canon lenses 18 -200 mm vs 2 kit lenses?

<p>I am looking at buying the canon xsi and am wondering which lens to go with. Either the kit lens with 18 -55 IS and the 55-250 mm IS or the 18-200 mm IS. This would primarily be for travel so I like the idea of not having to change lenses a lot or carry an extra lens. The draw backs with the single lens are the slightly less reach (which I'm not too worried about) and the extra cost. What I am really keen to know whether there are any obvious differences in the quality between the set ups.</p>

<p>If you want a one-lens solution, get a high-end digicam, not an entry-level dSLR with a superzoom or cheap consumer zooms where corners were cut to make things as inexpensive as possible. Image quality should be equal in most situations, but you will carry less weight and have a high-quality camera with tons of great features at your disposal.</p>

<p>If you can afford it, the Canon 24-105 f4L offers professional IQ, a wide focal length range, and Image Stabilization.</p>

<p>If you don't absolutely need a DSLR, consider the G9 or G10 for travel, either of which would save a lot of cost and weight.</p>

<p> While I want the single lens on the DSLR for travel and everyday uses, I would want to be able to upgrade to better lenses and lenses with more specific purposes as I gain experience it. I'm keen to get into macro and also to try some prime lenses in the future.</p>

<p>I'd pick the two kit lenses. Better optics.</p>

<p>Changing lenses seems intimidating at first, but after a few dozen switches it'll be like second nature. Don't worry about it.</p>

<p>Tracey,<br>

I have the XSi and the EF-S 55-250 IS. I really enjoy that lens as I don't have to be too close to get candid shots of the folks I enjoy being around - not an in your face kind of close. Rather than get the kit 18-55 IS, I went with the EF 24 2.8 for street and landscape. I like the prime, but it does not meet all my wide end needs. I'm looking at getting the Tamron 17-50 2.8 next.<br>

All that is said to say this - I have not had any problems switching lenses. I usually put the one on I know I'll need the most and then only switch when I have to. So far, I have not missed any shots that I wanted while switching lenses.<br>

I, too, wanted to go beyond the point n shoot possibilities. Now it is time to learn and save money for the next lens(es).<br>

I hope that helps.<br>

DS Meador</p>

<p>Tracey, you have really answered your own question: <em>" ... like the idea of not having to change lenses a lot or carry an extra lens"</em></p>

<p>I suggest you try the 18-200mm yourself (buy from a store that accepts returns like Adorama or B&H). Chances are you will be thrilled with the lens. If not, you can return it.</p>

<p>Here is a link to an interesting review with some excellent sample pictures:</p>

<p>http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-200mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-Lens-Review.aspx</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>I use to belive in one lens shoot all, but now I think I need 3 different focal lenght lenses and 2 bodies to shoot all. Cheers</p>

<p><i>"If you want a one-lens solution, get a high-end digicam, not an entry-level dSLR with a superzoom or cheap consumer zooms ... you will carry less weight and have a high-quality camera with tons of great features"</p></i>

<p>Are the newer 'high-end digicams' good for pictures of moving subjects? I used to have a mid-range Olympus digicam with painfully slow AF (but pre-focusing was sometimes helpful).</p>

Tracey, here's a hint, any lens that has >10x zoom has *got* to make some heavy compromises on either the wide end or the long end. It's just the nature of the (optical) beast. You can't have it both ways. I would advocate for the 2-kit lens solution, 18-55 and 55-250mm. Both with I.S.

<p>I toyed w/ the 18-200 IS in the store few weeks back. It was exceptionally soft. it had noticeable distortion (to the point that I could see both on a 3" LCD). Both the 18-55IS and the 55-250IS are decidely better optically, and all three pretty much share the other primary features: IS, slow apetures, non FTM focus...The optical performance would seal the deal for me were I in your shoes.<br>

Frankly though, I think you'll be happier <em>having</em> to swap than <em>not being able</em> to swap.</p>

Also, the 18-55 and 55-250 together cost less than the 18-200...

 

The advantage of two lenses is that you can still only carry one, while if you have one lens, you can never carry two. Being able to bring just the compact 18-55 if needed might be worth something, if you know you won't need the longer focal lengths. (or vice-versa)

 

I'd say, get the set, not the compromise.

<p>I bought the 18-200 and hated it. Optically it seemed worse than the 18-55is kit lens.</p>

<p>Remember EF-S lenses don't fit in FF bodies - if you decide to upgrade later...</p>

<p>Thanks for all of your answers! I think I will probably lean towards the two lens kit, but I will have a play in a store to see for myself before I buy (and to play with some of those more expensive lenses that I can dream of owning one day!).</p>