Next lens purchase looming - care to help me choose?

I read several other threads, but no one asking was in exactly my boat, so I hope you don't mind another lens ? from a newbie!

I have the XTi and the kit 18-55mm lens. I also have the Canon 75-300mm lens from my parent's film rebel that they passed on to me, I'm not sure if it is inferior b/c it is from film, but it's worked okay so far.

For most general photography (I'm usually shooting active toddlers and younger children, indoor and outdoor) I want something with more reach than the 18-55 but need closer up than the 75-300. I'd like something with the smallest f/stop, preferably, because I like using shallow depths of field.

What lens would you recommend for my needs? I'd like to spend anywhere up to about $700 (if necessary) and I'm not opposed to buying secondhand if it is in great shape. Putting all my cards on the table, I have about $1300 saved up, but need/want to buy the 580EX flash and a good monopod for sports photography. One day I want to get a wide angle lens,but it is below my flash and other lens priorities.

Any thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated! I normally hand hold (tripods can't keep up with my kids )

I suggest 17-55 2.8 IS, You will not be disappointed.

17-55 mm is an AWSOME lens..I used my friends and it was amazing..but I'd never buy one as I'm looking to move to a Full sensor as soon as canon pull their finger out and launch the new 5d .

Instead, I went for the 24-70 mm 2.8 L lens. If youre looking for an exceptional tele-zoom, then any of the canon 70-200 mm flavours will be very hard to beat.

Invest in the very best possible glass you can afford.

I was thinking definitely sticking with zoom, just didn't know which ones to pick. Thanks for your input!

Correct me please if I'm misunderstanding, but wouldn't the 17-55mm have the same max zoom as my current 18-55 (even though it is superior with aperture?)

I was thinking something more along the lines 28-135 because of a review I read, but that is on the very high end of my budget. Would you think the 17-55 would be better than that for kids?

best deal going right now would be: 28-135?? Canon people are selling out of there 40D kits. They can be had for less than 300.00 NIB. It won't give you much for wide angle but you have your kit lens. Then maybe look for a 70-300 IS lens. You can sell your 75-300 to help fund it.

The 24-70 L surely is a great option. You will probably not need to go as wide as 17 mm for your photography description (toddlers, children), but the extra 20 mm on the long end will be useful.

You will need a flash at f/2.8 indoors, but 24-70 L + 580EX is over your budget. You may consider the 430EX or the sigma 24-70 instead to lower the price.

Or if you really want a shallow DoF, go for a prime

ashleynaugust wrote in post #5232039
I was thinking definitely sticking with zoom, just didn't know which ones to pick. Thanks for your input!

Then forget my comment about primes. I did not see your note until after I wrote my reply.

ashleynaugust wrote in post #5232061
Correct me please if I'm misunderstanding, but wouldn't the 17-55mm have the same max zoom as my current 18-55 (even though it is superior with aperture?)

I was thinking something more along the lines 28-135 because of a review I read, but that is on the very high end of my budget. Would you think the 17-55 would be better than that for kids?

The 28-135 is a good lens, but a bit slow for moving kids. A 2.8 lens (or faster) would be best, especially since you mentioned DoF.

Okay, thanks! Scratch the 28-135, that is exactly what I needed to know.

Fast is best, and I'd like to invest wisely because I don't want to regret getting one not good enough a year from now.

for a crop body I would take "THE" 17-55 f2.8 ef-s. You will get 2.8 plus IS! Price close to 1000.00. You must also consider you DOF. Your focus will be much more critical but your background will be more out of focus! You may consider some aftermarket lens since the 17-55 50% over your budget. Also it is not going to increase your range. I don't feel it would be in your best interest on your budget. It is considered "THE" lens to have if you can swing it.

I think the Tamron 28-75mm would be a great option for your situation, and come in WAY under your budget, so maybe even an 85mm f1.8 to go with it...

Whilst it's a different range to what you're referring too, I pondered for ages over a 70-200 f/4 with IS, or the f/2.8 without. Chose the latter, and have been 100% happy with that choice - the extra stop down to 2.8 plus the better bokeh, in my opinion, was absolutely the best choice. And, as I said in another post, the 2.8 can always go to 4, but the 4 will never go down to 2.8.

Pointerdixie-thank you! Your suggestion sounds good. Is the Tamron 28-75 acceptably good in comparison? Searching just now the price was very appealing.

How does it compare to your Sigma 24-60? I was just reviewing that thread and really liking what I saw.

The more I look the more I want, lol! I need to keep this simple and manageable. If I can get a decent one now for kids/portrait type stuff, I should be able to invest in the 70-200 IS next year, as that is more than I need now as far as zoom.

Look into the Sigma 17-70. It gives you more reach without sacrificing the short end.

Thanks for your input, Willstar. DoF is very important to me, so that is good to know.