18-200 Super zoom lenses are small but do they perform?

The newly released Canon 18-200 IS lens for the C format cameras like the new 50D has finally arrived. Many people have asked for a lens like this to compete with the Nikon version and Tamron versions. So how is it getting rated? My take on the reviews thus far are what I expected. The review sites tread lightly trying not to trash it, yet at the same time talk about the many problems inherent in a lens that tries to do everything. The results are more or less the same for Tamron and Nikon.

You just can't squeeze the optics and quality of multiple prime lenses, or even of several zooms into a single lens, make it light, fast, and sturdy. Quality and, in fact many things have to be compromised.

It really comes down to this: if you're an occasional shooter who is mostly concerned with convenience over quality, light weight and inexpensive over speed, longevity, weather resistance, and sharpness then it might be right for you. But I'd have to ask why did you get a SLR in the first place? 

If you really need a simple and easy camera that takes better than cheapo point and shoot cameras and allows the occasional creative control that comes with overriding automatic controls then you'd do yourself a huge favor in buying and advanced point and shoot, or what some like to call the advanced amateur or small quasi SLRs like the Canon PowerShot G19, SX10 IS or Nikon Coolpix P6000. There are cameras like these from Olympus, Pentax, Sony and others. They all work great have better than average lenses, and allow all the creative control you require in a lighter smaller camera.

These 18-200 lenses will always have problems one will be soft on the wide angle another on the telephoto side. Most will have Chromatic Abrasion issues, and on an on.

Save your money, buy a smaller advanced camera for vacations, hiking, and casual photography. And save you pennies up to get prime and pro level zooms. You will be amazed at the difference in quality, color, speed, and ultimately the overall higher quality image and sharpness your prints will display.

Given the choice I'll alway take an older lower resolution, camera body with a great lens than an expensive high end, high resolution camera with a cheap crapy lens. If you have a luxury BMW you don't get your tires for it at Goodwill and vise versa. Put a decent lens on that good SLR you've bought and it will always perform for you. 

Of coarse that is if you know what to do for good composition, lighting, and exposure, but thats another topic.