[MarkCaunt]

Hi all, I am after a standard lens roughly about 18 or 28 mm to 50mm.
Have one that came with camera but after using the the L series 400mm lens the quality of images on this lens is very poor.
Anyone suggest a lens that might fit my criteria?

Would have to fit a canon 30d camera.
Budget is low I guess. NOt more then £250. Just the best I can get for my money is what I am after.

Thanks in advance for any help. Really appreciated.

[alanrharris53]

I have had the sigma 17-70 for about 4 years and been very happy with it. There is a new version out with image stabilisation but I have the older one. the old version is £240 from Warehouse express, the new one around £600 but has constant f2.8.

Review here http://www.flickr.com/people/goldeeno/

[derekbez]

I like my Sigma 18-50mm 2.8. Current retail is a bit over £300 though I'm afraid. However I did see one in Jacobs shop window at London Bridge for ~£250 .... oh wait. You're in Scotland so that's not at all helpful to you.

Anyway, shop around you might find a bargain. Here's a link which will hopefully be useful in finding and comparing prices:
http://camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat5.html

[AndyMc]

Do you need one now.
A good lens will last you a lifetime. How about saving a up little longer. My Canon 17-40 was my first 'L' & is cracking. You might get hold of one second hand cheaper.
Just a thought.

[eastwood]

Tamron 17-50 f2.8 DiII, (for crop sensor only though, and should be roughly on par with the Sigma 18-50) around US$450 may be worth considering. I have used one and it is good. If you plan to upgrade your camera to 1.3 crop or full frame later, then Canon 17-40 may be the one.

[tjsimonsen]

Agree with Eastwood. I use a Tammy 17-50/2.8, and it's a cracking lens for the price!

Thomas

[Steve Babbs]

Originally Posted by alanrharris53

I have had the sigma 17-70 for about 4 years and been very happy with it. There is a new version out with image stabilisation but I have the older one. the old version is £240 from Warehouse express, the new one around £600 but has constant f2.8.

Review here http://www.flickr.com/people/goldeeno/

Second for this. I love it. Personally I don't feel the need for IS on this size lens.

[Freako]

I bought the Sigma 17-70 and am very happy with it, just done a wedding too

[GR Triever]

Is your kit lens non-IS or IS? There's a world of difference, with the IS version being much better. Having said that, I'd still save up for a 17-40L.

[MarkCaunt]

thanks everyone for your helpful advice. I do need it NOW unfortunately and cant justify over £500 at the moment so will have to put the Canon 17-40L on hold for now. :(
Thanks again been really helpful.