Good Quality All-Purpose Lens

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Danny
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Hi all,

Just purchased a Canon 40D and I'm in the market for a good quality general purpose lens for no more than £400.

Got the kit lens but, as with most kit lenses, it's not really floating my boat.

Had my eye on a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 but was looking for something with a longer range for good shots of the kids football matches.

Any suggestions will be gratefuly received.

Cheers :thumbs:,

Danny.
 
Normally longer range means a compromise in quality.

Why not look at that 17-50mm and also a 55-250mm Canon lens. Combined they should be under budget.
 
I think you'll probably be best with two lenses, your suggested Tamron and maybe a Canon 55-250mm, which are excellent value for money given the quality they produce. These can be had around £100-120 secondhand on here, they regularly popup.

(Steve you beat me to it :))
 
I think Paul is correct... haha

Yeah not 5* but a lot better than using a shorter focal length and cropping. I've heard nothing but good things about its value for money.

I guess you don't have access to the classifieds yet... maybe eBay would be the answer.
 
Yeah you're right about the classifieds....maybe one day when I get my number of posts up to scratch :-)

Just to clarify I've seen a "Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens" on eBay from a great dealer who I've used a good few times, for £110. Is this the lens you were recommending?

Cheers.

Yes that is the one. I would like to point out I have never actually owned or used one.. I have just read nothing but good things.

I had intentions of going full frame when I bought my first telephoto lens and so went for one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EF-...ters_Lenses&hash=item27c68b03f5#ht_567wt_1396

But they are ancient (before I was born :lol:) and no stabilisation.
 
I do have a 55-250mm and IMHO is a great value little lens. My only real issue is it's limited max. aperture, but then thats why it's the price it is. There are MkI and MkII versions, the optics are the same, the only difference being cosmetic.
 
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Why do you want 2 lenses if it's literally for general purpose then why not look at a tamron 18-270 or sigma 18-250!! There in your budget!!
Just an idea!!
 
Why do you want 2 lenses if it's literally for general purpose then why not look at a tamron 18-270 or sigma 18-250!! There in your budget!!
Just an idea!!

As with everyone, he probably want's the best picture quality for his hard earned cash.

Canon 55-250mm vs Tamron 18-270mm (at their longest focal length)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=474&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=7&APIComp=1

I'd always prefer two lenses that perform better than a single one for the same price as them both.
 
mjb123 said:
Why do you want 2 lenses if it's literally for general purpose then why not look at a tamron 18-270 or sigma 18-250!! There in your budget!!
Just an idea!!

Well, not sure if this makes sense but I wanted the Tamron 17-55 for the constant 2.8 factor. Then an (albeit lesser quality) lens with a bigger reach. Whilst still remaining in my rigid budget.
 
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