EF-S Lens for travel?

I'm not too familiar with these lenses but my roommate was asking me for recommendations for a lens she could get for her vacation to Jordan.

I don't know much about these lenses but if someone could suggest a few, that would be great. Her budget is 500.

The only lens I can think of that I'd want is the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS but that's over her budget. Are there any *good* fairly wide, zoom, f/2.8 lenses out there? Sigma, Tamron?

Thanks in advanced. Like I said, I don't know much of the market for these lenses so any info would help.

Tamron 17-50 2.8 VC or non-VC

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …2&N=4293919655+​4294185281

Sigma 18-50

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_18_50mm_f_2_8_​EX_DC.html

You are describing the Tamron 17-50. Sharp, fairly wide, zoom, 2.8 and well under $500.

That Tamron looks like a great lens for her and with VC at just about 100 more, I'll try and convince her to go with that. Thanks!

How critical is the f/2.8 criterion?
I ask because there are a couple of other possibilities if that is relaxed. I'm thinking of the 17-85 IS USM and the new Sigma 17-70 OS, which I think are in budget.

xarqi wrote in post #9630058
How critical is the f/2.8 criterion?
I ask because there are a couple of other possibilities if that is relaxed. I'm thinking of the 17-85 IS USM and the new Sigma 17-70 OS, which I think are in budget.

+1 If constant 2.8 is not a huge deal the Sigmas are really nice for their HSM and OS.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …70mm_F2_8_4_DC_​Macro.html

2.8 is critical in that she has a couple kit zooms and is looking for something a little faster but still good for traveling.

MigsVuitton wrote in post #9630096
2.8 is critical in that she has a couple kit zooms and is looking for something a little faster but still good for traveling.

I'd say the Tamron 17-50 was the one then. Read up on the debate about the relative sharpness of the original versus the VC lens though - many recommend the non-VC!

However, if she will be photographing static/non-moving subjects, then the VC will be worth its weight in gold once the light starts to dim.

Sweet, thanks all. Recommended the Tamron!

Keep in mind, the sigma does pretty good macro work as well.