A good replacement for an EFS 18-55?

[mikster121]

I just recently moved up to DSLR's from my standard digital point-and-shoot cam. What I have now is a Canon 350D which had an 18-55 lens kit. I would really appreciate if someone could give me some advice on what Canon lense could replace my kit lense as an all-purpose kinda lense. The 18-55 doesn't quite fill the void, very limited in some areas. However, am not brave enough to go to those L lenses. So, i guess something that would cover wide shots as well as having a decent zoom capability and affordable!

Thanks.

[Liz]

You have a few options. Here are a few suggestions. I've included a Tamron because it's a nice lens, albeit not Canon.

Canon
17-85mm IS lens approx $599 - IS is good for low light....gives you about 3 stops
28-135 IS lens - approx $400

You might try 2 excellent primes - both small and with great optics
Canon 35mm/f2.0 for $229 and and Canon 50mm/f1.8 for $70

Tamron 28-75mm/f2.8 (all the way through) XR DI LD Aspherical $400

I'm sure others will give you more suggestions.

Liz

I just recently moved up to DSLR's from my standard digital point-and-shoot cam. What I have now is a Canon 350D which had an 18-55 lens kit. I would really appreciate if someone could give me some advice on what Canon lense could replace my kit lense as an all-purpose kinda lense. The 18-55 doesn't quite fill the void, very limited in some areas. However, am not brave enough to go to those L lenses. So, i guess something that would cover wide shots as well as having a decent zoom capability and affordable!

Thanks.

[paulnj]

"I guess something that would cover wide shots as well as having a decent zoom capability and affordable"

Liz suggested some great lenses, but Ithink she missed the WIDE/ tele issue

How about a 18-135 sigma? It won't be the BEST lens ever, but will perform as good, if not bet than, a 18-55 ;)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

You could also go with an all in one 18-200 by sigma/ tamron($399), but I personally would shy away myself. A range that broud is BEST covered by 2 lenses( 17-85/ 70-200)

Liz suggested a 28-135 IS, that would be a great all around lens WITH the 18-55 covering the WIDE ranges ;)

This is the 28-70 F2.8 I have. and I will put the image quality up against a sigma/ tamron any day ;) Obviously the lens isn't as good as a CANON lens in that range( $1000 more) , but it fills my needs quite well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

[mikster121]

Thanks for the advice. After reading your posts I went to the camera shop to check out your suggestions and i have to say, both lenses are great! (tried a couple of test shots in the shop)

Well, I'm quite torn between the 17-85 IS and the 28-135 IS... both are within my budget thus I can only afford to get one of them. Just to give you guys a background, a friend of mine sold me his SIGMA 70-300 APO for $85... so i guess my telephoto requirements is practically filled.

With that in mind, is it safe for me to get the 17-85 IS? With regards to image quality, is safe for me to assume that they're just the same?

Thanks

P.S. Got the 50mm f1.8.... very nice lens! Considering the price.

[paulnj]

Sounds to me like the 17-85 will fit your needs best ;)

[mikster121]

Great! Thanks so much for the advise. As a token of appreciation, allow me to send you and Liz a photo (using the 17-85 once I) of Manila.

[paulnj]

I assure you we both answered your question for the love of helping others achieve their goal!

I find your offer to be extremely nice!!

IF you honestly want to send me a print, PM me(click on my user name and send a PM to me) and I will give you my address. Honestly though, the fact that I could help(as other have done for me) was more than enough ;)

[mikster121]

Sounds like a plan.... i'll send something once I get the lens and take the first few photos with it.

Thanks