Decision on lens (for 70d)

Hey guys,

I'm about to buy the 70d and have been researching which lens to get. Of course, all of the lenses have pros/cons, but I'd love to hear some personal experiences with these lenses.

I'm considering the following:
- EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
- EF-S 18-135mm IS STM
- Sigma 17-70mm OS DC MACRO OS HSM (non Contemporary, the previous version)
- Tamron 17-50mm (non VC or VC)

Now, I have considered the more expensive Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 and the 17-70 Contemporary version, but that might be pushing my budget a bit. Here's what I've been able to gather up:

- The Kit lenses should be decent (but lower low light performance)
- The Sigma 17-70 has softness at the long end (50-70mm & f4.0)
- The Tamron would probably be the sharpest of the lot (non VC), but comes with slower focusing and noise. The VC version has the lowest optics out of the bunch.


I've also looked at the Canon 17-55mm, but that's too much over the budget with the 70d. If I were to even consider this, I'd probably have to get the 60d instead. Would that be better than a 70d with the above lenses mentioned?

I'm sorry if this question has been constantly asked, but help a newbie out? Thanks~

ky0ng wrote in post #16315774
I'm sorry if this question has been constantly asked, but help a newbie out? Thanks~

KYONG, ZIM SOGEN AND KYLON...theres no need to open up so many threads old mate...but since you've asked nicely I'll answer it for you....

In my opinion the BEST lens would be the 15 - 85...HANDS DOWN!!!

I owned it for two years and under all circumstances helped produce the best photos I've ever taken.

What I found great was that it was always sharp despite the aperture or zoom setting. I also found at full length it was tack sharp in all corners.

I reluctantly had to sell it to help fund my 5DMIII, however theres not a day go by when I wish I still had it for my backup (550D).

Good luck in your quest to find the perfect camera and lens....

Lone Rider wrote in post #16315827
KYONG, ZIM SOGEN AND KYLON...theres no need to open up so many threads old mate...but since you've asked nicely I'll answer it for you....

In my opinion the BEST lens would be the 15 - 85...HANDS DOWN!!!

I owned it for two years and under all circumstances helped produce the best photos I've ever taken.

What I found great was that it was always sharp despite the aperture or zoom setting. I also found at full length it was tack sharp in all corners.

I reluctantly had to sell it to help fund my 5DMIII, however theres not a day go by when I wish I still had it for my backup (550D).

Good luck in your quest to find the perfect camera and lens....

thank you so kindly~

ky0ng wrote in post #16315774
Hey guys,

I'm about to buy the 70d and have been researching which lens to get. Of course, all of the lenses have pros/cons, but I'd love to hear some personal experiences with these lenses.

I'm considering the following:
- EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
- EF-S 18-135mm IS STM
- Sigma 17-70mm OS DC MACRO OS HSM (non Contemporary, the previous version)
- Tamron 17-50mm (non VC or VC)

Now, I have considered the more expensive Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 and the 17-70 Contemporary version, but that might be pushing my budget a bit. Here's what I've been able to gather up:

- The Kit lenses should be decent (but lower low light performance)
- The Sigma 17-70 has softness at the long end (50-70mm & f4.0)
- The Tamron would probably be the sharpest of the lot (non VC), but comes with slower focusing and noise. The VC version has the lowest optics out of the bunch.


I've also looked at the Canon 17-55mm, but that's too much over the budget with the 70d. If I were to even consider this, I'd probably have to get the 60d instead. Would that be better than a 70d with the above lenses mentioned?

I'm sorry if this question has been constantly asked, but help a newbie out? Thanks~

depends on the budget but the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS HSM is good

If it comes down to the Canon 18-55mm consider as an alternative the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM. It is much better build quality than the Canon kit lens. Slightly more in price however since the Canon when bundled is vrry good price point.

Just bought the 70D with 18-135 as a kit. Very happy so far with both the camera and lens. When bought with the camera, the lens is only $350. Decent build quality (far better than the 18-55 lens), very good IQ (from what I've seen and read so far), great range, IS works well. Have shot with EF lenses since the days of film (so many years ago LOL). Reminds me of my 28-105 on my film cameras, good walk-around lens.

What are you going to shoot? The kit lens with the 70D is an STM lens, and that is supposed to be great for videos, though I dont have any experience with it. I am not sure where you got the information that the Tammy VC has the lowest optics of the bunch you mentioned - wherever it was, don't believe it.

ky0ng wrote in post #16316359
thank you so kindly~

You're welcome old mate....