The perfect walkaround lens

I just got a bonus at work which means I can buy a new lens for my XSI. Even though I have the money it doesn't mean I want to spend it all. So, giving the choice of the lenses in the Poll, which one would be the best quality walk-around lens for indoor and outdoor use that could capture my kids.

I am including Primes because for the price of the 17-55 or 24-105, I could also get a couple primes: 50 1.4 + 85 1.8, etc.

I voted other -- if you're considering the 17-55, go for the Sigma 17-50 instead. ~$300 cheaper brand new. Sounds like it'd be great for what you want to use it for.

Mistabernie wrote in post #13218550
I voted other -- if you're considering the 17-55, go for the Sigma 17-50 instead. ~$300 cheaper brand new. Sounds like it'd be great for what you want to use it for.

+1. I did and have not looked back. Luv my Siggy.

I voted other because I like the 17-70 OS as a walkaround. Good compromise between range and aperture.

Sigma 17-50

Sigma 17-50 OS HSM

The IQ of the Canon without the absurd price and with better build quality, a longer warranty, and smaller size.

I know it's heavy like a brick but I like the variety of focal lengths you get with the 24-105. I also have a 28-135 IS on loan I'm hoping to get back soon from my friend.

i voted for the 15-85, it's hard to beat for a walk around lens on a crop body.

If you want reach, 15-85. Great lens.

If you need mostly indoor/lower light, or aren't as concerned with reach, Sigma 17-50.

For a crop body? IMO the 17-55 hands down. Though I have never owned the Sigma 17-50, so I cant comment there.

I find most of my "walking around" is in daylight, 15-85 has been perfect for my style and like having the longer end.

17-55mm all the way for a cropped body. You would want the 17mm end for a walkaround lens.

iamatrix wrote in post #13218533
I just got a bonus at work which means I can buy a new lens for my XSI. Even though I have the money it doesn't mean I want to spend it all. So, giving the choice of the lenses in the Poll, which one would be the best quality walk-around lens for indoor and outdoor use that could capture my kids.

I think it comes down to whether you want the range of the 15-85 IS or the constant f2.8 of the 17-55 IS.

You'd actually do well to snag both the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS and the Sigma 30 f1.4 (for the same price as the 17-55 f2.8 IS alone).

Enjoy whatever you end up with.

I voted 15-85
Own it and want to see it win the poll!

LightRules wrote in post #13219083
You'd actually do well to snag both the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 OS and the Sigma 30 f1.4 (for the same price as the 17-55 f2.8 IS alone).

That right there is a fantastic idea.