Please recommend a good L 'walk around' lens

Hi there,

I'm currently using an EF-S 17-85 as my 'walk around' lens; walking around historic towns / villages etc with my wife, I prefer to travel as light as possible and don't carry additional lenses with me all the time.

While I get decent picture's from it, I get sharper, more pleasing shots from my other lenses.

My solution to this is to replace it with a new L lens...but I'm not sure which one to buy as a 'general' lens.

Any recommendations?

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=223495

I'd be very tempted by the 17-55 2.8 IS, it's not an L but IQ is very good from what i've seen, it can be had for around £660, less if you take advantage of our mate Kerso

If you don't mind losing 7mm at the wide end the 24-70 and 24-105 are great, each have their advantages and everyone will defend their choice to the death

I use a 17-40 as a walk around. I did use a 28-105 but I haven't really missed the long end (and have been pleased as can be about the wide). It's an excellent lens.

tsaraleksi wrote in post #2092526
I use a 17-40 as a walk around.

I second that..
17-40L the most affordable L lens and it is superb.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I'll have a look at the 24-105 L and 17-40 L. I'm visiting my sister in Texas for Christmas so I'll very likely purchase it over there and make it a present to myself; any recommendations for a reputable US-based online shop that I could get a good price from?

B&H

24-105. Can't beat that range.

Another 24-105L vote

Some people say......the 24-105f/4L is Great!
Even the 28-105f/3.5-4.5 II usm is very good for the price..it aint' no slouch.

Sigma just announced an 18-200MM HSM w/OS (same as IS in the Canon world) for the Canon EF mount. I am going to wait and see how the reviewers rate that lens...it is a great range for "walk around" purposes.

Col_M wrote in post #2092518
I'd be very tempted by the 17-55 2.8 IS, it's not an L but IQ is very good from what i've seen, it can be had for around £660, less if you take advantage of our mate Kerso

If you don't mind losing 7mm at the wide end the 24-70 and 24-705 are great, each have their advantages and everyone will defend their choice to the death

Assuming the IQ of the 24-705 is as good as with the 24-105, it must be the best walk around lens that exists

I'd reccommend the tamron 28-75mm or the canon 17-40mm

I like the Canon 24-105L, or the Tamron 17-50 2.8. Both are great but I like the reach of the 105 vs the wide of the 17 on the Tamron. Both of mine are very sharp.

I have the 17-40L. One of the most affordable "L" lenses you can buy. A great walk-around lens.

illy wrote in post #2092700
Assuming the IQ of the 24-705 is as good as with the 24-105, it must be the best walk around lens that exists

LOL edited