What's a good walk-around lens?

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Hello!

I am looking to purchase a "walk around lens". Currently I have been considering the canon 17-85mm and Canon 15-85mm. Not really too concerned about telephoto extent as much of my work is based around the urban environment.

The The 17-55mm IS 2.8 is a very nice lens.But it will empty my bank account!!

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers,

James
 
I've not used it myself, but I've heard good things about the 18-135mm IS lens. It covers a pretty decent range and is meant to be a fairly good bit of glass. Falling that, how about something like the Sigma 17-70mm?
 
EF-S 15-85 is an excellent lens and has a decent wide end on a crop body.
 
I have the Tamron 17-50 and it's brilliant. Other will agree as it's a well regarded lens for an upgrade to the kit lens.
 
15-85 for general (very very nice, light, sharp lens). Tamron 17-50 NON VC for cheap f2.8 or Canon 17-55 if you want the ultimate f2.8. We settled on 15-85 as best GP walkabout as the IS really helps for low light static subjects
 
arad85 said:
You keeping it then? I thought you were going to send it back....
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Yeah, i have all the paperwork sorted to send it back to Amazon but now ive sold my 17-55IS ill be keeping it after all.

Im happy with the IQ and ive done so much pixel peeping that im convinced its a good copy so i might as well hang on to this one.

The only reason it was going back was i still had the 17-55IS. Now thats gone im a lot happier keeping the 15-85IS.
 
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I have to say I love my copy - it takes as good if not better photos than the 24-105 IMO....
 
arad85 said:
I have to say I love my copy - it takes as good if not better photos than the 24-105 IMO....
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Well thats not difficult :eek: :)

I had two copies and they focused perfectly but never seemed quite as sharp as my 17-55IS.

I always get paranoid when i buy a new lens, especially one that will be my main lens but i am happy with the 15-85IS.
I guess the longer a lens is out the more horror stories you read about but im happy to report my lens doesn't suffer any of them, other than the loose zoom, and even thats not really a problem.

Although im only a weekend shooter ive had some nice glass in the past, now i have a very basic, and fairly cheap set up, i dont really miss the L lenses (much).
These days i'll take convenience over the very top IQ.
 
PhotoSnapper said:
Hello!

I am looking to purchase a "walk around lens". Currently I have been considering the canon 17-85mm and Canon 15-85mm. Not really too concerned about telephoto extent as much of my work is based around the urban environment.

The The 17-55mm IS 2.8 is a very nice lens.But it will empty my bank account!!

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers,

James
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Or two primes 28mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.4 and a canon 10-22mm for wider landscape shots.....
 
PhotoSnapper said:
....oh before I forgot and purchase the lens, is it worth the extra cash for the image stabilized version?
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Generally the non IS is considered the better of the two lenses...
 
A 24-70mm is a very good all round lens for everyday use it depends on what type of photography your into but this type of lens is usually pretty good and covers a wide range of photography

:-)
 
shane1980 said:
A 24-70mm is a very good all round lens for everyday use it depends on what type of photography your into but this type of lens is usually pretty good and covers a wide range of photography

:-)
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Except it's not very wide for a crop body.
 
Personally I would get the stabilised version. Having owned the non VC and the Canon 17-55IS I have had more low light keepers due to IS.
Yes, the VC is not quite as sharp as the non VC (apparently) but you can find many fantastic images taken with this lens on line.
I bet at normal viewing or prints you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, yet you would probably be able to see any camera shake.

Just my thoughts.
 
i have to say, i love my kit lens of the 17-85is usm i bought with my 30D

Now on the 7D i'm starting to want more, but i've used it for years and love it!
 
Phil789 said:
Just a heads up, I am after the Tamron too and after much searching I found it for only £250 new (free delivery)! They are going for £220-230ish on ebay! I am not connected to this site by the way, just spotted what appears to be a bargain and thought I would pass it on :thumbs:

http://www.procamerashop.co.uk/product/Tamron_SP_AF_17-50mm_F%7C2.8_XR_Di_II_LD_Aspherical_IF_(Canon_Mount)_34625
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Just beware that these are grey imports. Nothing wrong with that i guess if your saving a few £, but i would check out the warranty situation first.
 
Really? Wasn't aware of that. Can't see anything on the site about it?

Many good reviews of this retailer online though!

Edit: From the Ts & Cs

"Product warranties
Most products come with a 12 month manufacturer warranty. Where a manufacturer warranty is not guaranteed, ProCameraShop warrants products for a period of 12 months from the date of receipt. Please note our in-house warranty will not cover any faults resulting from modifications, accidental damage, misuse or negligence on your part."
 
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