[Dabhand16]

I'm getting just about to the limit of what I can cram into my MiniTrekker bag, and to my astonishment, it weighs in at about 8.5 kg with a tripod

I've been thinking about getting a decent bridge camera for holidays/traveling really light/keep-in-the-car etc. I don't want to spend too much, and my favoured tool would be the Fuji S9600 - available as a re-furb on the Fuji web-site for £169.99.

However - they are out of stock , and I guess they will be few and far between now. So, wait for the S100FS? That will take some time to come through, I suspect, and is a bit too dear for me to consider for my use. e-bay? - well that is an option.

After looking at the options, plan B is going to be:
Get a Sigma 18-200 and use my beloved D70s body. Found one for £185 from Purely Gadgets or £205 from Jessops just down the road (with a discount code). With luck they might price match the £185. (One-Stop £189) There are decent enough reviews around, and for the price I think it is the best option.

[JMitchell]

I've always thought about this option, but in the end decided not to compromise image quality after buying the 70-300, as with both that and the 18-200 it's never going to be that good. I'll just complain all day, with my fast short range teles

[silkstone]

I use the Tamron 18-200 as a 'travel lens', and really it does a very good job. On holiday last month we went for a 9-mile walk around the Isle of Lismore, and I took just the 30D and the 18-200 in a holster case. I know that some people load up a rucksack with everything, but that ain't my scene.

I'd challenge anyone to tell which pics were taken with the 18-200 and which with the Canon 17-40L. The Tamron is slightly prone to CA in high contrast situations, but that's easily corrected.

Not sure about the Sigma 18-200 - never tried it - but a lightweight all-in-one lens certainly appeals to me.

[JMitchell]

Originally Posted by silkstone

I know that some people load up a rucksack with everything, but that ain't my scene.

I spy with my large lens, something beginning with 'M', and ending in 'ark' (with something on his back that could start with 't' and end with 'ent')

Unfortunately didn't get any shots of it at Chatsworth

[Markulous]

Originally Posted by JMitchell

I'll just complain all day, with my fast short range teles

I'm not one to complain - and anyway the doctor says my hearing will return to normal in a week or two

Since my thinking is more prime than zoom, I'll probably continue to take everything. Anyway, half the reason I go for long forays into the countryside is to get/keep fit

[JMitchell]

Mark we posted at the same time, but you might wanna have a look at this again

[Markulous]

I did see but your lack of solid evidence (no shot) allows me say "Don't know what you mean?"

[JMitchell]

Well....actually.....

[silkstone]

I see he brought the truck along to carry it all.

[VinnyP]

I went the other way and whilst looking for a super zoom ended up with a bridge camera (Which I have just sold). I was pleasantly surprised. I did have a Nikon 18-200 for a short while and was disappointed but I can't comment on the Sigma.

I'd be interested to see how you get on. Are you going for the OS version because in a lot of situations I would find 200mm F6.3 on a crop body a challenge once I'd stopped it down a bit.

[AQ]

For a long time before I had my Canon 40d I had a Canon 2S bridge camera. I was very impressed with what was packed into such a small body . 12 times zoom and focusing down to less than 1 cm. I took that around the world with with me for my work visits especialy as taking a larger camera would not have been an option. It recently died

I intend to buy a replacement probably the S5 as it uses SD cards which I have and AA batteries that you can buy anywhere. Net prices see to be in the region of £220 .

I would seriously consider this route if i were you.