Taking the plunge...

The boss (aka the wife got her raise, bonus, and it's my birthday tomorrow) gave me the thumbs on on my purchase. I'm about to hit the purchase button--either tonight or tomorrow morning on a 30D but I'm still unsure which lens to get. I just can't decide.

I narrowed it down to:

Canon 17-40 f/4L
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8
Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5

Something wide, somewhat of a zoom, ability to shoot in low light, in my budget and a good all-round/walk around lens. All three have great reviews, somewhat similiar in price. WHAT TO DO???

Take the plunge...and have a great time. As for lenses, why not try something a little longer than the lenses u have listed...especially the EF-s series, which will be better on the 30D, for the time being. One is the 10-22mm, another is the 17-55 EF-s IS ( I beleive). Though, all three that you are looking at will have a different FOV on the camera itself, unless the Sig & Tam are made for APS-C sensors. Or, just get the Kit lens, with the 30D, try it out, and see whether those focal lengths are something you would like to stick with. Perhaps, get a 50mm 1.8 II for 69-79 bucks, and try that one out too...sharp lens, for such a cheap price.

Regardless, have a good time...and hope your 'dreams' come true. Just remember to push the button...you can always rent good quality lenses, before purchase (www.lensrentals.com).

Forgot, I am definitely getting the Nifty Fifty. I had another question though...I live in Denver and we do get snow occassionally and I like taking pictures in the elements. What can/should I do to protect the camera--snow, different temperatures, etc.? Thanks!!!

17-55 f/2.8 IS is on the top of my "far future lenses" list along with the 24-70L and the 70-200. I just need one for now that will fit my needs and budget.

da_teacher wrote in post #2339275
The boss (aka the wife got her raise, bonus, and it's my birthday tomorrow) gave me the thumbs on on my purchase. I'm about to hit the purchase button--either tonight or tomorrow morning on a 30D but I'm still unsure which lens to get. I just can't decide.

I narrowed it down to:

Canon 17-40 f/4L
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8
Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5

Something wide, somewhat of a zoom, ability to shoot in low light, in my budget and a good all-round/walk around lens. All three have great reviews, somewhat similiar in price. WHAT TO DO???

Hey! It's my bday tomorrow too!

I just bought the 16-35L for my bday... the wife wouldn't go for that purchase for me, your a lucky guy!

I'd get the 17-40L personally... it's only 1 stop difference and it is truly a great lens. And, it's a CANON....

Personally I would get a Canon 10-22, I ended up selling my 17-40 for that lens.

But the 17-40 is my pick from your above list.

if low light is important... tammy for the win!
for versatility, then the sigma.
to be part of the kool kids club, the L

17-40 will give you a nice walk-around lens.

PS: Tell your wife that on behalf of all the husbands on this forum, she is #1 in our book

PhotoScout wrote in post #2340132
17-40 will give you a nice walk-around lens.

PS: Tell your wife that on behalf of all the husbands on this forum, she is #1 in our book

Ditto, I love my 17-40 it's a great lense with a nice range. Happy birthday to you guys and congrats on your purchase, whatever you decide.

Well, can't say enough about my 17-40 outdoors, but indoors, the f4 is going to require a flash. If you consider the 2.8 because of the light issue, okay, but if you take anything outside, the 17-40 is beautiful.

da_teacher wrote in post #2339562
Forgot, I am definitely getting the Nifty Fifty.

you are going to LOVE that 50mm.... check out what I did with the nifty fifty...and I just started with SLR a few days ago

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=246082

I haven't hit the button yet but I'm getting close. That 17-40 makes me drool but I'm leaning towards the Tammy for some reason but the Sigma does have a nice spark to it. I'll decide by morning.

Yah, the boss is good to me BUT I'm good to her too. I have my toys (electronics, car, etc.) and she has hers...Gucci, LV, Burberry--it all evens out guys!

Congrats! As for lenses....my vote goes to the 17-40 Canon from your list. I own one and it's a downright awesome lens.

I have the 20D and a 17-40. It is a good lens, but I do not recommend it. Since I got the 17-55 f/2.8 EF-S I never use the 17-40 on my 20D. Its only use is as a super wide angle on my film camera. The 17-55 is just a more useful lens on the 30D. The longer focal length makes it more useful as a walk around lens. The f/2.8 and IS allow you to shoot in poorer light conditons. If you get the 17-40 now you will regret the purchase later when you replace it with a more useful lens.

I don't know why you want to bother with the 50 f/1.8 either. It is a really cheaply made lens and does not have USM with full time manual focus. Image quality is very good, but no better than the 17-55. Unless you have a specific need where you need a 1.3 stop faster lens the 50/1.8 is not going to be that useful. Most people who have them tire of them quickly and either get a 50 f/1.4 or stop using a 50 mm prime altogether.

Sorry to rain on your parade, but I would hate to see you spend money on something you will want to replace before too long.

I have the Tamron 17-50 and it's a SHARP lens. It's also light weight and inexpensive than the Canon 17-40. With the money saved you could buy the Canon 10-22 lens.

I DID IT--the 30D is on its way!!!! I had no choice but to get the lens kit (Costco doesn't sell it body only) but I'm still agonzing over which lens to get. I'm 80% sure I'm going with the Tammy. Sigma still intrigues me because of the reach and the 'L' looks great and all but I don't think it's gonna do it for me in low light and I'm afraid if I start off with an 'L', I'll never go back to anything else. Not a good thing because from here on out, all my camera purchases are on me and not the boss!

30D on its way along with a 2g Ultra II card to start. Nifty fifty will be on its way soon as soon as I decide on my other lens. Bag? No bag yet--does anyone have the Canon backpack--200EG? I found it on Amazon.com for $31.94, free shipping.

We're finally getting snow in Denver--what to do when shooting in the elements? What to do when taking the camera back inside, ie, temperature differences.

Thanks everybody--I'll post some pics as soon as I get the camera!!!!