Which Lens 17-55 f/2.8

hi all,

i am interested in getting something like a 17-55mm lens with max aperture of 2.8.
wondering what options are available by brand, price, quality etc.
anyone got recommendations? open to other specs than what i listed.

cheers

Tamron 17-50 F2.8 for 400$
Tamron 17-50 F2.8 VC for 650$ available soon

canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS?

Approximately US $1,100 w/ Hood.

Sigma 18-50mm is about $400, but Sigma has been torn to shreds with a number of horror stories of back and front-focusing copies.

There's also Sigma 18-50/2.8 Macro to consider. I chose Tamron 17-50 over it largely due to reading some nasty feedback regarding Sigma's QC and customer service (or lack thereof). However if you do get a good Sigma it's supposedly just as good as Tamron, and has macro on top of it. That said, I am happy with my choice.