm tamron xr dii asperical which is always on my k200d and never off, and i rate it highly i have found it better than the 18-55mm mk 1 and mk 2 kit lens and am more than pleased with the results it gives,

I believed that the Tammy 18-250 was regarded better on most sites I readed, maybe it might be worth to test that one also.

I had the Pentax DA 18-250 but sold it to finance another lens, I do miss it sometimes. You have one lens that can do it all but it's no where super but that's the price you pay to have such a handy lens.

What Darkmunk said is also very true.
For examplpe, if you use the 50-200 a lot, you might find the DA 55-300 a far better upgrade. That lens is seen as the best lens in that range and will most likely preform better then the 18-200 or other such lenses.
If you don't use the long end a lot maybe a 17-70 lens would fill your needs.

Hi vjay, looks like you're trying out the lens then?

I use a Sigma 18-200 on my K200d and last weekend found it very usefull on a walkabout in Bridlington.

If you don't need to sell the kit lens just box it up and keep it until upgrade time, a body with a lens is more attractive than just a body to a buyer. Don't forget that a standard kit 18-55 lens isn't worth a lot by itself.

It means you can keep your18-200 for your next body, or sell separately and increase any potential profit.

Hi Hardgravity! Thanks! Yeah, I went for it. I tested it out and was frankly amazed how good it was. And, you're right. I think I will hang on to the two lenses. They wouldn't bring much anyway, and so what the hell.
I still can't get over how good that lens was. I took a fantastic picture with it just walking around outside my apartment. A leafy plant with raindrops. Man, I wish I could post it. (maybe too cliche'?)
Ah well, at this point in my progression of the hobby, I perhaps am too satisfied too easily? But it's a fun ride.

you likely won't see much difference in sharpness (other distortions maybe) until you blow up 11x14 or larger.

Here's my masterpiece taken with the Promaster 18-200


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_xp-5T_OHSwY/SgDjmXRZujI/AAAAAAAAFxI/2vbQrgOOEoc/s800/Picto...%20B-7.jpg

That's a great shot. Would look great on a wall.... then you will find out if the lens is any good.
As we are talking about image quality, this web-size image looks slightly soft but we can't tell much about your lens from that. Anyway I prefer that to over sharpened any day.
Colours look great here.

James, that is a fantastic shot. it should be on your portfolio in the gallery . I like it very much and the rain drops look amazing on those green leaves. I have the impression we are going to see some stunning shots from you with that lens in the very near future, don't hold back, we all love images here, so go on, shoot and post them

Excellent shot vjay, not clichéd at all just a good study and composition.

Why not post it in the gallery and let everybody see it?

I agree, your water on leaves shot is easily worthy of the gallery. An excellent capture

Thanks for all the nice comments, guys. I took your advice, and I did go ahead and upload it into the gallery. I'm not a showy type person who is comfortable doing that, but this site is addictive with a bunch of nice people in it. A dangerous combination for me. Besides, might be my only one for a while. And it's fun. Thanks again!