If only 2 lenses....which combo?

for a combo b-day/anniverary gift Im getting the rebel xt and hopefully 2 lenses (may have to save up some more for the second one). Here are some combos....which would you choose and why? Primarily for pix of my kids indoor (some in low light) and sometimes outdoor....with the occasional landscape, sunset etc.

--17-85 and 70-200 (could order the xt with the 17-85 as a "kit")

--sigma 17-70 and 70-200

--24-105 and 70-200

I like the price tag of the 70-200 f/4 but wonder if I should try and get the f/2.8IS version instead....

Also want to try the 50 prime.....and will get the 430 speedlite

Any thoughts or other suggestions?
thanks!

Of the ones you list, I guess the Sigma 17-70 and a 70-200, because although the 24-105 is undoubtedly a better lens, it won't be wide enough on a crop camera.

thanks...I can always add a lens later...just need to get a good starter package

what if I got the 18-55 kit lens (to cover the gap from 18-24)...would you then say 24-105 and 70-200?

if i was shooting on a 1.6 crop and could only have two lenses, i'd take the 17-55 f/2.8 IS and the 70-200 f/2.8 IS. if on a tighter budget, consider the 17-85 IS and 70-300 IS or 70-200 f/4.
fyi, the "baby-L" combo of the 17-40 f/4 and the 70-200 f/4, w/ the 50/1.8 mkII thrown in for speed, is a very popular setup, and it sounds like it might be in your price range.

12-24 tokina and the 28-300mm L.

For my needs, my 2 lenses combo: Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 and the Canon EF70-300IS (not the 75-300IS). Its the perfect combo for me, "sweetspot" between quality and price.

My ultimate combo would probably be EF-S 17-55 + 70-200L f2.8 IS, and i could probably afford it, but i have many other things to do with my money and i don't prioritize my lenses at the top of my spending list...(didn't not catch the Great White L Virus yet...)

quick question....between the 17-40 and 24-70....would you still choose the 17-40?

Id like to spend as little as possible but dont want to be buying and selling and buying new lenses...would like to get something I'll be happy with long term (seems like its the 17-55 and the 70-200 2.8...figures since they are $$$)....I just wonder if the 17-55 would be enough range for me for an everyday/walkaround lens or if the 24-105 would be better for that? thoughts?

thanks for all the suggestions!

on a 1.6 crop, i'd take the 17-40, because i prefer wide-angle. 24mm is simply not wide enough for me on a 1.6 crop.

i think id go for

17-40L and Canon MP-E 65mm

i dont normally need zoom as most is close up or standard length.. will get these lenses one day in the distant future

Check this post:https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=191712

But would I really need wide angle for pictures of the kids?

I vote EF-S 17-85 IS & EF 70-200 f4L.

I'll work from the long to the short: You will never be disappointed with the image quality of the 70-200 f4L. It will take a 1.4 teleconverter very well, and it is light and easy to carry. In my book it outranks every one of the xx-300 Canon zooms, even if you crop the image to get the same framing. Most folks that sell them do it to get a faster lens, not because of image quality. As for the other: The EF-S 17-85 IS is not a "dream" lens - it has some limitations. But for the money it is a great walkaround lens. It has better wide range than the 24-70 L or 24-105 L, and it is not a brick hanging off the end of the camera like a 24-70 L. The IS makes up for some of the speed of the Ls. If you can't afford the 17-55 f2.8L it is a good alternative.

My 2 cents.

Have Fun,

You might if they get some friends together and you want a group shot. Or if the whole family, aunts, uncles, Gramma & Pop-Pop gets together.

Have Fun,

Heck, just the kids alone is a group shot lol (there are 8 of them )

for the 70-200...will the f/4 perform well enough in low-light indoor conditions like recitals, plays etc and at soccer or basketball games? Or would I be better off selling one of the kids to fund the 2.8? I wont be able to use a tripod at these events if that makes a difference in your suggestions....
thanks!

Many people sell it because its big, white and (especially in the 2.8 versions) very heavy. For example, they're not going to be your "family vacation" lenses.

And, I think I'd add that many people end up selling them because they're hyped so relentlessly on these fora.

To the OP: what 2-lens set you get depends on how you're going to use them. If you don't know how you're going to use them, get one, and see how you use it. Then get another.