D5100 and Sigma 18-250MM with Macro lens for traveling
 

I know lots of people don't like super zoom lens but for traveling it is very easy on your neck.

Please visit the following for sample photos from this lens:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3691954...7633139886073/

The Sigma 18-250mm Macro is an improved version, probably the best super zoom on the market for $400. I have the older version which is not bad, but yours is better. Good choice!

JKA, nice set!

Yeah. Superzooms seem to have a bad rep. Which is too bad IMHO.

I've got the old Nikon 18-135mm that I picked up for a song, and for vacation, its the lens I use 80% of the time?

Of course I type this knowing that the reason I use it is because I'm usually chasing after my two girls and there is no time to change lenses. Just barely enough time to zoom to a reasonable focal length before they are running off doing something else. <grin>

I've got a case of LBA/CBA right now, so I'm making a list of stuff to sell. I thought about selling my superzoom, but I just can't do it. Even with all the CA and stuff. I'd rather have a bunch of keepers at a reasonable focal length and CA than having to keep saying, oh, I didn't get the shot because I had the wrong lens on. <grin>

Glen
:)

This is one of the worst superzoom lenses you can buy.

G'day all

Hi Krichton - thanks for your very detailed response explaining your point of view

JKA -
As someone whose pleasureable work takes him [& her] travelling for 8 months a year, I know the pleasures & extraordinary convenience of superzoom lenses

I have been using supersooms [10x zoom or more] for a decade now, and after all this time I have no desire at all to go back to short zooms or prime lenses. I am not saying here that there is no place for these lenses - it all comes down to "your 100%" ... what sort of stuff do you do/take? what sort of conditions do you have surrounding your photography? when travelling, what size & weight restrictions are imposed on you? and what sort of secure storage do you have for your gear?

I would say - "good on ya mate - enjoy it every day the sun shines"

Regards, Phil

Hi Krichton,
I did not see your response. Please kindly post it again.
For your information, I can live with all the short coming of this lens.
Thank you very much!

Thanks Phil!

I'd second what Glen and Phil suggest.
The convenience of a superzoom lens cannot be underestimated- aside from the "ready for any shot" convenience,it's also a lightweight/smaller option as opposed to carrying several lenses. I had a Tamron 18-270VR lens attached to a Canon 20D and loved it.
Yes,optically compromised at wide angle compared to a bespoke wide angle lens,but for travelling I think they make a great deal of sense- and in my opinion would consider them "good enough" across the board for most people...

I just went to your flickr page, and the pictures do indeed look good. This was not my experience with my sigma, which is why I just sold it. Not only was the zoom too stiff, but I don't think I took one truly tack sharp photo walking around the street with it irregardless of shutter speed.

Please also visit my Alaska's photo in May of this year.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/369195...7634200945884/.

Alaska
 

Stellar shots.

I use a Tamron 18-270mm VC with a D90...it is my travel lens. Compact, light and very good IQ so long as you stay in the middle of the aperture range (F/5.6-5/10). Today's super zooms are indeed super!