Which superzoom?

[kayakingRob]

On my Sony body I currently use a kit (18-70) and have a zoom (100-300) lens for more reach. I've not been very happy with my zoom lens, and have been thinking of upgrading it, but came across these two lenses which *might* suit my needs enough to replace both lenses and leave me with less to carry around.

Tamron 18-250 - http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/49664/show.html
£379

Tamron 18-200 - http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/27513/show.html
£169

I mainly shoot whitewater kayaking, so need a quick autofocus and good performance at a wide aperture with a fast shutter speed. Will either of these lenses produce results comparable to those that I have been getting with my kit lens? Is it worth spending the extra £200 on the 18-250, or will the cheaper 18-200 be ok? (I don't really need the extra length) Or should I just keep using the kit lens and maybe buy a 55-200 or 70-300 to replace my old zoom lens?

Opinions greatly valued, I've read a few reviews online, and it seems that the 18-250 is markedly better than the 18-200, and probably comparable at the lower end of the range to my kit lens?

I could perhaps justify to myself spending £379, but certainly couldn't spend any more than that. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[HoppyUK]

If you're unhappy with your 100-300, and given your priorities, I think you'll be even more unhappy with one of those superzooms. They are compromised in every area you've mentioned.

Upgrade the long zoom for a 70-300 or 70-200. Lots of choice. Get the best you can.

 

[Gary.D]

If you're unhappy with your 100-300, and given your priorities, I think you'll be even more unhappy with one of those superzooms. They are compromised in every area you've mentioned.

Upgrade the long zoom for a 70-300 or 70-200. Lots of choice. Get the best you can.

70-300mm is a cheaper option with better quality results.

 

[evo456]

Alternatively, you can sell what you have to raise the extra cash and buy:

Sony 18-55mm £105 (Optional if you are happy with the 18-70)

http://www.camerabox.co.uk/product.asp?productID=11096&gclid=CMPs2NqngJ8CFYIA4wodeheGHQ

Sony 55-200 £140

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-sony-55-200mm-f4-5-6-dt-lens.htm

Sony 50mm 1.8 £110 (£130- £20 cashback)

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/76287/show.html

Total £355, so you'll still get change from your £379! Don't get the 18-200 Tamron, focus is far too slow for what you want to use it for.

If you really want a superzoom, prob best to spend the extra bit and get the Sigma 18-250 HSM, which should be quick to focus with its own internal lens motor.£400

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy...-18-250mm-f3-5-6-3-DC-OS-HSM-Sony-Fit_1030320

 

[kayakingRob]

Thanks for the help!

evo456 - this actually sounds promising, especially as I already have a Minolta 50mm f/1.7

Gary.D and HoppyUK - I think that for most of my photography the 55-200mm might be a better choice than a 70-300mm.