Torn Between 3 Zoom Lenses.. Help!

[GarrettH]

Okay, so I'm looking for something to replace my 18-55mm kit lens that cam with my Rebel XTi. I need something with a bit longer range and (hopefully) a bit better quality. So I've narrowed it down to 3 lenses..

1. Sigma 18-200 f/3.5-6.3 DC AF OS $370 (new) $310 (used)

2. Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS $400 (new) $270 (used)

3. Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro $330 (new) $250 (used)

Okay, I'm leaning toward the Sigma or Tamron lenses. I like that the Sigma and Canon both an optical stabilizer, but they are a little more pricey than the Tamron. However, I have looked up a couple sample images of the Sigma and Tamron lenses on Flickr and the Tamron doesn't really suffer THAT much quality difference against the Sigma. Does anyone have any input? I don't want to spend my money until I know I'm making the right choice, haha.

[sk66]

All I can say is I had the Sigma and I miss not having it now.....I never felt it lacked in image quality, but I'm not a big "pixel peeper".

[oldwolf]

I've got the Tamron lens. It's not too bad. Great walk around lens. Wish I had the image stabilzation of the Sigma though. I've also got the Canon but my wife uses it. It came with the 7d that I bought and she didn't have something in that range so she took it. She doesn't have any complaints about it either.

Anyway, if I could do it again, I'd probably pick the Sigma just because of the image stabilization and the focal length. The focusing is probably quieter and faster on the Canon though but I'd sacrafice a little noise for the extra focal length.