What should be my first "real" lens

Hello, I recently upgraded my camera body from an XSI to a 60D and now its time for my first real lens. Right now I have the XSI kit lens (EF-S 18-55) and recently sold my 55-250. I am in the market for a new lens and just looking for a little advice on what to get. I shoot some kids sports (family) and then any other events I may be attending. In other words, I do this as a fun hobby.

Not sure the price range you want to spend, but a 70-200mm would be a great choice to go along with your 18-55mm. The 70-200mm f/4 IS or the new 70-200mm f/2.8 MkII IS would be excellent lenses.

Well, it depends what you are looking for and what your price range is. Also, are you looking for something to replace you 55-250 or looking for something more general purpose?

I will throw out some options.

50mm 1.4 - I use this lens a *lot* because it is great indoors without flash lens. Might be a little tight on a crop body though.
18-135mm STM - IF you are looking for a relatively inexpensive general purpose lens, this is a great choice. Lots of range and reasonable optical quality across the range. Not very fast but in this price range you are not going to get that.
17-55mm 2.8 - This is a nice lens and fast but not inexpensive. It also just gets you a better lens in the same range you already have.

I am assuming you are somewhat constrained on budget here. If not get yourself a 24-70 2.8L II, 70-200 2.8L II.

It would be helpful; to understand a little bit more about what you might be looking for.

What i'm thinking out (in a perfect world) Would be a 24-105 f4 is as well as a 70-200 f2.8. I forgot to mention that I also was give a 50mm 1.8 by a friend. So those 3 I think would be my best options. What is the difference between the I and II when it comes to the 70-200? Thanks for the replies!

Depends on how much you want to spend. Staying under $1000? I would say the 70-200 F4 IS. I can't find anything wrong with it whatsoever. But you said you sold your 55-250.. is because you don't nee anything longer than 55? Other choices - 17-55/2.8 - worlds better than your kit lens. If money is no object, then 70-200 F2.8 Mk 2..

Get a fast prime, like a 85 1.8

I sold the 55-250 to a lady on CL for $150 as I knew I would be upgrading to an L lens, I will need the length by this fall when activities start up again with the family.

Then you need a 70-200 F4 IS immediately.. unless you get a 70-200 F2.8

I got the F4 for the size and convenience. Maybe one day I'll get the F2.8, but I will never get rid of the F4. It is such a fantastic lens!

What kind of kids sports?

^Good point.. if it is indoor sports, then the F4 is not going to cut the mustard. Maybe the 70-200 F2.8 or a fast long prime may be the ticket.

Scrumhalf wrote in post #15860971
Then you need a 70-200 F4 IS immediately.. unless you get a 70-200 F2.8

I got the F4 for the size and convenience. Maybe one day I'll get the F2.8, but I will never get rid of the F4. It is such a fantastic lens!

I actually had a 70-200 f4 is that a friend of mine bought for me (I paid him back) off of a different site and it ended up having an issue with the manual focus. You could spin the manual focus ring and it wouldn't register or at least not at any speed faster than a slow one. Also, if you pointed it a larger than 30 degree incline the auto focus wouldn't work. I did some reading online and this apparently was a common issue so I returned it to the seller. Anyone heard of this?

NBEast wrote in post #15860980
What kind of kids sports?

You guys ever heard of Show choir? My little sister is in it and I take pictures of her. So yes some indoor with pretty low light. Also, some outdoor baseball.

Not mine... was the problem specific to a particular manufacturing batch or year? I know a couple of other people with the same lens I have and they love theirs.

Not sure on the date or batch as I sent it back. I liked it, twas sharp as a tack! But the focus issue looked to be a $200 fix which would have put the cost of the lens too high for what it was.

What is your price range? Are you only in the market for 1 lens? If you are only getting one lens, then the 24-105 may be the best compromise for IQ, speed, and a little range.