Which lens?

I'm fairly amatuer but ready to splurge on some lenses (not too much). I just ordered a 30D body and am ordering the 50mm f/1.4.

What I can't decide on is a standard zoom lens. My decision is between the 24-70mm f/2.8L USM ($1,158.35) and the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM ($516.83). I understand there is a $700-800 difference in price, but do I really need to spend it?

Here's what I want to be mostly shooting:
-indoor concerts
-family
-nature shots (day & night)
-weddings
-night image streaking (car lights, stars in desert, etc)

I'm no expert on f-stops but what I know is the 2.8 will give me better low-light performance for the concerts and nighttime shots. How does the other lens perform?

Any good advice would be greatly appreciated!!

I'd recommend you look at lenses in the 17-xx range, so the 1785 is one of them. The Sigma 1770 and 1850 and Tamron 1750 are also very well-liked. If it were me, choosing from what's out there right now, it would probably be the Tamron 1750. But I'm holding out for the Tokina 1650, which still might be a while.

For the low-light venues you're talking about, you might want to check out the 17-55 f2.8 IS instead.

RikWriter wrote in post #2748234
For the low-light venues you're talking about, you might want to check out the 17-55 f2.8 IS instead.

How did I miss that one?

You can get the 24-70 for 1075 like I did.

B&H # PSJAN07024

For concerts the f2.8 is the ticket, although 24-70 is VERY short for stage shots unless you're really close.

One of the happiest days in my life was when I got rid of my 17-85 EFS and reaplaced it with a 16-35 2.8L. If critically sharp photos are important to you, then IMO forget the 17-85. For me it was medicore at best.

Yes, Tamron 17-50/2.8 or given you have a little more to spend then the efs 17-55/2.8 IS.

Well, you are going to need more than one lens to do what you have in mind. But in the standard zoom range, I would suggest the Canon 17-55 F2.8 IS USM, as you have the funds. If you did not have the funds, I would then suggest the Tamron 17-50 F2.8.

I'd personally go for the 24-70mm,. I find it rare that I'm close enough to me subjects that the 24mm is not wide enough. I'd think that with the possible exception of weddings, this would be true based on your list of intended uses.

Thanks for all the input, I don't know how I missed it but I never noticed the 17-55 2.8 before. I think I'll get that one. Thanks!

Since you have an APS-C sensor, I would seriously consider going with the 17-55 2.8 IS. It's around the same price (if not cheaper) than the 24-70 2.8, and not only gives you 2.8 aperature, but IS as well. If you shoot wide-angle stuff, the 24-70 2.8 won't really suit you since you're working with a 1.6x crop factor.

17-55mm f2.8 is a fantastic choice.

U wont regret it at all