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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Horoscope Fish" data-source="post: 172729" data-attributes="member: 13090">I would have to know what glass you're considering letting go of before I could say I'd do the same thing or not. At one point I too thought there could be One Lens to Rule Them All and the 18-300 sure seemed to fit the bill. Then I used one for a couple days. Notice I said "used", not "bought". My opinion on the 18-300 is this...Is the 18-300 a good lens? Yes, it's a good lens. Is it a GREAT lens? No, not even. Distortion is pretty much ever-present, especially at the longest focal lengths and sharpness, while acceptable, was certainly not breathtaking by any stretch of the imagination. I also think you see a lot of positive reviews because if I had just dropped four-figures on a piece of glass I'd sure as hell be a tad biased in my appreciation for it too. In my experience with this lens (and I admit it was short) it was awesome having one lens and having the full-spectrum covered. Convenience out the whazoo! What I sacrificed with it was image quality and there's just no escaping that. It's easy to look at shot taken with the 18-300 and think it's pretty amazing. Right up until you put images up against it, side by side, from, say, the 70-300mm. I've simply come to learn that while the Big Zooms have their place, they're no replacement for a really rocket prime and that no matter what, there is always a trade off. Always. And for me, the 18-300 was too much of a compromise.I feel like I'm raining on your parade but if you can, I would ever so strongly suggest you rent one of these bad boys and try it out before letting go of what may be some superb primes that you may find yourself regretting letting go of AND dishing out a grand for the 18-300....</blockquote>

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