Zoom lens recommendation for Canon Rebel T4i

I'm currently in the same boat (metaphorically) having recently picked up a Canon 700D with the 18-55 STM kit lens.

I'm currently looking at the following:

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

CANON EF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS LENS

Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

I like all in one lenses because of their versatility, I became used to this style of lens from a long association with Fuji Bridge cameras and not having to tote a bag of lenses around is a huge plus especially when travelling.

The four lenses I listed above are what I have narrowed it down to. If you dont need a huge amount of reach then the 18-135 or 18-200 would work well. The 18-135 has an excellent reputation and is generally the most expensive.

The Tamron lens has been around for almost 10 years and has a respectable history as being a good if not stellar performer.

The Canon 55-250 STM lens, this is the latest model is an outstanding lens, rivalling some of the much more expensive L lenses in similar focal lengths. Its also rated as one of the better video telephoto lenses as well, with very good stabilisation and focus response.

I'm going with the Canon 55-250 STM lens due to the following:

1. Very good AF response.
2. Excellent optics for a consumer lens
3. Not too big or heavy ( lighter than the 18-135 )
4. STM focus means no rotating lens barrel.
5. Very little vignetting
6. Very little barrel & pincushion distortion.
7. Excellent colour and contrast response.
8. Excellent image stabilisation.

Theres a few minor things that that could be improved but they dont detract from the use or performance of the lens. As I'm now 64, weight in my camera bag takes on a much larger consideration than it used to. I dont mind toting around the 18-55 in my camera bag, you hardly know its there and from my days of using the 55-250 IS II version on my 650D, it was relatively rare for me to switch to 18-55, so my advice is go for the 55-250 for now and change later if you feel its necessary. As an added bonus the price new is less than the price of the other three lenses so you get a great lens and its the cheapest.

If size is more of a factor then try the Tamron, it may be more suitable.

http://akiwiretrospective.com/
Fuji HS20EXR,S5700
Canon 700D, EF-S 18 - 55 mm