HELP! 18-135, 18-50 or 17-85?

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Iiyama

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Hello all. I know you know what its like you start off looking at one lens then....

Initially I wanted a longer range that the 450D kit lens. But then once I started reading I saw the variation in sharpness between the lenses. This then put many doubts in my head.

I would love the reach of the Canon 17-135 but worry about aperture and how I may not get the desired bokeh effect when taking head and shoulder shots or flowers.

I then considered the Sigma or Tamron 18-50 with a constant 2.8. This would be sharp and give better bokeh than the other lenses (Am I correct on this?) but little reach (I would have to use my legs and get closer to the subject!!)

My want is decent blurring of the background, ability to do some macro type shots of flowers and a decent reach. My budget sadly is under £300.

Any guidance appreciated.

My head hurts :):cuckoo::bonk:
 
I have the 18-135 and Im very happy with it, but I use it as a general walkabout lens. This lens does give nice bokeh though. For a shallow depth of field I have my 50mm 1.8 which gives great bokeh as well and this is a 3rd of the price of the 18-135 being a 50mm prime...

If its shallow DOF for portraits and flowers I'd recommend the Canon 50mm 1.8, you'll just need to get used to shooting with a prime but its fun!!
 
Thanks for that. I had a nifty fifty and sold it as I prefer zoom. So the 18-135 gives good bokeh?
 
It does, however I don't think I have a lot of shots uploaded onto Photobucket from this lens to demonstrate as I havn't had it long. I posted a few images from it here;

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=246187

...but these shots wernt taken with bokeh in mind!

For the same price you can get the Tamron 18-50 which has better IQ and of course is faster, however it doesnt have the reach or flexibilty of the 18-135 IS. That said, for what you need it for I cant see why you would need 135mm for portraits or flowers, which makes me think you'd be better off with the Tamron for the same price.
 
odd jim said:
It does, however I don't think I have a lot of shots uploaded onto Photobucket from this lens to demonstrate as I havn't had it long. I posted a few images from it here;

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=246187

...but these shots wernt taken with bokeh in mind!

For the same price you can get the Tamron 18-50 which has better IQ and of course is faster, however it doesnt have the reach or flexibilty of the 18-135 IS. That said, for what you need it for I cant see why you would need 135mm for portraits or flowers, which makes me think you'd be better off with the Tamron for the same price.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jim they are impressive. I think whatever I get I will wish I had got the other. I think I may go for the 18-135 and buy another nifty... then again...
 
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