What lens help!

just wondering if you had £300 to spend on a good walk around lens what would you go for???

Phil

17-55/2.8 IS, if it's within budget, otherwise, keep saving.

I would go for a 28 F/1.8, used. I guess with some luck you should be able to find one for that price. It has the same FoV on your 450D as a 45 mm lens on FF, which essentially is a slightly short but perfect standard lens, FL-wise. And with USM and F/1.8 it is nothing to sneeze at otherwise either.

Alternatively, if not within budget, a 28 F/2.8 or 35 F/2, or if a slightly extended budget permits maybe the 24 F/2.8.

For a good standard zoom, I would continue saving, as xarqi indicates.

Kind regards, Wim

3 options are:
Sigma 17-70
Sigma 24-70 f/2.8
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8

The Sigma 17-70 that Mike has pointed out above here is a fine walk-around lens. I used this on my old 30D and couldn't find the first thing to complain about while using it. It served its purpose well, and would buy another if I went with another crop body but did not want to shell out the cash for a 17-55IS.