Lens choices

[pilatesbody]

I am so confused! I have a 50D and a 17-85mm lens. I want a zoom but I was thinking of getting a Canon 18-250 f3.5-6.3 so I could just leave the lens on for travel and not have to change lenses (or carry extra lenses).

Then I thought - but this will make my 17-85 redundant. Should I sell it, OR get a big honking zoom lens 170-500 f5-6.3 and just have two lenses and deal with it.

Here are the three lenses I have to choose from (I am travelling on Friday and want to make a decision now - I just couldn't do it when I was standing in the store).

Sigma 170-500 Used
Canon 18-250 Used
Sigma 18-250 NEW

All lenses are comparable in price. All have image stabilization. There is a 90 day warrantee at the store. All come with a hood but the new one comes with a soft bag (I think it's leather). What to do? Any advice out there?

[RichardTaylor]

Where will you be travelling?

If it is anywhere you are likely to shoot wild life. I would add a long zoom to my existing lens.

If it is locations where space may be tight, like European cities or some landscape locations, I would add an ultra wide zoom 10/12-22/24mm to me existing lens.

If you are wanting just a one lens solution, along with more reach, to possibly a lot of your shooting needs I would consider one of the long zooms.
I am not aware of any Canon 18-250 lenses.

My sister has a Sigma 18-250 (with OS) and is happy with it.
I have a Tamron 18-250 and it meets my needs when I want to travel relatively light and will be shooting hand held in reasonable light or using a tripod in low light.

[pilatesbody]

On Friday going to Mexico. Mostly shooting (? never been there) I'm guessing some street/some wildlife (but not Nat. Geo type - maybe some birds and lizards) and some surfing action. In the fall going to Italy and will be doing street/location/landscape.

Most of my photography is action - sailing, horses, surfing
and street/people
and landscape

Some day I hope to have a dedicated street camera but for now I have the 50D to work with.

[pilatesbody]

I should add, I already have a lens booked to rent for this holiday. But was thinking if I could only make a decision to just buy one I could save that $ and have the lens I need.

However maybe the best thing is to rent this 70-300 and see how I feel about having two lenses to cart around.

I think part of the problem is that I'm an all-around photographer at the moment. Maybe some day something will inspire me to specialize but I'm basically starting out and trying it all.

[pilatesbody]

Huh, I could have sworn that was a Canon 18-250 but maybe it was 18-200? Sheesh. Can you tell I'm confused LOL

[RichardTaylor]

At the end of the day you will, most likely, have more than one lens.

Your 17-85 will be fine for a lot of your pics. (I own one but it doesn't see much use since I purchased a full frame camera). I havn't been to Mexico, however I think it will meet most of your needs as it will be ok for lots of pics in Europe except for some of those tight alley/city scapes. I have only used a long tele a couple of times on 3 visits to Europe (and that was basically for pigeons in parks etc).

For your sports/surfing photography, unless you are very close to your subject, you generally need long (the longer the better).
The problem with the super zooms (18-200mm +) is that they don't tend to focus real fast and still may not have enough reach.
I shoot most of my sport stuff with a Canon 100-400 (but do use a 70-300 as a backup lens on critical shoots and it is my travel tele if I am not going to be shooting a lot of wild life)

If you have all ready got a lens booked, then see how that goes.

[Tzetsin]

I cant say for any of the other lenses your talking about, but the Canon 18-200 is a huge pile of doo doo.

"which lens do i need' has been asked on this forum a gazillion times and is absolutely impossible for anyone but yourself to answer.

the 18 to 200 style lenses are going to have a fair amount of image quality compromises. but honestly, if your only at the stage of asking this question, then the amount of quality loss will not ruin an image before your lack of skill will. That said, the lens will allow you to get the maximum versatility from a single lens while your hone your skills. After you've learned those skills, you'll have seen first hand what settings you use most of the time, and what subjects you tend to shoot most often. Knowing this will allow you to answer your own question when next its time to upgrade.

Another point about the super zooms though is that you'll tend to stand in one spot and just zoom instead of properly getting into position for the best perspective. It will make you lazy and hamper your composition skills. This is something you can avoid though by being aware of the problem and choosing to resist the temptation.

The canon 18-200 lens is an extremely poor design. it is very weak plastic, and the extension tube for zoomng is only held together at 3 points and is easily broken with any side impact while the zoom is extended. The lens does have a zoom lock to keep it from creeping, which it does if you dont have it locked, which you wont because your walking around taking pictures...

[pilatesbody]

but honestly, if your only at the stage of asking this question, then the amount of quality loss will not ruin an image before your lack of skill will.

Ouch!
Seriously, thanks for those replies. That settles it. I will try the 70-300 this week (maybe even post some photos here on my return for those honest critiques!). If I feel I need a telephoto/zoom I will save for a good one.
Richard, you are right - I don't think I would want to haul around a big lens in Italy.
I'm glad I didn't buy impulsively. I did the right thing coming home and posting here.
Thanks again for the help. This amateur appreciates it.

[Tzetsin]

Lol please take that in the spirit it was given

[pilatesbody]

No worries; I'm nothing if not humble.
I just picked up my 70-300 and tried it out. Unfortunately it started raining so I stood on my porch and took a few shots of a garden gnome and realized the truth of what you said about standing in one spot versus getting the best perspective. Very insightful. I might still go out tonight and play with it.