Best all purpose versatile lens?

[michael_mendoza1]

<p>I'm an amateur photographer who mainly takes photos of my children and family events/vacations. I sometimes like using my camera at sporting events or for nature and I'm looking forward to photographing my 2 boys when they're old enough to play sports. <br>

I have the Canon Rebel T1i EOS 500D with a Sigma 28-70mm, Canon 55-250 Is and Canon 50mm. I don't love the Sigma lens and I hardly switch lenses to use the zoom lens. I want to replace both lenses with an all purpose lens to make it easier to carry for every day use and vacation (so convenient to not have to worry about switching lens and missing shots). I actually broke the kit 18-55 when changing to the 55-250 lens so that's why I have a used Sigma. So my future camera bag will just consist of the all in one zoom lens for every day use/vacations and my nifty fifty fixed lens which I will use mainly for portraits.<br>

But which all purpose zoom lens should I get? I'm leaning towards the Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD ($649 - $100 rebate) because of it's light weight and has the longest zoom. But should I consider the Canon 18-200mm Is lens ($579) or the Sigma 18-250 DC OS HFM lens ($479)? I tried all 3 at a local store and liked the feel of the Tamron but I'm no expert so I don't know which will offer the best performance and image quality. Does anyone have experience with any of these 3 lenses or have advice? I won't be printing larger than 5 x 7 and will mainly have my photos saved for digital viewing. Thank you in advance!</p>

[User_6667263]

<p>FWIW, I have a friend who is a very advanced amateur. He has the Tamron 18-270 and loves it.</p>

[JeffOwen]

<p>I have had a number of Canon cameras and now have the 60D. Over the years I have bought and sold several lenses trying to get the best for my needs. The lens I now use more than any (mainly because of it's range etc) is the Tamron 18-270. It's not perfect but from what you want it for I would thoroughly recommend it.</p>

[Marcus Ian]

<p>I used the 18-270 as a vacation lens for a couple years, and found that it was more than capable. I too would recomend it. That said, I've not used the Sig 18-250, and only used the Canon a few times (I don't shoot crop anymore, so these guys are all out now). <br>

However, I would expect all of their performance to be pretty similar, optically speaking, esp. for smaller print sizes, and screen viewing. I'd say if you can afford it, the Tamron is an excellent choice, but if the budget is tight, using one of the others is an option.</p>

[sarah_fox]

<p>Michael, there's nothing wrong with getting a hyperzoom (covering typically a 10x zoom range), as long as you realize it's only for convenience and compactness of your kit (typically for travel). Because a lens of this sort covers such a broad zoom range, many compromises must be made in its design. As a result, it will not be a particularly great lens at any focal length. However, it will be a convenient one-lens solution that will travel well and take good vacation snapshots. As long as you know this...</p>