Which lens for Canon 70D general purpose use

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I am currently about to upgrade to a Canon 70D camera and would like your views on a suitable lens to leave on camera as a carry about. I currently own a 18-55 and 55-250 lens but would like to reduce changing lens unless for more specialised shots i.e macro or wildlife. No specific price limit. I've read various reviews but would appreciate some user reviews please. (Off to London next month and I am wanting to have made purchase by then).
Thanks in advance for responses
 
She didn't mention anything about greatness but did ask for something to replace an 18-55 and 55-250, which a 17-55 obviously doesn't do. There are a few options out there though, although I can't comment on their performance as I've never had a super zoom, such as the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS, Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD.
 
The 18-135mm STM version is pretty decent and fairly flexible but personally I'd just keep using what you have and keep the money for specialised lenses rather than trying to find that magic lens that does everything. It's a pain changing but personally I'd almost rather not take a pic than try to make do with the wrong lens for the job lol.
 
I see where this is going.

Something like those mentioned by Neil......

Jackwow said:
such as the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS, Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM and Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD.
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...........will certainly solve the problem of having to change lenses.

When you say 'carry about' what are you planning on shooting ?

'Carry About' does' imply a 'Walkabout' lens which tends to be a mid range (focal length) zoom rather than a 'superzoom' lens so the Canon EF-S 17-55 f2.8 is a fine suggestion.

Whilst not as fast as the 17-55, perhaps the Canon EF-S 15-85 lens would be a suitable blend of quality and focal range ?
 
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I got an 18-135 STM yesterday, not so much as a walkaround lens but more because I have someone wanting a video shoot doing soon. The STM version is certainly a step up in performance from the original 18-135 IS which I sold recently and the added benefit of silent focussing on video makes it a great lens for the price. I got mine at just over £200 and it was an unused kit lens, which is why I jumped for it.

The wife has a Tamron 18-270 PZD and that works surprisingly well on both her 650D and my 70D. It hasn't got the fast performance of a 17-55 f2.8 or the IQ of an L lens but for a holiday, day out, walkabout lens it's not bad at all.

Have a look through the 70D owners thread for plenty more recommendations for lenses and it will give you some examples to look at too.
 
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As above the STM means the lens is silent when focussing, important when recording video in live view. I have the 18-135mm and think it's fine for general use.
 
Thanks for replies. Apologies for not responding earlier (work commitments). I will respond to individual comments.
Landwomble: i had originally thought of this lens as i liked tbe idea of a faster 2.8 but had heard it is quite a clunky lens. What is IQ like?
Neil: lots of choices there but I have decided to stay with canon. I see you have both camera and 15-85 lens, how good are tbey together. I had tbought of going fu frame and if I had done I would have gone for 24-105 lens automatically so Feel this lens has possibilities.
Phil: thank you see above comments. If you have experience of these lens pleaSe comment. My use will be mainly landscape and buildings.
Etienne/Stuart/ omens. Have thought about 18-135 and I have seen some nice images on tbis site witb this lens. Not currently into video but never say never
I never thought I would dabble in wildlife...
I did try a 17-40L in a shop the other week whilst I had time to spare before a meeting. Although fast to focus, focal length didn't meet my needs.
Look forward to further responses. Off to check my own images now and see what my averave focal length haz been.
 
HeartandSoul said:
Neil: lots of choices there but I have decided to stay with canon. I see you have both camera and 15-85 lens, how good are tbey together. I had tbought of going fu frame and if I had done I would have gone for 24-105 lens automatically so Feel this lens has possibilities.
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I moved down to Jordan just after I got the 70D and due to work commitments I haven't really had a chance to try it with the 15-85, or any other lens. However I loved my previous 15-85 (which I sadly sold last year because I bought a 6D/24-105 combo, both of which I have since sold) on my 7D and will be very surprised if I don't love the 70D/15-85 combo. Being effectively a 24-136 lens on a crop body it really is a great combination of width and length plus great IQ.
 
+1 for 15-85mm - it was a great travel/ general lens when I had a 60d and I rarely found I needed anything longer, but really appreciated the additional width to 17/18mm. Now I have a 6d/ 24-105mm and find it a very similar focal range, except a little shorter at the long end.
 
After having reviewed a large proportion of my images and feel that I am swapping lens constantly. it appears my average focal length falls between 40-55, followed by 18-28 next. Only 1/8 th of shots are taken with my tele zoom. That has surprised me (n) . Now as I am thinking of the 15-85 I also factored this into my equation of shots within this focal length. This would give me little extra reach and would be beneficial but whether I feel it will be enough to purchase lens I am not sure yet. I am going to do a little more research on 17-55 2.8.
 
landwomble said:
What other great crop lens would you leave on a camera? Not an 18-135...
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Why not? I often use an 18-135 on my 50d, its a brilliant little lens.
 
HeartandSoul said:
Thanks for replies. Apologies for not responding earlier (work commitments). I will respond to individual comments.
Landwomble: i had originally thought of this lens as i liked tbe idea of a faster 2.8 but had heard it is quite a clunky lens. What is IQ like?
Click to expand...

Personally, I don't think you can find a better (non L class) all rounder than the 17-55 f2.8. Build quality is very good, IQ is is better than some L's and it's the perfect partner for for a crop body. I no longer use mine as I have a 6D now for my non wildlife stuff, but I just can't part with it, it's that good.
 
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