Normally I don't do this, but... (advice for lens )

...I need some advice on a lens purchase. Usually I do all the research and know EXACTLY what I want, but I am a bit stumped.

I am planning my next lens purchase and want to pick up something for landscapes. I know your first thought is "well duh, buy an ultra-wide". It isn't that easy I am afraid. Currently I shoot my landscapes with the kit lens. It does fine for most stuff although occasionally I would like wider. My most used lens is the Tamron 28-75. This lens has been wide enough for most stuff and I just switch to the kit lens for landscapes and the occasional group shot. I have been thinking that a wider lens would be of great benefit now that my little girl is wandering around much more now. The Tammy can be a bit long indoors (at the wide end). 4mm won't cut it so I don't want the Sigma or Canon 24-70.

So I am stuck between the Sigma 10-20 (in addition to the Tamron, replacing the kit lens for the wide stuff) or the Tokina or Tamron 16/17-50 (replacing the Tamron and kit lens).

Money- Obviously this is a concern and replacing the 28-75 with a 16/17-50 lens would help with landscapes, walk-around, and indoor stuff while being the cheapest switch. In fact I could probably do this with little to no additional money between the Tammy and kit lens being sold.

Flexibility- My current setup works fine as I don't use the wide stuff as often as the normal view. So the Sigma 10-20 would sit in the bag most of the time. The 16/17-50 would get used a lot. The Sigma 10-20 would be wider and more fun for landscapes though. The gap from 50-70 wouldn't bother me much (I think).

Upgrades- I have no plans to go FF so this lens purchase would suit any future upgrades.

So what do you think?

I'd go Tamron 17-50 or given enough $, efs 17-55/2.8 IS

gasrocks wrote in post #2277376
I'd go Tamron 17-50 or given enough $, efs 17-55/2.8 IS

Could you elaborate on that any? The EF-S is too much money so it is out.

Keeper, if you read your first post on this again, I think you will realise that you have answered your question - you need one of the 16/17/18 - 50/55 f/2.8 zooms.

the most recent review I saw put the Sigma ahead of the Tamron based on build quality as the optics performed equally well. the pictures shown in the review showed negligible differences between 17 and 18mm. In addition in the UK at least the sigma is a fair chunk less expensive than the Tamron.

Mike, if the 1755IS is out, then either the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 Macro (now available at B&H) or the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. I think these are your best optical and bang for buck bets. Some might throw in the Sigma 17-70 but it's not constant f2.8.

Thanks for the help guys. A mint Sigma 10-20 popped up in the marketplace today so I jumped on it about 5 minutes ago. I figure if it doesn't pan out the way I hoped I can sell it and the Tamron to get the Toki or Tamron 16/17-50. I really do think I would enjoy a 16/17-50 lens but I also know I will have fun with the 10-20. I guess only time will tell.

Jojo, I love the 17-70 except for the variable aperture. The quality of pics that I have seen is great, but 4.5 for me is a little slow for a walkaround type lens.

That 10-20 sounds like a great buy - if you are looking for an UWA, this is the best value for sure. I wasn't considering used lenses when I read your first post - but would agree that this gives you the best overall coverage.
Enjoy!

steved110 wrote in post #2278165
That 10-20 sounds like a great buy - if you are looking for an UWA, this is the best value for sure. I wasn't considering used lenses when I read your first post - but would agree that this gives you the best overall coverage.
Enjoy!

Yeah I hope so. The only lenses I have bought new were my kit lens and 50 1.8. I don't mind used lenses. Cameras though are iffy.