Is it worth it to upgrade my 18-55mm IS kit lens to the Tamron 17-50mm?

I'm not too fond of the build quality, especially with the wobbly focusing barrel of my 18-55mm IS kit lens that came with my XSi.

It seems like the Tamron 17-50mm is receiving great reviews for sharpness and contrast. And I can get i for $360 brand new from an authorized Tamaron retailer.

garycoleman wrote in post #6169998
I'm not too fond of the build quality, especially with the wobbly focusing barrel of my 18-55mm IS kit lens that came with my XSi.

It seems like the Tamron 17-50mm is receiving great reviews for sharpness and contrast. And I can get i for $360 brand new from an authorized Tamaron retailer.

Go for it, I did.

I'm not familiar with the Tamron lens, but the 18-55 IS kit lens is a great value lens.

If you can put up with the build quality, my preference would be to get the nifty fifty and a flash for about $360 or less.

I know this isn't what you're asking, but this is another option you may not have thought of...and in all honesty, an external flash can do wonders for your low-light photos!

no, I keep the good kit lens. Use the money for a prime lens instead.

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is a great lens...way, way better than the kit lens. I use it professionally all the time.

The Tamron is two stops faster over much of the range. That is a huge improvement. It is a well regarded lens on these forums.

nebula_42 wrote in post #6170397
Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is a great lens...way, way better than the kit lens. I use it professionally all the time.

I'm sure it is. But for someone with a pretty basic kit (the original poster has the XSi and the 18-55 IS Kit lens), my opinion is that spending the same money on a flash and the 50 f1.8 would prove to be more versatile

I say go for the Tammy. You will not regret it. It is light years ahead of the 18-55mm IS. In every way (Except IS, but who cares?

sol95 wrote in post #6170436
I'm sure it is. But for someone with a pretty basic kit (the original poster has the XSi and the 18-55 IS Kit lens), my opinion is that spending the same money on a flash and the 50 f1.8 would prove to be more versatile

Or better yet, get the Tamron 17-50 and a good flash

I started with the 50mm f/1.8 (only lens for 6 months) and after getting the Tamron 17-50, I rarely use the 50mm.

Yes it would be. Some say the Tammy 17-50 compares to the Canon 17-40.

blssdwlf wrote in post #6171665
Or better yet, get the Tamron 17-50 and a good flash

I started with the 50mm f/1.8 (only lens for 6 months) and after getting the Tamron 17-50, I rarely use the 50mm.

It's dependent on how one shoots really. I use my primes more than my 17-40 just for the fact that I shoot in low light. (also a partial dof junkie)

I would upgrade though.

garycoleman wrote in post #6169998
I'm not too fond of the build quality, especially with the wobbly focusing barrel of my 18-55mm IS kit lens that came with my XSi.

It seems like the Tamron 17-50mm is receiving great reviews for sharpness and contrast. And I can get i for $360 brand new from an authorized Tamaron retailer.

If build quality is your main gripe, then you'll need to get another lens. The 1750 is a good lens with fairly solid build and a nice step up overall. That said, the 1855 IS is a good lens for the money. Very good.

The focusing ring on my 18-55IS doesn't wobble at all like the nifty50...if there is excessive looseness in yours you might want to take it back to the store or contact Canon about it...