Considering a new general-use lens

[Bassem]

Just wanted to know what you guys consider a good general-use lens?

I currently own the 18-55mm kit lens that came with my T2i, and a 55-250mm f/4-5.6 tele lens. I didn't exactly need a tele lens but I guess people who are new to dSLRs are just never satisfied with the range the kit lens offers. Still, I've been able to take some great shots that I would've never been able to take with my kit lens and while the range is great, optically, it's not that great, it is after all a 255$ lens. So, right now I'm considering the 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, mainly because of their optical quality and the AF system. I'm also getting the 50mm f/1.8 because I could really use a sharp lens, it will also help a lot in low light situations, especially since I don't have a proper flash.

I still need to take a look at the Sigmas, any recommendations?

Thanks!

[crazzy88ss]

Budget? Main uses (I guess if there's anything more specific than general-use), like outdoors, indoors, etc?

[remus_lupin]

I recommend getting NEITHER of those zooms, especially because you already have a variable aperture zoom lens. For now just buy things that have a constant aperture... a zoom if you can afford it, if not a prime like the 50 1.8 as you mention.

I would try out the 35 f/1.8 as well (or just that) if you don't have much to spend.

EDIT: just realized you are on canon, I am not as familiar with them and not sure if they have a 35 1.8 (the one I referred to is a nikon)

[Argote]

The 15-85 is supposed to be hands down better than the 17-85 so if you're going for either one of those go for the 15-85 (plus the added range is good).

I would try to replace the 18-55 with the 15-85, the 18-55 is really not worth that much when sold used in places like the US or UK, but since you are in Egypt you could have a case where (like in Mexico) you can sell it for a decent amount of money to fund your upgrade.

Asides from that, I'd give the 50/1.8 a try, if you like shooting landscapes and scenery you could also be interested in a wide angle lens. You can also get something like a Tamron 60/2 Macro or Tamron 90/2.8 Macro which could double as a portrait lens (on whichever range you prefer).

The 55-250 is not supposed to be that bad, I'm sure it'll show some CA (as most cheap teles do) but you can probably take care of that in post-processing.

Basically, the 18-55 would be your current "general purpose" lens, you can upgrade it with a 15-85 but you won't gain much in the sense of versatility (you'll get an improvement in optical and build quality though and a little on the wide end).

[Bassem]

Budget? Main uses (I guess if there's anything more specific than general-use), like outdoors, indoors, etc?

Mainly outdoors, I'll just use the 50mm when shooting indoors since I don't have a proper flash. I need something for outings/trips, something wide but with a short tele range.

I recommend getting NEITHER of those zooms, especially because you already have a variable aperture zoom lens. For now just buy things that have a constant aperture... a zoom if you can afford it, if not a prime like the 50 1.8 as you mention.

I would try out the 35 f/1.8 as well (or just that) if you don't have much to spend.

EDIT: just realized you are on canon, I am not as familiar with them and not sure if they have a 35 1.8 (the one I referred to is a nikon)

The only reason I'm considering the 15-85mm is because of its optical quality and the extra bit of range, I'd go for a constant aperture lens any day but I don't think I can afford one of those, not that the 15-85mm is cheap but still.

I'm definitely getting the 50mm f/1.8 either way, I just don't think I need a 35mm.

The 15-85 is supposed to be hands down better than the 17-85 so if you're going for either one of those go for the 15-85 (plus the added range is good).

I would try to replace the 18-55 with the 15-85, the 18-55 is really not worth that much when sold used in places like the US or UK, but since you are in Egypt you could have a case where (like in Mexico) you can sell it for a decent amount of money to fund your upgrade.

Asides from that, I'd give the 50/1.8 a try, if you like shooting landscapes and scenery you could also be interested in a wide angle lens. You can also get something like a Tamron 60/2 Macro or Tamron 90/2.8 Macro which could double as a portrait lens (on whichever range you prefer).

The 55-250 is not supposed to be that bad, I'm sure it'll show some CA (as most cheap teles do) but you can probably take care of that in post-processing.

Basically, the 18-55 would be your current "general purpose" lens, you can upgrade it with a 15-85 but you won't gain much in the sense of versatility (you'll get an improvement in optical and build quality though and a little on the wide end).

The 15-85 is definitely better but I just can't justify the price, especially since I'm replacing a 100$ kit lens. The extra range (on both ends) is definitely something I need, the build quality is also important for me but still. Plus, if I can afford the 15-85mm, I might as well look at the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM.

I'm not really interested in landscapes/scenery, even if I was, Egypt is not exactly the place for it.

[remus_lupin]

Mainly outdoors, I'll just use the 50mm when shooting indoors since I don't have a proper flash. I need something for outings/trips, something wide but with a short tele range.

I'm definitely getting the 50mm f/1.8 either way, I just don't think I need a 35mm.

I know I would not be able to use a 50mm indoors?... isn't that a bit long for indoor shooting? Take out your 18-55, zoom it to 50mm and keep it there inside, see if it is comfortable to shoot with, personally I think that is a bit long for indoors, on a crop sensor especially. But if works for you then (Y)

It's a tough decision I guess, because I guess if you want that short tele range the 50mm is going to work (not the 35) but... for indoor the 35 is probably better... but again, if it works for you then go for it :)

I just don't know the optical quality of canon's 35mm f/2.0

[Bassem]

I know I would not be able to use a 50mm indoors?... isn't that a bit long for indoor shooting? Take out your 18-55, zoom it to 50mm and keep it there inside, see if it is comfortable to shoot with, personally I think that is a bit long for indoors, on a crop sensor especially. But if works for you then (Y)

I already have, and it does. For me the 35mm is too wide, even on a crop sensor. I do need a proper flash though, but until I get one, that built-in flash stays off. :D

[Argote]

I know I would not be able to use a 50mm indoors?... isn't that a bit long for indoor shooting? Take out your 18-55, zoom it to 50mm and keep it there inside, see if it is comfortable to shoot with, personally I think that is a bit long for indoors, on a crop sensor especially. But if works for you then (Y)

I'll have to agree with this, that's why a 35/1.8 sounds like a better idea. I'm not sure if there's a Canon branded one (Nikon and Sony do have one), if not, there's always the Sigma 30/1.4 but it's more expensive.

