Canon 18-135 vs Sigma 18-125 OS or something else

[Hards80]

the problem with the tamron is the lack of image stab, and while superzooms are good on travel/convenience, they are not well suited to candid portraits in the park, the primary objective of the OP.

i think keeping your kit lens for when you need to go wide, and picking up one of the telephotos is the best option. for portraits the canon 70-200f4 and the sigma 50-150 are probably your best bet for the fast/steady max aperture, and image quality. though on a budget the 55-250is and 70-300is are good pieces of optics too.

[a-beginner]

I have the Sigma 18-125 OS and find it a very acceptable lens on my 500D. It is not as bad as the reviews paint it out to be.

Admitedly, it is a bit soft wide open at 18mm - then again, most zooms are like this wide open at extreme wide.

It is on my 500D most of the time - light and not too big.

I've used it inside a Church with flash and it turns out quite sharp photos.

You might want to go to a shop that will allow you to try it out so you can see for yourself how it performs.

[CynthiaK]

Thanks - just back from a camera shop trying lenses and the 70-200 was not as bad as I thought it would be in terms opf size and weight (but I am also not going to be able to drop it in my purse and go)! They had the 15-85 and it was great, BUT, I think it convinced me that I want something greater than 85 mm (I know, use my legs, not my lens, but still). They have some Sigmas coming in next week. Now off to check the lens rental!

[Hards80]

Originally Posted by a-beginner

I have the Sigma 18-125 OS and find it a very acceptable lens on my 500D. It is not as bad as the reviews paint it out to be.

Admitedly, it is a bit soft wide open at 18mm - then again, most zooms are like this wide open at extreme wide.

It is on my 500D most of the time - light and not too big.

I've used it inside a Church with flash and it turns out quite sharp photos.

You might want to go to a shop that will allow you to try it out so you can see for yourself how it performs.

these 18-125, 18-135s are fine general purpose lenses and travel lenses.

just not ideal for candid portraits is the main issue i believe.