450d and 17-55 2.8 lens

Hi

I have a 450d with 17-85, nifty fifty and 70-300 lenses.

I am looking for lens upgrade and thinking about 17-55 or 24-70 f2.8.

My issue is I want improved low light indoor work without flash (I have a 430 EXII). Also to improve background blur bokeh and improve portrait work for family wedding/babies/events. I am also a keen walker and do a lot of landscape and the 17-85 is my bolt on lense. Small woman don't like to carry to much on a days hike.

Aware that 17-55 is great lens and has IS would meet a lot of needs. No intention of body upgrade at present. Do you think this is the best upgrade for me or should I have a very different plan.

thanks

I'm considering both lenses too.

17-55 and 24-70 depend on the distance of what you shoot. Scenery or group shots? Get the 17-55. Animals or people? Get the 24-70. I can say from experience the 24-70 is an amazingly sharp lens. I'm considering the 17-55 too, haven't played with one yet to see how sharp it really is.

Supposedly the 17-55 is a better fit for crop cameras than the 24-70. I don't know from experience but just what I have read from others who used both lenses on a crop camera.

On your camera the 24-70 is a "normal to telephoto" zoom -- it doesn't really have any "wide" angle to it. If you need telephoto more than wide+IS, go for it. Personally, I need wide angle, so I'd get the 17-55 (actually, I got the Tamron 17-50 for half the price and I love it.)

I just got the 17-55 on my crop. I havn't had much time to shoot with it b/c it came yesterday. But I'm really looking forward to it

I rented a 24-70 to use at an engagement party, it was sharp but there were some pictures that were slightly blurry when shooting and moving at the same time.

I have since rented the 17-55 numerous times and realized how helpful the IS has been for me when I am moving around and shooting at the same time. I really like this lens and the IQ of it. I will purchase a 17-55 IS. I shot this on a 40D & 7D. GL.


Also, The 17-55 is wider as the other person above stated. You need the wider view on a crop and the 24-70 did limit me as I had to go back further to get my shot. The 24-70 was heavier too.

Both lenses are quite heavy compared to the 17-85, with the 24-70 being noticeable heavier than the 17-55. This will throw off the handling on a smaller Rebel body like your 450D which means more camera shake and less handhold-ablility. The IS on the 17-55 will play a big factor in keeping low light performance at its best, it is also the sharper of the two upgrade options you listed. I would recommend getting a battery-grip if you don't already have one, as this will balance out the weight of the camera and make it easier to hold.

If you want to keep your kit small/light weight, maybe you should consider a fast prime like the Sigma 30mm or 50mm f/1.4?

I just recently purchased the 17-55 and I love it. On a crop camera I think its the best solution. Rent one if you have doubts about it. It isn't cheap but I think it's worth every penny.

Thanks All
I think its the 17-55. I have a battery grip which I don't use very often but good advice about balancing camera.
On Xmas list and family wedding in new year where I am sure it will get plenty of use.
Thanks again