For CANON SL1 (close-up and distant pictures)

Jock7 wrote:

As I'm an outdoors lover, I enjoy taking pictures of nature, birds, flowers, and incredible views of distant things. Therefor I like to have-take great pictures.

I used to have a Canon T3, with a 18-55 and a 55-250 lenses, and had the pleasure of having taken excellent pictures with this kit.

I do like to have long hourly walks, sometimes days, in mountains, woods, etc.

Im interested in the CANON SL1, cause its small, and doesn't weight much.

As I want to have a greater zoom range, than the CANON 55-200, but still want to have a lens that starts in the 18 range, my concern is which lens would give me better pictures, with a greater focal length?

SIGMA 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM

CANON EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM

SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

Or maybe any other suggestion.

Thanks

Roy Hill

Roy, as you likely know the superzoom lenses are a tradeoff of image quality for convenience. Generally the greater the zoom range the more compromised the lens. That said, I have only had the Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM from those you list. I liked it well enough for what it was. From your list it is the smallest and lightest so physically it would be the best match for your SL1 (also the least expensive). Currently you can pick up the Canon 18-200 at Canon's refurb store on sale for $349.99 which would match the Sigma price. Canon likely will have slightly better IQ but it of course has the shortest focal length. It is also the size and weight of the Sigma 18-300 and the costliest new ($699 vs 579 for 18-300). There is also a 16-300 Tamron out there, which is a newish lens and in this class.

There are comparison tests out there but I don't think there is going to be a noticeable difference among them; one will likely be a smidgen sharper while another AFs better, while another has a little better IS, etc. If I just had to have one, I guess I'd lean to the Sigma 18-250 due to price and size/weight. On my SL1 I really like the 18-135 STM for a walkaround. Very nice images and got it new white-boxed off ebay for $300.