Best all around lens for XTi
 

Hi All,

Im in the market for a new all around lens for my Rebel XTi. Right now I have the 18-55 kit lens and the 100mm Macro. I'm looking for a replacement for the kit lens which really isnt cutting it. Something that will do better in low light.

I am looking at the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM. Being both of these lenses are not cheap, I want to make sure I make the right decision. I like the IS on the 17-55 and heard the glass is excellent even though its not an "L" lens. Does IS make that much of a difference? Am I better off skipping the IS and getting the better glass on the 24-70? To throw things off here, I was also looking at the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM but figured the other two lenses would be better in lower light situations although this lens would give me a wider range. Im really confused.

I basically want a great lens for around the house and for taking pics of my new baby and my tank. Something that will stay on the camera most of the time.

Any suggestions or first hand experience with any of the above lenses would be great.

Thanks

I'd recommend a Sigma 18-50mm EX DG 2.8 plus a Sigma 50-150mm EX HSM 2.8. Both are sharp and fast lenses.

But if you only need one lens, just get the Sigma 18-200mm EX OS.

I have the 17-55 F/2.8 IS and absolutely love it. I previously had the 24-105 F/4L and was never impressed with the quality as the pictures weren't that sharp if I shot wide open. I really don't think you are skimping on the quality of glass from the 24-70 if you go with the 17-55, it's one really impressive lens. And the IS on the lens makes a really large difference. I shoot a lot of low-light stuff and the lens has never failed me yet. Another thing to consider is the size of the 24-70 versus the 17-55, the 24-70 is a brick!

Rick is right about the 24-70 being heavy. I sold mine to get the 16-35 but ended up getting a different combo- Sigma 10-20 and Sigma 18-50. I shoot a lot of wide angles and the 24-70 is just too narrow for my 20D. I would have kept the 24-70 if I had a full frame.

The 24-70 copy was sharp but I don't miss it.

Thanks for the responses. I was leaning towards the 24-70 but if the thing weighs a ton, the 17-55 might be a better choice. I know I dont want to be carrying around a heavy lens if its not a telephoto. I think I might go with the 17-55 now....

That 10-20 Sigma is also on my wishlist but that is for a later date after I get this all around lens sorted out. :)

I guess I'll swing by B&H and take a look at both of them.

Thanks again!

Another thing that I didn't mention was that I didn't like the focal length of the 24-105/70 lenses. I find the 17-55 much more useful on a crop body since the 24mm seem to be too wide. About the Sigma 10-20, don't hesitate on that one either. It's another lens that is just plain fun to use :)

Thanks, that makes sense. I think Im gonna go with the 17-55 now. Actually it was your shots with the 10-20 Sigma that convinced me to go with that in the future as well. :)

I need a 2nd job......or pick less expensive hobbies.

I have the Tamron 17-50 2.8 XR and love it.

I've heard nothing but good things about the 17-55. Nice choice. I just bought the 50mm 1.4 myself. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but a 50mm 1.8 is a nice buy also at only $70.

Mike

I love the 24-70 but it [b]is[/b] a big heavy beast.

I figured I couldnt go wrong with either but with the plastic body of the XTi, it wouldnt exactly be balanced or comfortable around my neck with a few lbs. hanging off the front. :) I know with my macro lens, it makes the camera VERY front heavy but thats fine because its almost always used on a tripod. With the type of lens Im looking for now, I think the 17-55 is my best bet. Plus its a few bucks cheaper than the 24-70 so my wallet will thank me.

Thanks for the help guys. I will post some pics in a few days when I pickup the 17-55.

Happy Holidays!

Definitely.

With the XTi on that body you'd really want the battery grip to balance it out with the 24-70 attached.

I got the 17-55 a few days ago but finally had some time for a few shots today. The first three are with the 17-55 and the last few are with the 100mm Macro. I notice a little barrel distortion on the full tank shot but that was shot at 17mm so its kind of expected. Im new to DSLR so take it easy on me but Im very happy with how sharp this lens is. It blows away the kit lens!

17-55mm
[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1131.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1135-Edit.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1139-Edit.jpg[/IMG]

100mm Macro

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1166-Edit.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1152-Edit.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1149-Edit.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o266/gbannister/IMG_1144-Edit-2.jpg[/IMG]

Comments/critiques are welcome. I try to read other DSLR forums but none ever touch on aquarium photography so these were shot with setting Ive read here on RC.

Hi its Charles
 

I have the 30D, with the 100mm Macro. I love that lens. Best of luck.[IMG][IMG]http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x134/CHMIII/_MG_1207.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

i just purchased the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM for my XTi and am loving it. it's WAY better than the kit lense that my cameral came with. now i need to save up for a 100mm macro.

Nice Pipefish myusername.

The 100mm Macro is a must have for us reefers. The expense never ends! :)

d4a2n0k:
thank you.
I do love my 100mm Macro. it dos grate with portraits to.