Something to replace my Canon 18-55mm IS lens

pauljs

pauljs

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I'll start by apologising, it's another one of those "what's the best lens for quality and value" threads!

I'm looking to replace my Canon 18-55 IS kit lens for my 550D, and am getting lost with all the options, one minute it's the Tamron, then a Canon option, then maybe the Sigma option........and on and on in a never decreasing spiral of indecision.

I know I want constant f2.8, and understand on a zoom there probably will be some quality compromises at that aperture. I'm happy to purchase secondhand if required.

What would you recommend upto a cost of £300, or is there an absolute belter of lens that is a must have but costs more?

I would really appreciate some recommendations based upon experience.
 
What everyone else will probably suggest - the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non VC.

The constant aperture, roughly equivalent focal length replacement, within your budget.
 
What are you finding is wrong with the kit lens, apart from the constant aperture - what are your priorities?

The Tamron has great IQ and a lot of fans, but I personally couldn't live with the inferior focus motor compared to the much more expensive Canon 17-55 IS.
 
The 18-55 is ok, no particular issues with quality, particularly given it's cost. But I like to use natural light, and reduce DoF hence 2.8, and if I can improve image quality then all the better.
 
If you have the cash then the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 is the answer, I replaced my kit lens with this & have no regrets.
 
Hi Paul

If your budget is set to £300 then if you're buying new, it looks like it's the Tamron lens, as Phil says there are a lot of followers of the lens on here and if you have a quick search there are a few good threads on the lens...

If you're buying 2nd hand, then this brings the Sigma into your price range.

The Canon 17-55 is supposed to be a belter, but even 2nd hand, it's going to be at least a couple of hundred on top of your budget
 
Hey to all. I'm renting the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 from Lenses for Hire and it's a beast. Im putting it to the test this weekend for group portraiture.
It does seem to be the most desired lens in general.
I've see it for sale at £576 on eBay 2nd hand and 609 on MBP.
If I'm convinced by Monday I'm sure it will be a worthy investment one day soon.
 
Canon 28mm f1.8 or 35mm f2, small, light and cheap then take a couple of steps back or forward for your zoom.
 
Amazingly, Ken Rockwell doesn't like the 17-55 ;)

www.kenrockwell.com/17-55mm
Bad News:

1.) Expensive.

2.) Same nominal zoom range and performance as the $100 18-55mm. Sorry, but looking at the images from my 8MP and 10MP bodies I don't see any more sharpness, and I got more consistent autofocus accuracy with the 18-55mm.

3.) Doesn't focus as close as the $100 18-55mm.
Click to expand...
 
mrwaverley said:
Canon 28mm f1.8 or 35mm f2, small, light and cheap then take a couple of steps back or forward for your zoom.
Click to expand...

Yep, the jury is still out on the 17-55. I've had a good trial with it. I really loved the 85mm f/1.8 I rented the week before, it seemed to compliment my 60D compared to my 50mm.

Thanks to other poster for posting the Ken Rockwell review as well. :)
 
sorry to butt in but with the 28mm or 35mm ,the sigma 1.4 30mm seems popular too.I originally was thinking about getting the 17-55mm but i love the 50mm 1.8 and want something a bit wider and prime.

Paul have you considered a prime?
 
Thanks for the comments guys, to be honest the opinions offered are the routes I've been down in my own mind, which I then can't make up :).

I hadn't given the idea of primes a great deal of consideration, but now I have, and whilst in the future I may add a fast 35mm at the moment I'll stick with a standard range zoom.

So it appears at the moment that the Tamron has my vote, although if Ken Rockwell really dislikes the Canon, I may have to wait and save and buy that :D
 
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