Canon 500D, what to stick on the front.

Dave in Wales

Dave in Wales

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I'm considering a 500D and confusion reigns over what to stick on the front as a general purpose lens.

The beautiful Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is well beyond budget so I've narrowed it down a bit.

I'm not too bothered about speed.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS....kit lens.

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC

OR....Any suggestions.

I'm aware this must be old ground to most of you but what/why is your preference.

I'd also be interested to hear your comments on the macro capabilities please.
 
I am having a similar dilemma at the moment (but replacing my 'walkabout' lens on my 450D).

I wouldn't recommend the kit lens, 18-55mm. I have used that lens over the past year, and although its capable of some good photos, it isn't sharp at times, and the focus ring (if you use manual focus) is fiddly. Hence why I am replacing it.

I'm currently swaying towards either:

1. Tamron 17-50mm non-VC version (the VC version isn't getting as good reviews). This seems a popular choice and gets great reviews. I'm sure a lot of people on here will recommend it, it takes incredibly sharp photos.

2. Sigma 17-70mm non-OS version. Great range, good reviews, macro capabilities (slightly better than the Tammy).

I have tried both in a shop, and I preferred the Sigma. I will probably pick it up later today.

As for the other Canon you mentioned, 17-85mm, I did consider that at first but the reviews are not good and it apparently has a lot of distortion at each end of the range. It is also quite a bit more expensive than the Sigma or Tammy.
 
Very happy to reccomend the Siggy 17-70. Used one for ages on my 40D. Very sharp, not too heavy. Great Value for Money.
 
The good old "Nifty Fifty" 50mm f1.8 is cheap and extremely sharp.

And for macro can be used with extension tubes or cheap Ebay close up lenses (set of 4 cost about £15.00).

Or a good sharp zoom is the 28-135mm IS USM.
 
ecoleman said:
+1 for the Sigma 17-70 non IS. They have also release an IS version now.
Click to expand...

I popped into the local camera shop today, and they now don't have the Sigma 17-70mm non-OS version (the shop did phone Sigma UK, and they are expecting some more late Feb). However, they do stock the new OS version. I can't seem to find much online about this new version? Has anyone used it?
 
What sort of stuff are you planning on shooting with it?
You may not be bothered about speed now, but depending on your interests it may become important with time. Better to buy right now, rather than swapping kit later...
 
18-55 IS: Not worth upgrading to this one in my opinion
17-85 IS: If you can get a good used one for around £170 it is not a bad lens over 22mm
17-50 Tamron: Sharp but a bit short, if you do not mind it is the best choice in my opinion
17-70 Sigma: Good lens but it is neither a constant 2.8 nor it has any kind of image stabilization
 
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