Camera Labs

I am looking to purchase the SAL 18200 instead of opting for the dual kit lens for the A300. Just wondering if there was a consensus on IQ and its useful range.

It's a good choice. The SAL 18 - 200 is no worse than the kit lens and you get the flexibility of going from wide angle to up close zooms in under a second. Such flexibility is the main reason why I'm saving up to buy either a Tamron 18 - 250 or the SAL 18 - 250 both of which have better quality than the kit lens and the SAL 18 - 200.

Unless you are really strapped for cash, I'd advise you to go for the 18 - 250 too. Everyone who has compared both lenses say that the 18 - 250 is a much better lens IQ wise and it only costs $50 more.

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PhilipGoh.com

That's helpful. Thanks much.

Hi TheHallpass,

May I just chip in to wish you a warm welcome to the CameraLabs forums. Good luck with your search.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi TheHallpass, welcome to the Camera Labs forum.
As pgtips wrote, the 18-250 not only gives you even more possibilities, the optical quality is also better. I don't know what the difference in price in your country is, but it's probably worth it.

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux

Up here the 18-200 is HALF the price of the 18-250

Good to know that they've dropped the prices.

18-200
18-250

When I was buying my camera, the 18 - 200 was £350 while the 18 - 250 was £400. That said, the Tamron 18 - 250 is much cheaper than the Sony 18 - 250 and is pretty much the same lens since the Sony is a repackaged Tamron. Go to a shop and try them out and see which one suits you best

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PhilipGoh.com

The prices are literally all over the map, in Canada its:

18/200 - $299
18/250 - $599 *

* the Tamron and Sony cost the same.

It's so much cheaper in Canada! The 18 - 200 at $299 is really really good value. That's almost half of what it costs in the UK.

I hate how British consumers are ripped off in every area compared to the rest of the world.

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PhilipGoh.com

Right now, at a respectable retailer, the 18-200 is 499, and the 18-250 is 549. Seeing as how I will need to save a while for either lens its good to know the better of the two.

I hadn't really considered the Tamron before. I guess I get hooked into the brand loyalty thing. Maybe I should consider it.

I haven't purchased the A300 yet. Everywhere is pushing the kit lens, and its hard to find "body only' on the 300. It just seemed a waste of $ to get the 18-70 if i was going to get the 18-250...and I know I could ebay, I'm just trying to make the best decision up front.

Hardest thing is..........I have been cameraless for almost a month now since selling my last.

The search continues............

[quote="TheHallpass"] I'm just trying to make the best decision up front.
quote]

Actually it’s not a bad deal, all these Kit lenses whether the Sony 18-70 or the Canon/Nikon 18-55 probably only cost about $50* when bought with the body.
So, as most people “file” the Kit lens once they get it and upgrade to better glass, the Kit comes in handy when you go to upgrade on you body years from now and take the good glass with you and put the Kit back on for re-sale.
The only decision that is important at first, is to make a call on the make of camera that you will be living with for a decade or more, as the good glass is seldom interchangeable between makes.
* based on Canadian prices

Beware that if you'd buy the body + kitlens and then want to sell the kitlens, you can't ask a whole lot of money for it because:
1. Lots of people sell their kitlens, at least, here in Holland they do.
2. If people buy a DSLR, they often get the kitlens with it from the shop, no need to buy a second one.
Best option would be to keep on looking for the body only, and get that 18-250mm with it!

- Bjorn -

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Street and documentary photographer | Google+ | Twitter | Blog | Tumblr

Leica M9-P (my article on Camera Labs) | Leica D-Lux 5 | 50mm Summilux