The Tamron 60/2 I mentiond can pull triple duty as a Macro, a portrait lens and a low-light lens.

[zazbi]

Maybe try Tamron AF18-270mm. I think it has won some awards for being the best overall lens.

[remus_lupin]

I'll have to agree with this, that's why a 35/1.8 sounds like a better idea. I'm not sure if there's a Canon branded one (Nikon and Sony do have one), if not, there's always the Sigma 30/1.4 but it's more expensive.

The Tamron 60/2 I mentiond can pull triple duty as a Macro, a portrait lens and a low-light lens.

Yeah canon has a 35 f/2.0 and an expensive 35f/1.4L lens... looks like the 50mm is going to work well for him though

[Rob Veteran]

I love my 50mm F/1.8. It's so cheap for such a versatile piece of glass. Took this with it (and the T2i) the other day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/isrob/5487936634/

[Bassem]

I'll have to agree with this, that's why a 35/1.8 sounds like a better idea. I'm not sure if there's a Canon branded one (Nikon and Sony do have one), if not, there's always the Sigma 30/1.4 but it's more expensive.

The Tamron 60/2 I mentiond can pull triple duty as a Macro, a portrait lens and a low-light lens.

All I'm saying is I can use it indoors, it won't bother me. Yes, the 35mm is probably the better choice when it comes to shooting indoors but otherwise, it's too wide for me. Also, I'm definitely going to take a look at that Tamron. I don't think I'll be able to find one though. :/

I love my 50mm F/1.8. It's so cheap for such a versatile piece of glass. Took this with it (and the T2i) the other day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/isrob/5487936634/

This is exactly what I mean. Great picture, Rob. :)

[Bassem]

Maybe try Tamron AF18-270mm. I think it has won some awards for being the best overall lens.

I don't know about the lens but I definitely don't need anything that goes up to 270mm, lol. Plus, I don't think I'll be able to find a Tamron around here.

I'll see if I can find the 35mm f/2.0, maybe even try it on my T2i. It's either this or the 50mm for now. Still don't know about the 15-85mm, I just don't know if it's worth it.

[SojIrOu]

On the Sigma side, you could take a look at the 17-50 f/2.8, 17-70 f/2.8-4 and 24-70 f/2.8.

[Bassem]

On the Sigma side, you could take a look at the 17-50 f/2.8, 17-70 f/2.8-4 and 24-70 f/2.8.

I feel very limited at 50mm but the fixed aperture is definitely a plus for me, will be looking into that one. On the other hand, the 17-70mm is obviously superior to the 17-85mm Canon lens (the one with OS, of course), which is known to perform poorly at 17mm and suffers badly from CA. Not really sure how it holds up against the 15-85mm optically but the price of the Canon lens is a deal breaker for me, which is why I think I'll go with the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4. Thanks guys! :)

[Argote]

That's a popular choice, have fun with it. Oh, and sell your 18-55 in Egypt and I'm sure you'll be able to get a decent price for it.

[Bassem]

That's a popular choice, have fun with it. Oh, and sell your 18-55 in Egypt and I'm sure you'll be able to get a decent price for it.

I would but the zoom ring is a bit sluggish, don't think anyone would want to buy a poorly manufactured used kit lens. :D

[abysal]

I got my T2i not too long ago with the EF-S 18-55 kit lens and the EF-S 55-250mm. Soon after, I picked up the EF 50mm f/1.8, which is great to use in low light indoors, and also for great bokeh shots. I also picked up a EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro. These lenses pretty much satisfy everything I need to do. Although I'm looking for a wider angle lens, something around 15mm, maybe even wider, I like that crazy perspective you get with those. If I were to pick a general purpose lens and was rich, I'd go for the 24-70mm f/2.8 USM.

Most days I find my self using the inexpensive 50mm f/1.8 (I love this 100$ lens):

Although the 15-55mm kit lens isn't bad either:

[Bassem]

I got my T2i not too long ago with the EF-S 18-55 kit lens and the EF-S 55-250mm. Soon after, I picked up the EF 50mm f/1.8, which is great to use in low light indoors, and also for great bokeh shots. I also picked up a EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro. These lenses pretty much satisfy everything I need to do. Although I'm looking for a wider angle lens, something around 15mm, maybe even wider, I like that crazy perspective you get with those. If I were to pick a general purpose lens and was rich, I'd go for the 24-70mm f/2.8 USM.

<snipped>

Even if I could afford the 24-70mm f/2.8L, I don't think I'm "there" yet. I've read some great reviews about the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, great walkaround lens, and the price is great. So I think I'll stick with that one for now. :) I'm also going to pick up the 50mm next week, very excited! :D

I'm not really into landscapes and wider lenses in general but the crop factor is definitely going to be annoying at wider angles.

Great shots by the way! Love the cat one, very sharp, great lighting. :)