Wide/Standard zooms (for Canon)

[mangolicious]

Having just rekindled my photography habit, my most-used lens is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 mkII, which is great for portrait shots of my baby and other half. However, I'd like to back this up with more focal range to help provide some added context to my shots.

I'm in the market for a new or used wide/standard zoom lens, but not quite sure which one to go for. With a budget of up to £300, can anyone help with suggestions?

Lenses I've been considering:

• Canon EF-S 17-85 f/4.0-5.6 IS USM
• Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
• Sigma 17-70 mm f2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM (for Canon)
• Tamron AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Canon

I'm sure lots of you already own at least one of these, so which one would you recommend over the others - and why? Of course, if there are other lens options I've missed, I'd be interested to hear about them. I'd rather have a sharper IQ and forego build quality, than the other way round.

Cheers in advance!

 

[Percyprod]

Hi, I've had the Sigma 17-70mm and the Canon 17-85mm lenses. The Sigma developed a fault where after a few shots it would lock up, and I had to remove it from the camera to release it. The Canon was a much better lens, sharp and good contrast. I now have the Canon 15-85mm lens, and that is superb, only slight problem could be that it is rather slow, although the is helps. I would certainly recommend this lens.
Ray

 

[amtaylor]

I had the 17-85 and I liked it but there are better lenses. As mentioned above the 15-85 is better but out of the price range. My dad has the sigma 17-70 for his Sony and I would say is better than the Canon. The tamron is meant to be very good and has the constant aperture. If it were me I would decide whether the wider range or the faster lens is most important to what I shoot.