Travel Lens Help Required

[Bjorn van Sinttruije]

I need some advice, I own a T2i and I am a novice. I am planning a trip and would like to just take one lens and have I considering the:
· Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
· Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD
· Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD VC
What would you recommend out of the three or any other in that price range?

Also, have one more question, what is your recommendation on a budget to mid-budget lens 28-70mm F2.8.

Thanks for your help, as always your advice is very valuable.

[MTK]

The Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD comes very highly recommended. It has been awarded at the EISA Awards 2011-2012 as well for being the Best Product - Zoom Lens of that year. If you want to go for a lens like this, then my choice would be the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD.

[oldCarlos]

The seller appears to be internet only, with a PO box#. Presumably China/Hong Kong? Import taxes etc need to be taken into account, as does their `returns` address if needed.

[billythronton467]

Hello Carlos, Just checked their site again, seems they give a free shipping on products purchased over $150 for people at New Zealand. Being from NZ I think they may work well.

And thanks MTK, I also had an idea of choosing Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD but my only concern was about its Autofocus problems which I read from net.

[maxjj]

you mention a budget 24-70 2.8 lens, that would be hard to find. I would suggest you look at something a prime lens something like a 30 1.4. That would cover your low light and dof and would compliment your big zoom lens

[MTK]

but my only concern was about its Autofocus problems which I read from net.

Never heard of this. What is the problem according to your sources?

[billythronton467]

Hello MTK, It is a customer review from amazon which worried me a lot, as I initially preferred it and then stopped and started to search for another best one. Here is the link of that review please have a check of Delbert review over there http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-18-270mm-3-5-6-3-All-In-One-Cameras/product-reviews/B004FN1W28/ref=cm_cr_pr_hist_1/179-3034489-7159908?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addOneStar&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

[MTK]

I understand your concern, but you have to realize that for every camera and lens you can find loads of negative reviews online. A lot of times these are because the user is incompetent and just can't handle the camera or lens, and sometimes it is legit and the manufacturer has to do something to fix a problem (like recalibrating on my otherwise awesome Canon EOS 7D).

As you can see, the average score of the lens is still 4 out of 5 stars. I wouldn't worry too much about these negative ones if I were you. Focusing problems and sharpness are things where loads of users just don't see that the fault lies with the person behind the camera most of the times. Shooting a sharp image on the long end of a super tele for example is just very hard to do, and almost always requires a tripod. People start shooting with such a lens and say the lens isn't sharp while they actually are using poor technique. You get the picture?

[billythronton467]

Thanks MTK For your advice, this will help me a lot on choosing the lens.

[mirageii]

The revamped Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM seems to be winning all the super zoom reviews these days.

You might want to research this lens. The additional word MACRO in the name distinguishes it from the previous version.