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Lens Number One:
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Nikon, Canon & Sigma 18-200mm Image-Stabilized Zoom Lenses
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| Street Price: $450-800 |
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Ok, I lied about my top lens picks not being in any particular order. I did save the best for last. My number one zoom lens is actually a choice between three 18-200mm zoom lenses. For crop-sensor APS-C digital SLR users, the 18-200mm zoom range covers just about any subject. It’s also my standard recommendation for entry-level photographers looking for a good all-purpose lens upgrade. The Nikon 18-200mm VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization) lens was the first of its kind. Canon introduced an image stabilized 18-200mm lens in 2009 and Sigma offers an 18-200mm OS image-stabilized zoom as well. Photographers looking for a high-performance one-lens quiver or a really solid kit lens replacement should be looking at these 18-200mm image-stabilized zooms. I own the Canon 18-200mm IS zoom lens and was surprised to discover it was my most-used lens in 2010. It’s not pro-level glass but the small size and versatility more than make up for any image quality compromise.
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Nikon AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II Zoom Lens
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens
Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS Zoom Lens
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About the author: Photo-John Photo-John, a.k.a. John Shafer, is the managing editor of PhotographyREVIEW.com and has been since the site launched back in 1999. He's an avid outdoor enthusiast and spends as much time as possible on his mountain bike, hiking or skiing in the mountains. He's been taking pictures for ever and ever, and never goes anywhere without a camera.
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I’m a bit surprised you did not list the Tokina 11-16 f/ 2.8. which I’d take the constant f/2.8 over the Sigma variable aperture any day. Not quite as wide or long as the Sigma but the performance and build quality touted in all the reviews I read more than make up for it. It will probably be my next lens for which I’ll probably trade in my tokiana 12-24 for.
Personally, the Tokina appeals to me more too, Frog. But in the case of the Sigma 10-20mm, I went with the overwhelming number of reviews and visitors to the review page. Plus, the Sigma is much more affordable.
Thanks for your comment, though. The more comments and alternative lens choices listed here the better. There’s no way my five lens picks can satisfy everyone. So the comments have the potential to make this article much more rich and diverse.
Hi. I am upgrading to a Pentax K-k from a compact digital so I need help on lens selection. My question is, do these 5 lens fit on the K-7? Thanks IA, Bill.
William-
The Tamron and Sigma lenses should all be available with a Pentax mount. There might be some exceptions. Check the manufacturers sites to be sure. But in general, third-party lens makers sell lenses in all current camera mounts.
The Tamron 18-250 creamed all the 18-200s you just mentioned and Tamron has since upgraded that lens with a version that goes all the way to 270 and has vibration control (VC). Check out tests in dpreview and pophoto. I can understand if these lenses are ranked first because of popularity among the uneducated masses who buy as a result of marketing, but for you to be recommending them without offering up better alternatives? This list isn’t bad but I think that each lens listed here might have competition that would have been critically better at competitive prices.
Thanks for the comment, Phil. I’m happy to have people add their own favorites to this article. It’s impossible to make everyone happy or be entirely comprhensive with a “Top Five” article.
As for the Tamron, I agree it’s an impressive lens. However, I tested the earlier 28-300mm VC version and although it was pretty good, I don’t think it’s better than the Canon or Nikon 18-200mm zooms, both of which I’ve used extensively. For what it’s worth, here’s a link to my Tamron 28-300mm VC lens review: http://www.photographyreview.com/reviews/blog/tamron-af28-300mm-f35-63-xr-di-vc-lens-review/
I sadly bought the Nikon 18-200 VR II hoping it would be a great lens considering they raised the price of the Pre by over $150, This IS a good general Purpose walk about lens but it is not Pro Glass.It has a Zoom Lock which sadly is only good at 18mm and if you don’t use it the lens creep is unbearable. I have sent this back to Nikon Twice to replace the rubber on the Zoom and focusing ring whic they replace free but I cannot use this Lens when it is going back and forth to them. The Lens hood requires gaffer tap to keep it on for just the slightest bump will knock it off. Considering the $849 + Tax I paid for it I wish I had bought something else. Live and Learn, but I hope my review will help someone else who just might consider this Lens. I wish I would have waited and bought the 28/300 VR they came out with this year. Maybe that one would stay together.
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