Which is better

Looking to get a cheap lens in the lower MM reange to fill the gap of my 70-300 lens. Which is a better lens the 18-55 F3.5-5.6 IS or the 24-85 F3.5-4.5? I would like the 18-55 but was thinking that the 24-85 would take nicer pictures. I will mainly be shooting my kids, trains and landscapes.

Any input will be helpful from anyone that has/had these lenses.

Ultimately I would like to get the 24-70 L but funds are low and I can manage with one of these till I get enough money.

Kevin

Why not try out the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8? It's priced very reasonably and produces nice sharp images. Not to mention it has a close focusing distance. I had it with my XT and it worked out very nicely.

^^ +1

the Tamron would also be better for shooting fast moving kids & its also slightly wider than the 18-55 & a lot wider than the 24-85 which would be ideal for landscapes & trains.

EOSBoy wrote in post #5949781
Why not try out the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8? It's priced very reasonably and produces nice sharp images. Not to mention it has a close focusing distance. I had it with my XT and it worked out very nicely.

Agreed,,brilliant little lens.. I've had mine a week now after some research.. Hasn't been off my 350D..
IMHO it will give the equivalent Canons a run for their money in terms of image quality and value for money..

Another vote for the 17-50 - a great performer. I think you would appreciate the wide end, too, as there's a noticeable difference between 17mm and 24mm. And the MFD is around 20", I believe, creating opportunities for you on the long end. Also, with the 24-85 you basically buying a 24-70 as your 70-300 is no slouch at the (for it) wide end.

+ 3 on the Tamron 17-50... I still love mine (until I get the 24-105L + 5D)

just be sure you understand that it is "buzzy" focusing motor.

I have not used the Tamron but i have owned the 24-85mm for about 9 years, nice sharp lens but not wide enough for a crop body, i debated selling it and still not sure but i have just today received a sigma 17-70 2.8/4.5 to replace it.

What's a 24-85? (never mind - I looked it up).

Between that and the 18-55 IS, I'd choose the 18-55 IS: cheaper, lighter, wider, and has IS.
As for image quality, I have no complaints about the 18-55 IS, and I've seen more praise than scorn from others posted here.

The suggested Tamron is also of high repute. Compared to the 18-55 IS it is more expensive, heavier and lacks IS, but it is faster, doesn't have a rotating front element, and is perhaps of better build quality.

Pointed towards the OP, the consumer lenses you've listed aren't bad but since they are directed towards the more affordable market they sacrifice build and image quality for the price. Another downside to both of those lenses are that they don't have constant apertures on both ends. This means you have to correct your exposure each time you zoom in or out completely. The Tamron is a constant aperture which is a plus. Though it is noisy and the focus ring moves, for the price it's hard to beat.

Thanks all for the great help. I have had Tamron before and I think I will look into that. I plan on buying and "L" but the funds & Wife will not allow it right now. I can probably swing the Tamron, so that is what I will aim for. I currently the 50 F/2.5 and the 75-300 so I am missing the low end and would be take more pictures right now but it becomes a pain trying to use the macro for everyday shooting.

can someone post a pic or to with the tamron?

Thanks again.

Kevn

Hulka wrote in post #5956467
can someone post a pic or to with the tamron?

Check the lens image archive sticky thread at the top of the forum. There's probably a link in that.

Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 archive https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=209580

Check out the reviews on www.photozone.de. Klaus does a good job and has sample pics on the last page of each review.

Yea, stupid me for got to scroll farther down the screen to go past the canon line up. I found the tamron one. It is a sharp lens. I will be picking one up in the near future.

Thanks for all the input.

Kevin