Starting Lens for 30D

[InkZ]

Hey guys,

I've just bought a Canon 30D 2nd hand as my first DSLR with no lens. I eventually want to use it for aviation and motorsport photography, so eventually will be buying a 300mm + lens for that, but until the next event I want a general purpose walkabout lens for reasonable money.

Due to me not starting my new hobby yet I don't want to spend too much, but don't want to buy crap I'll want to ditch after 5 mins either.

I've found a Sigma 17-70mm for £216 new. There seems to be a lot of good reviews about this, saying it's a significant upgrade from a kit lens (which I don't have anyway). Is this still a good option to go for at this price point? Seems it should be fine for landscapes, portraits and some closeups.

There is so much to choose from I have literally spent hours researching what to buy first and now i'm sick of it lol. Don't want to click buy only to find this is an old lens that has now been superceeded.

Thanks for the help

 

[Eric Mc]

You won't go far wrong with a Sigma 17-70 for your first lens It's a very well thought of lens that can produce some stunning images...and it's a good focal length for a walkabout lens on a 30D

 

[marky_h]

Yep, agreed. I had one of the Sigma 17-70's as a walkaround with my 350D, and it's a lovely lens . Only minor downside is that it's not f/2.8 for long, but the bokeh is nice, and it produces lovely crisp images. Example shots:

 

[InkZ]

Thanks guys,

Jessops seem to have it fairly cheap (only £20 more than cheapest online place I can find with the 5% discount code) so going to wander down at lunchtime and pick it up