Standard zoom with fastest AF motor?

I have a telephoto lens but sometimes I just don't feel like lugging it around on my lens, I'm looking for a standard zoom with a good and fast AF motor, I'm thinking of the 24-105 since I've heard its fast but what else is? I'd go for the 24-70 but its too far out of my price range, I'm looking to spend $650 max, used only, I cant afford a new one, any suggestions? thanks

I bought the 24-105 earlier this year, for use on my 7D as my standard zoom, and I really like it (it replaced my much-loved but slow focusing Tamron 28-75). It certainly has a fast AF motor and can cope with action shots very easily. It can be found within your price range these days, and is, IMHO, a real bargain. It's a very nice lens and will do a great job for you.

ceegee wrote in post #16434854
I bought the 24-105 earlier this year, for use on my 7D as my standard zoom, and I really like it (it replaced my much-loved but slow focusing Tamron 28-75). It certainly has a fast AF motor and can cope with action shots very easily. It can be found within your price range these days, and is, IMHO, a real bargain. It's a very nice lens and will do a great job for you.

Yeah, I' search this and craigslist every day looking for one, they don't hold their value too well considering what they go for, what kind of shooting have you done with the 24-105?

My 24-105 can keep up with my 2 year old. Well, as well as any lens can. Its much faster than my 50/1.4.

mike_d wrote in post #16434875
My 24-105 can keep up with my 2 year old. Well, as well as any lens can. Its much faster than my 50/1.4.

I'd be shooting biking action like this is from my telephoto

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/58399751@N04/9​773467056/

Cheap: EF 28-135 IS USM... can be found for $250 or less lightly used, sells new for around $450 + lens hood... IQ and performance are equal to 24-105, build and sealing are not as good as the L, but aren't bad.

Mid-priced: EF-S 15-85 IS USM, EF-S 17-55 IS USM (used), EF 24-105 IS USM (used)

Mid-high priced: EF 24-70/2.8 USM "Mark I" (used) or EF 24-70/4 IS USM

High priced: EF 24-70/2.8L USM Mark II

I haven't used any of them, so can't directly compare from personal experience, but Sigma "HSM" and Tamron "USD" lenses are supposed to have similar AF performance to Canon USM lenses. There are varous models... both "crop only" and full frame compatible.

amfoto1 wrote in post #16434888
Cheap: EF 28-135 IS USM (can be found for $250 or less lightly used, sells for around $450 new, + lens hood)

Mid-priced: EF-S 15-85 IS USM, EF-S 17-55 IS USM (used), EF 24-105 IS USM (used)

Mid-high priced: EF 24-70/2.8 USM "Mark I" (used) or EF 24-70/4 IS USM

High priced: EF 24-70/2.8L USM Mark II

I haven't used any of them, so can't directly compare from personal experience, but Sigma "HSM" and Tamron "USD" lenses are supposed to have similar AF performance to Canon USM lenses. There are varous models... both "crop only" and full frame compatible.

I haven't used any of them either, how much do the 24-70 mark I
s go for? I've only seen them for $900 +

I shoot all sorts of things with the 24-105; it's my "walk around" lens, too. Mostly landscape shots, some people/sports, some birds [with *really* cooperative subjects], etc; I find it to be a great, general purpose lens.

Since you're using the 7D, you might, also, look at the 15-85. It doesn't have the constant aperture of the 24-105, but is still a fantastic lens and also within the price range you're looking at.

There are also the 18-135 IS STM and 28-135 IS USM as options within that range, although, I cannot speak to them at all as I've never even mounted one of those to a body.

Snydremark wrote in post #16434910
I shoot all sorts of things with the 24-105; it's my "walk around" lens, too. Mostly landscape shots, some people/sports, some birds [with *really* cooperative subjects], etc; I find it to be a great, general purpose lens.

Since you're using the 7D, you might, also, look at the 15-85. It doesn't have the constant aperture of the 24-105, but is still a fantastic lens and also within the price range you're looking at.

There are also the 18-135 IS STM and 28-135 IS USM as options within that range, although, I cannot speak to them at all as I've never even mounted one of those to a body.

with my price range, I could probably pick up a used 24-105

jonathanheierle wrote in post #16434800
I have a telephoto lens but sometimes I just don't feel like lugging it around on my lens

I think if bringing the 70-200 around is a chore for you then any other L glass in the standard zoom range won't give you any weight savings.

joeblack2022 wrote in post #16435034
I think if bringing the 70-200 around is a chore for you then any other L glass in the standard zoom range won't give you any weight savings.

it's not the weight, it's really the size and the focal length

Standard zoom for a 7D? The 17-55, Canon has them refurb for $704...

jonathanheierle wrote in post #16434860
Yeah, I' search this and craigslist every day looking for one, they don't hold their value too well considering what they go for, what kind of shooting have you done with the 24-105?

Lots of stuff in my home studio, plus action shots with dogs. The snow pic below was from my first outing with the lens; the dog was running full speed towards me. The AF would be fine for the types of images you intend to shoot, and the additional focal length over and above the 17-55 range is very useful for action.

jonathanheierle wrote in post #16434800
I have a telephoto lens but sometimes I just don't feel like lugging it around on my lens, I'm looking for a standard zoom with a good and fast AF motor, ....

If I want to go light with a good zoom range and fast AF I take my 70-210 f3.5-4.5 USM.

I rented the 24-105 and found it to be a great lens. It is big, bulky and heavy though. The only reason I didnt buy it was because 24mm is not wide enough for my usage. Thus I bought the 15-85.