Good Everyday Walkaround Lens

[Roy Hobbs]

I plan on getting a 40D in a few days, body only. I came across this Sigma lens which appears pretty good on paper.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Can any one comment on this lens?? Or any other suggestion in the $500 or lower range

Thanks

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

I'm not a Canon guy, but that focal length is idea for general use, and the lens seems to be decently fast considering the price.

 

[Westside guy]

I have to wonder about that f/6.3 at the telephoto end. It's pretty slow; but won't that potentially cause autofocus issues (I thought cameras generally had trouble smaller than f/5.6)?

 

[Lovesong]

The sigma lens is OK, at best.

One question for you would be if you were planning on getting the 40D with the kit lens, or, if you were getting the body only.

If you're getting the kit lens, it is decent enough to walk around with, and another 5C's will get you the 70-200L f/4 (awesome lens).

If you are getting the body only, and are looking for an awesome walk around lens that you will have for several decades, I'd reach deep into those pockets, and spring for a 17-40 f/4 ($630).

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

I have to wonder about that f/6.3 at the telephoto end. It's pretty slow; but won't that potentially cause autofocus issues (I thought cameras generally had trouble smaller than f/5.6)?

I overlooked that. For 200mm, that does seem slow... Even my extremely low quality Quantaray 70-300 (received for free though, so for me it was a deal!) is faster at 300mm.

 

[66217]

I think a better option would be a lens with a shorter focal length that is faster. Do Canon has a 18-135 lens? Or even a 18-70 would suffice I think.

What do you intend to photograph?

...but won't that potentially cause autofocus issues (I thought cameras generally had trouble smaller than f/5.6)?

Why does this happens?

 

[Roy Hobbs]

OK I must have overlooked the slow 6.3 f the original lens I posted about.

I need to stick in the $550 range and I want to get a lens that would accomodate everything from taking snapshot of my daughter, some portraits and pictures while on vacation. I have a 70-300 Canon lens and a 18-55 kit lens. I was hoping for something that would be faster than these and cover the majority of the focal length they cover.

Kind of like this
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-17-85mm...5?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1198779606&sr=8-5

 

[terriyaki]

I think you'd be better off with the Tamron 17-50/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50/2.8.

Constant 2.8, IMHO, is much more versatile than the focal lengths a super zoom provides. Besides, you'll get some pretty nasty barrel distortion and pincushion distortion with that 18-200.

 

[BigJohno]

I have the sony 18-250 lens for my alpha 700. I love it. Its great because it does wide angle and tele photo in one lens. Great for traveling to.

 

[JFreak]

How about Sigma EX 30mm f/1.4 prime lens or a Sigma EX 50-150mm f/2.8 zoom? Those are pretty fast and sharp lenses.

 

[Roy Hobbs]

How about Sigma EX 30mm f/1.4 prime lens or a Sigma EX 50-150mm f/2.8 zoom? Those are pretty fast and sharp lenses.

Like I said I am trying to stick around $500, the Sigma EX 50-150 is over $1000

I am not looking for a prime lens, I am looking for a good everyday lens that has a wide focal range and is as fast and sharp as I can get for that price

 

[Edge100]

I just picked up the 17-40 F4L and I find that to be a perfect 'walkaround' lens on my 10D. Awesome, awesome quality to boot.

 

[taylorwilsdon]

Tamron 24-105mm weighs in at about $400
That might be a good choice. It has phenomenal reviews across the board (fredmiranda, etc)

 

[GoCubsGo]

Tamron 24-105mm weighs in at about $400
That might be a good choice. It has phenomenal reviews across the board (fredmiranda, etc)

Do you have a link to that lens? I thought only Canon made the 24-105mm but the price tag is nearly double what you quote. I have found a Tamron 28-105mm though. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[AndrewMorrell]

I have a Canon 24-105 that is a terrific walkaround lens. Costs around $250...

Here's a link.

 

[terriyaki]

I have a Canon 24-105 that is a terrific walkaround lens. Costs around $250...

Here's a link.

That's a 28-105.. not the 24-105.

 

[AndrewMorrell]

I stink ... Good catch - thanks.

 

[miloblithe]

If I was starting over, I'd think this would make a good walk around lens:

http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_1770_2845/index.htm

17-70 is a nice range, and it can do semi-macro (1:2.3). It's not constant aperture, but f/2.8-4.5 is about 2/3 of a stop faster than most kit lenses.

If you definitely want super-zoominess, the Tamron 18-250 has gotten great reviews:

http://photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/tamron_18250_3563_canon/index.htm