Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

Photography Equipment => Lenses => Topic started by: michaelb104 on February 25, 2010, 08:52:55 AM

Title: Lens compromise
Post by: michaelb104 on February 25, 2010, 08:52:55 AM
I feel I should know the answer to this but........

I'm looking to replace the kit lens that came with the camera but I'm unsure about which way to jump.  If I was going to do a straight swap I'm looking at getting a 18-80 zoom lens and this would fit in with my other lens nicely.  Then I was thinking may be I should look at maybe an 18-200 lens as this would replace the kit lens and I'd probably only have to carry one lens when out for walks etc.

The question is, is the 18-200 a bigger compromise on quality than the 18-80 as it has less zoom ability or as they are both zooms do they have equal compromise on quality.

I guess the other option is with my ability should I just stick with the lit lens  :-\

Thanks
Mike.

Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: picsfor on February 25, 2010, 09:41:31 AM
It would help if we knew what camera you are using - because i think the response various dramatically from camera to camera...
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: Sarasocke on February 25, 2010, 09:57:36 AM
Mike - it also depends on what subjects you mostly photograph and what other lenses you have.
I spent a while with a 18-200 Sigma, but after a while it wasn't enough.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: michaelb104 on February 25, 2010, 10:08:24 AM
I'm using a Sony A350 body and also have a Tamron 70-300 and the Tamron 90mm macro, the current kit lens is a 18-70.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: greypoint on February 25, 2010, 11:06:43 AM
It depends a bit on your budget and what you mainly want to photograph. It also depends on how good the Sony kit lens is. Some kit lenses are pretty good and you'd need to spend a fair bit more to make the change worthwhile - although something like the Sigma 17-70 is'nt too expensive and would give you the option of f2.8 at the wide end. An all in one is generally a compromise quality wise.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: jinky on February 25, 2010, 11:45:08 AM
I bought an 18-200 lens with my D80 body at the outset and it is probably my least used lens - used as a light travel lens and probably should be sold. It produces good results but once you start shooting with faster 1.8 and 2.8 lenses you realise the restrictions of use. With image stabilisation it is still a good lens - cannot speak for the Sony or others - but think about the type of work you want to do and your use of apertures. You`ll outgrow it quicker than any faster lenses I am sure.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: oRGie on February 25, 2010, 10:08:22 PM
I use an 18-200is canon quite a lot, but its definately a compromise even though imho it has better iq than the sigma version. The tamron 18-270 or whatever it is gets good reviews though, not sure if they do a sony version, probably.. 

I use a 15-85 more often though as the IQ is way ahead and so if I dont really feel the need for longer I stick with that, but I do plan on getting a really good 70-200L when i have the spare cash, I plan to keep the 18-200, but that will probably change once I have the much better 70-200 (or get closer to my goal of going to a full frame body, I want to get a good selection of EF (they work on FF) lenses efore I swap bodies though)..

I guess my advice is work out what focul range you REALLY want most often and get the best lens for that range you can afford.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: michaelb104 on February 26, 2010, 08:36:30 AM
Thanks for all the replies, I think I'm going to go and look for a fast-ish 18-80 as this will complement the longer Tamron.

I've now got to convince the OH that a new lens will be money better spent than a new stairs carpet - gulp  :legit:
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: deetus on February 26, 2010, 09:26:25 AM
I have a Pentax K20D and upgraded from the kit lens to a Sigma 17-70 and I'm well chuffed with it.
The quality of the lens and the images produced are excellent.  :) 
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: picsfor on February 26, 2010, 10:44:12 AM
Quote from: oRGie on February 25, 2010, 10:08:22 PM
but I do plan on getting a really good 70-200L when i have the spare cash, I plan to keep the 18-200, but that will probably change once I have the much better 70-200 (or get closer to my goal of going to a full frame body, I want to get a good selection of EF (they work on FF) lenses before I swap bodies though)..

Once you buy into the 'L' standard (and i don't mean Canon only lenses - but the quality of glass) you will be loath to use anything less. It makes a bigger impression to your pictures than a full frame sensor over a crop sensor.
More so than 21mp of 10mp as well.
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: oRGie on February 26, 2010, 08:35:50 PM
Quote from: picsfor on February 26, 2010, 10:44:12 AM
Quote from: oRGie on February 25, 2010, 10:08:22 PM
but I do plan on getting a really good 70-200L when i have the spare cash, I plan to keep the 18-200, but that will probably change once I have the much better 70-200 (or get closer to my goal of going to a full frame body, I want to get a good selection of EF (they work on FF) lenses before I swap bodies though)..

Once you buy into the 'L' standard (and i don't mean Canon only lenses - but the quality of glass) you will be loath to use anything less. It makes a bigger impression to your pictures than a full frame sensor over a crop sensor.
More so than 21mp of 10mp as well.

I'm sure your right :)   The 15-85 range is so good, thats one I wont change till I go FF, then I will hopefully get the 24-105 to replace its range. My shopping list is scary lol, I want a 70-200, wont decide f4 IS or 2.8 non IS till I have the money for it though, but I do also plan on some nice fast primes, so the f4 IS will probably do just fine..  Where's that lottery ticket gone  :2funny:

Re the OP, the sigma 17-70 is very good value for money and now there is an IS version. (17 on the wide end makes a lot more difference over 18 than you may think, I was amazed how much wider it is when I got mine)
Title: Re: Lens compromise
Post by: Andy Price on March 12, 2010, 08:47:57 PM
As previously stated it depends on what you want the lens to do or rather what subjects your capturing. I have a Nikon D50 and D90, with 18-55 kit lens, 18-200VR, 17-70 2.8 Sigma, 70-300 and 50 1.8 Prime. The 18-200 I use when traveling, 50mm I use indoors and in low light, 20-300 I use for sport although I would love a 150-400mm and the 17-70 probably gets used the most.

However I am a great believer that sometimes having a limitation of lenses forces you to think more about he shot you are taking and possibly makes you a better photographer for it. Remember have good lenses may improve the images you take but it will not make you a great photographer, that comes with practice and having an eye for a great image.

Good luck finding the lens you want.