I am new to photography as a hobby so as I am discovering the effects caused by aperture, zoom, focal distance, an "all-in-on" lens makes it easy to bracket such settings.

The Tamron 15X zoom would be an ideal walking around lens, catching those unexpected images that seem to crop up every day. It would also be ideal for hikers and older folks where carring a bag full of lenses is just too much.

I own a Sigma 18-200 OS and love the range; the Tamrons have always been slow and noisy compared to the Sigmas. (I will never own another Tamron lens again!) However, they ALL seem somewhat soft compares to shorter range zooms.

The more zoom the better in a single lens. However, if it doesn't have image stabilization, I would prefer to wait until technology advanced to where I could have both features. The greater the zoom range, the more one needs image stabilization.

I like an “all-in-one"

With VR it is now possible to H Hold at very low speed i.e 30th @f16 at 300 = 450mm on D2X which is astonishing.

Zooms have their place, but when one needs the max in image sharpness a prime still can't be beaten.

Love the high zoom ratio lenses. Have 18-200 that I use exclusively. Wish for lower F stops. A high ratio with a constant 1.2 would be wonderful.

I've use a 20X for years; works excellent. It's on my old Sony.

In a situation where I can carry and change lenses, I prefer primes. Other than that, I try to select one zoom that will cover the focal lengths that I will need.

I had a 50-500mm Sigma, and while I appreciated the reach the lens provided, it was heavy, aperture varied and it was quite long, with no VR/IS. It was useful for nature work, though, so for me such lenses represent a viable possible addition to a collection of shorter zooms or primes. I sold my 50-500mm to get a 12-24mm f/4 and a 60mm macro and am happy with my decision.

I have one high ratio zoom lens(Nikon 18-200mm) that is used quite a bit. Recently I got a short ratio zoom (Nikon 24-70) and it just blew the 18-200 lens out of the water. The detail on the 18-200 tends to soften up after you move up past the 150mm mark, and really is never as sharp as the 24-70 at any focal length. If given the choice between one or the other, I would choose the 24-70, with a fixed 200mm or 300mm lens as a secondary lens. I really can not consider myself "conservative" if I prefer the shorter zoom lens, I just like to have quality and the shorter zoom lens provides a sharper image.

The all in one lens "lightens my load" considerably and it is also true that zoom quality is adequate for my needs which are amateur/non pro.

I would like to see a wide angle zoom, say from 10mm - 200mm to use with my Nikon D200. I have the 18mm - 200mm VR now, but the wider angle of a 10 - 12mm would be more appreciated.

These lenses have improved steadily. My Nikon 18-200 VR is a great walk-around lens. It's only "weakness" is at 200mm and it's still plenty sharp there. I have a Nikon 70-300 VR for times when I want more sharpness at the longer focal lengths, but I have no worries shooting with the 18-200 VR at 200mm most of the time.

I use a 170 to 500 zoom and 400mm for sports and marching band photos quite successfully.

The portability and versatility of 10X+ stabilized lenses is too much of an advantage to be ignored. Leave the heavy bag behind for outdoor work!

I have the 18-200 nikor and never leave home with out it.

I used to be all prime lenses. But over the last few years the quality of the high ratio lenses has improved so much that they can be used even for much more critical work than they used to.

I like not having to change lenses, so the long zoom with 18mm at the short end would work great.

I just purchased a Canon 55-250 mm zoom and used it from a ferry to see the New York City Falls. It is great!

I have been using a Canon 35-350 lens for years. Its the greatest all around lens! Combined with my 24-70 I can cover all that I need. My 70-200 2.8 sits in the bag!

Great lens for travel. The less to pack the better. The image stabilization is essential.

While I like the "all in one" versatility of my Nikon 18-200 VR lens, I am frequently disappointed in the lack of sharpness at 200mm.

I use a 18-200 as a walkabout lens, still am more comfortable with fast. 3X zooms for critical work.

an all in one lens allows me versatility in nature shots,scenic shots and close ups without disturbing the subject and changing lenses without missing an important shot. not to mention the burden of carrying a back pack full of lenses.

I find the Sigma 18/125 is a great zoom range on an APS C digital camera.

I'm happy with two lenses that cover 35mm equilivent to 24mm to 560mm, when used with 1.4 extender. Each lens is a four to one ratio.

The sharpness and clarity just isn't there yet with the "super zooms". The 70-200mm Canon L is about most I will go.

My latest is the most recent version of Tamron's 28-300; it is an excellent all-in-one for my Canons (40D and 450D).