I currently have a Canon XSI with the Canon 18-55 IS kit lens. I'm looking to upgrade to something a little better but am having some trouble in figuring out if it’s worth it. The lens I'm considering is the Tamron 17-50 f2.8. I have read this lens is sharper and produces better color and contrast than the 18-55IS canon lens but is it enough if a difference to warrant upgrading? I tend to shoot inside a fair amount so the extra aperture is appealing especially since it stays at 2.8 throughout the whole zoom range.

Any suggestions or is there another lens I may have missed? I know people recommend the canon 17-55 f2.8 but it’s about twice the price of the Tamron and I'm looking to stay around $500.

I’m also looking to get something with a bit more reach than the kit lens. Any recommendations on what I can look at? Canon 55-250 perhaps?

Thanks for your help

 

You can't go wrong with the Tammy.

Here's a pic taken with the lens.

 

55-250's a pretty good lens other than the variable aperture. i really wish i could have used the tammy 17-50 f/2.8, it really is a good quality lens. for good inexpensive reach, check out the 70-300 IS or the 70-200 f/4 L (non IS). i've got the 70-200 and it's a really really good lens. check out some of my recent albums on my website:

jpmcgphotography.smugmug.com

only two lenses i'm really using right now are the 16-35 f/2.8 and the 70-200 f/4 L so you'll be able to tell which is which usually.

here's one of my new fav 70-200 shots ever from monday night:

 

"sharper and produces better color and contrast" are something normally not talked about with zoom lens but rather with prime lens. If you really want sharpness, color, contrast, less distortions (color and otherwise), and a fast lens even the cheaper fixed lens are going to out shoot those zooms costing a factor more. Less so now with the newer "wonder lens" but it still holds true.

I have a couple of zooms - a 10-20mm and an 18-200mm VR but also have fixed 10.5mm and 30mm f1.4 when I need higher quality glass. I need something in a fast 50mm now.

 

I just picked up the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. Best lens purchase ever. Some pics from here:

https://my350z.com/forum/photography...lden-hour.html

 

this is true but most of canon's primes other than the 50 f/1.8 and f/1.4 that are worth a damn are more than the zooms talked about above. i highly recommend everyone have at least the 50 f/1.8 it's so cheap it's a no brainer

 

if you're looking to get a little more reach I've got the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 and love it. I always here people talk about the Tamron 17-55 f2.8. maybe it's supposed to be a little sharper or something. but I'm quite happy with the 28-75 and it has good reviews too.

 

cannon 70-200 f4L. You can buy it new for 600 shipped. Great investment. If you want more of a carry around lens, that tamron 28-75 f2.8 is great. I hear good review of the cannon ..28-74 f2.8 (i think thats the range), but it'll cost you a pretty penny. However, it can be your all purpose lens.

 

I was hoping someone would mention this. Plus, for price, I think everyone should at least give it a shot. I love mine (even though i get funny looks now again cuz of its size compared to a 40D).

 

I actually have the 50 f1.8 which i love and use often but im looking to get something i can travel with and use as an all purpose lens which is why im asking for zoom lens recommendations. i was considering the tamron 28-75 as well however i feel like i would rather keep the 18-27 range and get a second longer range zoom in addition to it

Thanks for the recommendations everyone i will probably be picking up the tamron 17-50 soon and then looking into all the higher zoom lenses recommended

 

Get the tamron 17-50mm, it's a great lens.

 

awww adorable baby!