Lens Advice

I will be going to north wales in May/June and I will hopefully be taking a few snaps. The thing is I will be around family quite a bit and sometimes the changing of lenses may become an issue so I was thinking of a 18-200/250 for general walk about. Not knowing too much about this lens range, I was concerned about any quality issues and that it could become too convenient and end up staying on the camera, which is an area I don't wish to get into. I had never considered this option until now, as the next lens I really want is a 10-20mm to complete my focal range so I don't really want to be putting a spanner in the works or to break the bank. So I would be grateful for any recommendations and advice on this subject.

I have also seen some 28-200mm.

1st, get a good waterproof.

2nd IMHO 10-20mm only really works well if you can close focus on some good foreground, would suggest your 16-45 would be fine for landscape and general shots.

Have no experience of superzooms, so cannot comment.

Do not understand above, surely on the trip described you want the convenience?


Davex.

To be honest it depends how "fussy" you are regarding IQ - I've just bought a used Tamron 18-250 and initial impressions are very positive, I think it will be an excellent travel lens.

Having said that I don't intend to use it for my landscape shots as I'm quite keen on maximum sharpness and the best colour/contrast I can achieve straight form the camera without PP - for this I use a Pentax 12-24mm or my DA 17-70 which I think are both better in this respect, although the Tamron runs the 17-70 very close for sharpness within the same focal range.

Unless you intend to go on any wildlife trips (Llyn Peninsula is best for this) you're probably not going to need the reach of the 18-250 much (I can't remember the last time I used a telephoto around North Wales) as you probably know North Wales is mostly about the scenery and beaches (don't miss Llanddwyn beach/Island on Anglesey.

Just my thoughts on things!!

Simon

Sorry but what I meant was it becoming too much of a convenient fixture even after the holiday.
Hope this makes sense.

oh, I see what you mean - but what's wrong with that, surely that's the reason for buying the lens in the first place, if you find you're happy with the results and don't see the need to change lenses then it's best of both worlds!!

I see what you're saying I just don't want my other lenses to become defunct.

Since buying the 18-135mm I have found everything I have in that range is now unused (unless I have the need for speed).

Richard, everything I've seen & heard of the Tamron 18-250 (the Pentax is the same model) has been excellent for it's range & price point.

If it's a family holiday you don't want to drive them mad sneaking off to take shots of this that and everything (sorry Wifey I'm just going to run over there *points into the distance* as it will give a great view of Bala Lake, *comes back 2 hours later*) then it's a great compromise lense.

How often it stays on your camera after the holiday is completely your decision, I can't possibly see how your other lenses could become defunct if they offer higher quality - if they don't then sell them !

I don't think they will. The 18-250 is a great lens for what it is, but it is rather flat and needs quite a bit of PS to get the right punch.

As I assume you won't be flying, can you take it but keep your other lenses handy?

Or you could call Chris and ask him to consider renting one to you. It's not on the list now but....

Totally agree with Mike-P.

Is there much difference in performance between 18-200/250 as I have seen some reasonably price 18-200's. Is the extra length & cost really necessary. As already mentioned theres still the 28-200 especially as cost could be an issue.

I think the consensus is yes, there is a big IQ improvement from the 18-200 to the 18-250. The added reach in real terms is pretty minimal which is reflected in the price difference.

All the reviews I read, which was quite a few, recommended the 18-250 over other similiar options.

I'm going to have to sit down and have a good think about this one.