most compact ultrazoom lens for travel

[richard plumb]

can anyone recommend a nice lens that has a good range of zoom for a 40D? Ideally as compact as possible when packed. is 18-200 about the sweetspot for DSLR lenses?

Doen'st need to be fabulous quality (but not hideous either). Mainly something that could be used as a second lens for on holiday, or even as a walkaround.

cheap too if possible.

[jonnypb]

canon 55-250IS is a very nice lens. not the best build quality compared to others but the IQ is very good. also has the newer 4 stop IS. only thing is 55mm would probably not be wide enough for you if you're looking for a single lens solution

[richard plumb]

yeah, 55 not wide enough.

also worth bearing in mind I have the 24-105, so I'm still not sure whether the convenience and extra width/reach of an 18-200 or similar is worth it, or just stick with the 24-105?

[denno75uk]

I can't help but think that no 18-200 will match what you already have IQ wise, but I've seen loads of photos that a friend took with the Sigma 18-200 and they were fine. He now has the Nikon 18-200VR but the Sigma can also be had with OS now. Very practical I would imagine.

[brotchaq]

I'd quite like to hear opinions on this aswell - I've a Sony A200 and am considering the 28-200 also...

[richard plumb]

picked up a sigma 18-200 OS from LCE guildford yesterday for £250 (used). not a bad price and hopefully the convenience means I'll take it out and about more.

will probably pack the 24-105 as well, just in case

[Ikki]

I have had the Sigma 18-200mm for a few years now and have had great results from it, even one image published in What Digital Camera magazine. I have used it on both the KM 5D and now Sony A200 and I would recommend it as it is very compact and delivers good IQ. The OS version is a lot bigger.

The other lens to consider is the Tamron 18-250mm which has a very good performance and even longer reach. The only real downsides are that it costs more and the focusing is slow with 22 turns from close to infinity. The sigma 18-200mm lens has 10.5 turns from close to infinity and the Sony 18-250mm lens (a version of the Tamron 18-250mm lens) has about 11 turns from close to infinity.