best lens?

For someone who with a budget of $500 and they could only have 1 all around lens, what would you suggest? Looking to upgrade from my 18-55mm

I'd say add a 50mm f/1.8 and a 55-250, that seems to be a popular choice around here. It will probably keep you under 500 USD as well.

Not really a one lens kit though.

When I go out for walks, shoot candids, city/ urban photography etc. I try to take just one lens. I always seem to take my 30/35mm prime and it works for me. My 17-40mm zoom is handy, but 30mm for your crop is a nice/normal frame of view and when the light goes dim, it is very handy if you don't have a flash with you.

If you really want a zoom to upgrade your 18-55mm, then a Tamron 17-50mm is a good choice as well as a used 17-40mm. 17-55mm is ultimately better for a crop, but you'll be over $500.

Sell all your lenses and go for a 17-55 of 15-85.

JelleVerherstraeten wrote in post #11154579
Sell all your lenses and go for a 17-55 of 15-85.

I second that. The 17-55mm lens is by far the sharpest lens (though expensive as $@&%) you will not be disappointed in IQ

I'd say the 17-55mm f/2.8 VC, which I just happened to be selling.... But seriously, I think everyone who has also used this lens will say its a great all around lens.

what are you not able to accomplish with your kit lens that you want to...

Uh, if you sell all ur lenses and add the 500, you can probably get the 24-105mm.

really nice, and it'll cover a giant range.

if not i'd just say to get the 18-200mm. I don't get why you would need so many lenses though (looks at ur signature) that cover the same focal lengths.

sell the 28-135, sell the 55-200, sell the 18-55
buy Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc and Canon 55-250IS

that price range from what I've been reading seems to be the Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc. I'm looking into getting it too.

There are so many people saying NOT to get the VC version cuz its sharper. Has anyone actually done side by side tests??

There is no such thing as one, single, best lens. In fact it sort of defeats the purpose of having a DSLR if you try to boil it down to just a single lens. The ability to change lenses to meet specific needs is what the cameras are all about!

You've already got a very good all-around lens... the 28-135 in your kit, according to your signature. That lens serves quite well as a normal to moderate telephoto on any crop sensor camera. Add a wide angle such as the $500 Tokina 12-24/4 and you'll have a neat, versatile two-lens kit. Canon EF-S 10-22 is good, too, but will run $700+ by the time you get the lens and the separate lens hood (a hood is included with the Tokina).

DreDaze wrote in post #11156296
what are you not able to accomplish with your kit lens that you want to...

Excellent question.

amfoto1 wrote in post #11156727
You've already got a very good all-around lens... the 28-135 in your kit, according to your signature. That lens serves quite well as a normal to moderate telephoto on any crop sensor camera.

With all due respect, I've found that performance with that lens is mediocre. Shots just seem to lack the "pop" that I've seen in other lenses. Native sharpness seems to be lacking, too.

If the OP can afford it, I'd recommend looking into the 15-85 IS. From what I have seen, the IQ with that lens is fantastic. It's not quite as long as the 28-135, but perhaps on a crop body the 85mm end would be good enough for general purpose.

DreDaze wrote in post #11156296
what are you not able to accomplish with your kit lens that you want to...

YES! This is the real question!