Debating between lenses

[TracyL1991]

We are leaving for Disney in December, a once in a lifetime trip. I think I need a new lens to go with this wonderful trip, don't I? lol
I have the kit lenses already, but would prefer a lens that gives me a better quality photo...so my choices are (at least until I change my mind again..lol)
17-55
17-40
17-85
I am leaning more towards the 17-55, mainly for the 2.8. I'm not just buying it for Disney, but just to have an everyday really good lens.
Is this a good idea?

Oh, I also have the nifty fifty and the 85.

 

[mom2rtk]

What camera do you have?

I use my Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS far more than any other lens.

When I was getting ready to upgrade to this lens I did a lot of research. Tamron and Sigma both make 2.8 lenses in this range. The Tamron is very well reveiwed here as being very sharp, better then the Sigma. Some will tell you that the version with image stabilization lost a bit of that sharpness though.

The only thing that held me back on the Tamron non VC was the loud focus motor. I was ready to buy it, but then someone linked a youtube clip so I could hear and it really was annoying. I ended up with the Canon version, which is quite expensive, but I have not regretted it a day. It's a great lens.

I love having the 2.8 IS. With that and the high ISO capability of my T2i I can get by in very low light situations I never could before......... without constantly changing lenses.

 

[TracyL1991]

I have the xsi. I was in the camera store today looking at the tamron version on this. Not sold on it yet. Really wanting the canon.

 

[mom2rtk]

I have the xsi. I was in the camera store today looking at the tamron version on this. Not sold on it yet. Really wanting the canon.

I really struggled with this decision. But I've been very happy with the Canon and haven't second-guessed myself a bit.

 

[TracyL1991]

What's funny is, that my Dad was in the store with me looking at it. Later on...I told him, it's like buying generic food instead of namebrand food. On some things its ok...but on others (like ketchup! ) it's not.
Thanks so much for your help!

 

[bob100]

We are leaving for Disney in December, a once in a lifetime trip. I think I need a new lens to go with this wonderful trip, don't I? lol
I have the kit lenses already, but would prefer a lens that gives me a better quality photo...so my choices are (at least until I change my mind again..lol)
17-55
17-40
17-85
I am leaning more towards the 17-55, mainly for the 2.8. I'm not just buying it for Disney, but just to have an everyday really good lens.
Is this a good idea?

Oh, I also have the nifty fifty and the 85.

take a look at the Sigma 17-50 2.8 EX DC OS HSM
just as good as the Canon but much less expensive !
www.photozone.de

 

[photo_chick]

We are leaving for Disney in December, a once in a lifetime trip. I think I need a new lens to go with this wonderful trip, don't I? lol
I have the kit lenses already, but would prefer a lens that gives me a better quality photo...so my choices are (at least until I change my mind again..lol)
17-55
17-40
17-85
I am leaning more towards the 17-55, mainly for the 2.8. I'm not just buying it for Disney, but just to have an everyday really good lens.
Is this a good idea?

Oh, I also have the nifty fifty and the 85.

Better glass may give you better clarity, sharpness and contrast but those things won't necessarily give you a better quality photo. And most kit lenses are quite capable of producing stunning images in the right hands.

So where exactly is your kit lens coming up short for you? Is there something specific? Knowing that should tell you what you need to look for in another lens or if it's something you need to improve on skills wise.

 

[TracyL1991]

Well, the 2.8 would really help out where there's not so much light. My daughter graduates this next year and I keep thinking how nice it would be for that too.

 

[MIDisFan]

Well, the 2.8 would really help out where there's not so much light. My daughter graduates this next year and I keep thinking how nice it would be for that too.

Just a thought on shooting graduation pictures. The 17-55 might not be well suited if your daughter has a large graduating class. I used my 70-200 2.8 IS II for the majority of the shots at my daughters graduation and just a few shots with a Tamron 17-50 non vc.

 

[mom2rtk]

Just a thought on shooting graduation pictures. The 17-55 might not be well suited if your daughter has a large graduating class. I used my 70-200 2.8 IS II for the majority of the shots at my daughters graduation and just a few shots with a Tamron 17-50 non vc.

I rented that lens for my son's graduation this past spring and really enjoyed using it. Carrying it.... not so much! Using it, sure! And I got the photos I wanted so I'll rent it again in 2 years when the next one graduates.

Regardless, I still love having a 2.8 walk-around lens. Coupled with the high ISO capabilities on most of today's DSLR's it makes a great combo.

 

[MIDisFan]

Regardless, I still love having a 2.8 walk-around lens. Coupled with the high ISO capabilities on most of today's DSLR's it makes a great combo.

I agree, my 17-50 is my most used lens. However, I never leave my 70-200 behind and use it every chance I get. It was a hefty investment, but well worth it.

 

[photo_chick]

Well, the 2.8 would really help out where there's not so much light. My daughter graduates this next year and I keep thinking how nice it would be for that too.

Faster apertures are nice for a walkaround for sure, just don't forget about the weight you're adding there. As far as the graduation... personally I'd be pulling out that 85mm you have over any of the lens choices you listed. Or renting a 70-200 f/2.8.

 

[TracyL1991]

I do love my 85. It was my first expensive lens, we have a bond, that lens and I. lol

 

[TracyL1991]

I'm on a different fence now....
Narrowed it down to the 24-70 or the 17-55. At least for today. Good thing I have time to decide!

 

[GrumpyGoat]

I'm on a different fence now....
Narrowed it down to the 24-70 or the 17-55. At least for today. Good thing I have time to decide!

Given the price of the 17-55 and the fact it will only fit a limited number of cameras in the Canon line-up, I'd take the money and apply it towards the 24-70. If you ever decide to go full frame, i.e. 5D series, the 24-70 will be a great lens, while the 17-55 won't even fit...

 

[WDWFigment]

I'd go with the 17-55mm.

 

[MIDisFan]

I'd go with the 17-55mm.

ITA. I started with a Tamron 28-75 and after purchasing the 17-50, I rarely used the 28-75. I hadn't used the 28-75 since purchasing the 70-200 so I sold it a few weeks ago on ebay.