Any higher quality lens than SAL18250?

[robintay]

Looking around for lens upgrading.
Any suggestions for higher quality lens than the SAL18250?
Budget is about $1.5k.
Sigma, Tamaron, Minolta is also fine.

 

[android17]

if u are looking for another with similar focal length, then probably not.

Else u can get CZ16-80, SAL16-105 and Minolta 28-135

these 3 lenses are affordable and sharper than the SAL18-250.

Just FYI, I have the 18-250 and CZ 16-80 currently.

Owned and sold away a 16-105, and used a 28-135 before, so these 4 lens are from my own experiences rather than reading some reports off the internet.

I now keeping the 18-250 for general walkabouts, and CZ16-80 for occasionas when I need a sharper lens. I feel its better this way, one lens for general purpose use, and one sharp lens for specific usage.

 

[xkingx]

Oh.. Then why sell away the 16-105 if it's sharper then the 18-250? Becoz of the focal length mah? Care to advise?

 

[robintay]

Thanks for the info. I guess I have to settle for the SAL18250 as that is the focal length I want.
The CZ is tempting with the sharper images, but I just hate to lug an extra lens to fill the gap.

 

[android17]

Oh.. Then why sell away the 16-105 if it's sharper then the 18-250? Becoz of the focal length mah? Care to advise?

there's no reason to keep the 16-105 for me

I use the 18-250 as a general walkabout lens, i bring it with me all the time. Yes due to the convenience of a versatile focal length, as well as a 18mm wide angel (wide enough for me anyway)

however when i go for events which i require better sharpness, I bring the 16-80.

Thus the 16-105 is not needed for me.

 

[android17]

Thanks for the info. I guess I have to settle for the SAL18250 as that is the focal length I want.
The CZ is tempting with the sharper images, but I just hate to lug an extra lens to fill the gap.

another option is to get a prime lens. A 18-250 and a prime lens combo works very well. Prime lens are usually very light too (depending on the focal length of cos).

U can determind which is the focal length u will wanna use most, then get a prime lens of that focal length to go along with ur 18-250.

 

[robintay]

I have a Minolta 50mm Prime for portrait.
Any idea what is the street price for the SAL18250?
Sony listed as $899.

Just stumbled upon the Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di LD IF Aspherical while searching.
Any bro have any experience with this lens and its price?

 

[toader]

Sigma18-250 lens. It is a better lens than the Sony one. Received TIPA award.

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2009/08/09/sigma-18-250mm-f3-5-6-3-dc-os-hsm/

 

[kelvinlin]

I have a Minolta 50mm Prime for portrait.
Any idea what is the street price for the SAL18250?
Sony listed as $899.

Just stumbled upon the Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di LD IF Aspherical while searching.
Any bro have any experience with this lens and its price?

tamron 28-300 is definitely not as sharp as sony 18-250 and price wise its cheaper ...

 

[Shafune]

I have a Minolta 50mm Prime for portrait.
Any idea what is the street price for the SAL18250?
Sony listed as $899.

Just stumbled upon the Tamron 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di LD IF Aspherical while searching.
Any bro have any experience with this lens and its price?

Street price for the SAL18250 ranges from $800 to $899 depending on shop. I just bought 1 recently at $802.

 

[robintay]

Thanks Bro for all the input and info.
After reading the Sigma 18-250mm review, looks like it is a winner for me.
Now to shop for best price.