Considering replacing kit lens with canon ef s 17-85 IS lens but was wondering whether the Tamron 18-200 XR Di II might be a better choice. Im wanting a general purpose lens though it will be used for my wedding photos in the first instance

I've no idea about the Tamron but the EF-S 17-85 IS is an excellent walk around lens on a 1.6 crop factor camera. :thumb:

I've not long since replaced mine with the 24-105 L IS (already got the 17-40 L) so I've got one spare if you're interested?

Although I have a Nikon, not Canon, I seriously considered getting that Tamron 18-200.

It had good reviews and was loads cheaper than the Nikon equivalent.

I eventually went with the Nikon as my purse could just about afford it at the time. But the Tamron would have been my choice otherwise.

It saves all the faffing about changing lenses having a good range for wide angle and close-ups.

I have a 17-85mm Canon and use it for more than half my pictures. I have a 70-300mm for the longer stuff. That's the conventional way of doing things.

But I have to say that something like 18-200mm is tempting, if the compromises suit you. It's a personal choice. MissyC has taken some great pics with her Nikon super-zoom :) Sigma also has a similar lens coming out soon, with image stabilisation, but I'm surprised Canon has so far been quiet on this focal length range.

There's a chaper on choosing lenses in the Understaning Photography sticky at the top of this forum which explains the pros and cons.

Richard.

PS EDited to add link http://bbs.scoobynet.com/photography-360/543761-understanding-photography.html#post6159588

I had a Tamron 18-200 for about 2 days, and thats only because they don't open on Sundays. I bought it from the local London Camera Exchange, secondhand but boxed and guaranteed. It was rubbish. Soft & slow. Took it back and replaced it with a Tamron 28-300 which I keep as a lightweight get me out of trouble lens - carting round my Sigma 100-300 f4 isn't viable, so I leave that at home unless I know I'll need it.

If its being used for a wedding, especially your own, the Canon 17-85 IS is probably the better option.