Walkround lens

Just returned from a trip to Canada and i have decided that i want new glass to replace the kit lens.

Just to make you aware, i have a 400d, the kit lens and a sigma 70-300mm lens at present.

I am primarily looking for a longer lens to replace the kit in my bag as i spent far too much time switching lenses for shots at around 70-100mm.

My main shooting is landscapes with family photos, occasional motorsports getting done occasionally.

I am not looking for L glass (heck i probably wouldnt notice the difference in image quality as im new to Dslr's and also im doing this for fun not profit).

My budget is around £400 (but cheaper is better).

Go with the Canon EF 28-135 F/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

Dont think that would be wide enough for me for landscapes.

With the crop factor taken in to account thats 45mm at the wide end as opposed to 29mm for the kit.

One vote for the Sigma 17-70, or, if you can live with 24 at the wide end, and it doesn't blow the budget, the 24-105 F4L IS.

What about the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 XR Di-II LD? From what I have seen it seems to be sharper than the Sigma 17-70 with less CA (sharper wide open than the 17-55 IS and Sigma 18-50 2.8 as well from what I have seen). Pretty good price on the Tamron as well, I've been eying getting one myself as a walkaround.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com …&CameraComp=9&F​LI=0&API=2

Take a look there for some comparisons between lenses, it's generally a good resource for pixel peeping.

I use a Sigma 18-200 on my 30D, and we sold my wife's Canon 28-135 in favor of another Sigma 18-200, this one OS (image stabilized), for her XTi. We're both very happy ...

xarqi wrote in post #4133442
One vote for the Sigma 17-70, or, if you can live with 24 at the wide end, and it doesn't blow the budget, the 24-105 F4L IS.

I know this lens doesn't get the press it should, but my little 28-105 is an awesome lens. You can get one for under $150 and it produces images that you'd expect from much more expensive glass. Very light and silent little lens as well. Might be a way to see if the 28 is wide enough before plunking down any serious loot.

The OP doesn't want to change lenses so much and wants wide, the 17-70 is a good lens and seems to be the right length (well, a little short) unfortunately there is really no choices for you that go from wide (on your crop) to 100mm. So....go get a 5D and the 24-105 and you will be happy... Think I saw the new a700 from Sony's kit lens is like a 16-105???? Wowsa, that would be sweet, but then you'd have to shoot Sony....and , well, IMHO that wouldn't be so sweet

Cheers

Choices are limited for your parameters: 17-85 IS, 24-105 IS, 17-70 Sigma and the 18-200 Sigma or 18-250 Tamron. The more versatile they are, the lower the IQ although IQ may be acceptable from all for your needs.

thatkatmat wrote in post #4133844
The OP doesn't want to change lenses so much and wants wide, the 17-70 is a good lens and seems to be the right length (well, a little short) unfortunately there is really no choices for you that go from wide (on your crop) to 100mm. So....go get a 5D and the 24-105 and you will be happy... Think I saw the new a700 from Sony's kit lens is like a 16-105???? Wowsa, that would be sweet, but then you'd have to shoot Sony....and , well, IMHO that wouldn't be so sweet

Cheers

I think that 17-70 is a lot short based on what the OP wants. Shots between 70 and 100 seemed to be the issue. Doesnt Sigma make an 18-125? Don't know anything about it but it fits the FL.

id go with the 28-135 .... oh and if you want one i have one ill sell haha ...

LA_Bob wrote in post #4133657
I use a Sigma 18-200 on my 30D, and we sold my wife's Canon 28-135 in favor of another Sigma 18-200, this one OS (image stabilized), for her XTi. We're both very happy ...

Ditto on this one. This covers the range you want and you won't have to swap and it's image stabelized.

For your price range I would look at the Sigma 17-70, Canon 17-85IS, Canon 28-135IS, or Sigma 18-200 OS. Or you can wait and save up, so you would not have to upgrade 6 months from now.

namasste wrote in post #4133864
I think that 17-70 is a lot short based on what the OP wants. Shots between 70 and 100 seemed to be the issue. Doesnt Sigma make an 18-125? Don't know anything about it but it fits the FL.

The Sigma 18-125 has a similar IQ to the Canon 28-105, as I had both. Fairly sharp colors but a little soft. Neither can hold a candle to the 24-105 f4/L though, in my opinion, and it is my walk around lens.

On a budget I go with the Canon 17-85IS. A great starter lens.

I adore my 24-105, but for motorsports you'll want a 2.8 aperature to stop action. It's heavy, but what about a sigma 28-75/2.8 or a sigma 24-70/2.8?

I'd also think beyond the next lens purchase into your future kit building, and based on what you say you like to photograph, I'd go the following, all fast lenses:

Sigma or Tamron 24-70 or 28-75 or Tamton 17-50
ONE DAY
Canon 70-200/4 or Sigma 70-200/2.8 (the older one every one seems to like)

If you need wide angle, keep your kit lens! I was all hot to replace mine, then I started measurebating the pictures I was taking with it, and discovered that to my amatuer eye, they weren't that bad at all. Pretty durn nice actually!