Canon DSLR lens help needed

[r0bb86]

I'm in the market for a new general walk around lens.
I mainly take photos while traveling, business related subjects and family fun.

I am actually quite lost wether or not I should stick to an EF-S lens for the Rebel XTI or go with an EF lens. I've been searching around but can't quite get clear Pro's/Cons of an EF lens on a crop lens body?

I'm looking at the following...

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
Liking the focal length and Image Stabilization.
L-series build quality.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM
Reviews say it feels quite plastic/cheap. (definitely not L build quality)
Liking the f2.8 and Image Stabilization.
Focal length comes up a bit short?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
L-series build quality.
Liking the f2.8
Has no Image Stabilization but not even sure whether that plays are role with the F2.8

Any input would be greatly appreciated....

[GAtegs]

LOL @ Bliksem

I think the focal length of the 24-105 is PERFECT for a walk around lenth. As far as the aperture, you have to decide what sort of shooting you predominantly will be doing. Do you NEED to go down to 2.8 be it for lighting or for DOF? Or would it just be so that you can tell people you have a 2.8 lens? (I've seen a lot of people do it).

Another thing to be aware of is that an L-series is not done justice on the rebel bodies. I had a kit lens on an XSI as well as a 17-40 F4L and the picture quality difference certainly was there, it didn't look like a $500 difference. The quality of an L series lens really shows on the higher up prosumer level bodies.

[A.A]

the canon 24-70 2.8L is $1200... big and heavy...on a xti even with a battery grip on it feels retarded heavy, it is not a good walk around lens... but will make you look cool.

If I were you and wanted a good walk around lens, since you appear to only want canon glass, I would go with the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

if you are looking into sigma glass I have a good gear round-up here: sigma gear (http://kmpics.com/Photo-Gear.html) the top row is for ef-s 1.6 crops, the bottom gathering row is for FF cameras and 1.6 crops. I use the 17-70 2.8-4.5 as my walk around it is small, macro, wide, and has some reach... and $350=cheep.


I would seriously consider upgrading from the xti body... I moved to the xsi and noticed a huge difference in image quality using the same old glass.

The new 7d is what I have my sites set on (hovering around $1,500 body only) This camera will make it so you can have cheep glass and fast shutter speeds through high iso management. you wont need that expensive f2.8 glass to get fast shutter speeds.

[james]

ef and ef-s have no impact on a crop body. they both work. its the other way around that you worry. ef-s doesn't work on full frame. you will be fine with any of those.

[sleepys4]

I would look into the 24-105, I have had all of those at one point. That was my favorite to shoot with. I used that with my 40D. Also If you plan on buying your camera gear from best buy I have a good coupon, it saved me $230 last week.

[r0bb86]

Thanks for the input.

I went to go look at the t1i, just to feel the weight and size to compare to the xti.
Really liked the live view, even though I doubt I'll use it much as I try to stretch my battery life to the max. While I realize a full body has advantages, I do prefer the smaller and lighter to take with everywhere.
Haven't quite decided on it yet, but it just might be time to get one and maybe then venture with a new lens.

I'm not specifically set on only Canon lenses.
Its merely were I started looking as I'm more familiar with their specification abbreviations.
I briefly looked as Sigma and Tamron but got a little confused with their product specifications.

I really couldn't care less what people see me walking around with.
I really just want a quality made product that will last and cater to my needs.

Also, I've never used a f2.8, just figured the extra light could be welcomed in darker situations. Not that has ever really been a major issue in the past.

I didn't even see the Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM, it almost seems perfect for what I'm looking for and at a great price.

[r0bb86]

I would look into the 24-105, I have had all of those at one point. That was my favorite to shoot with. I used that with my 40D. Also If you plan on buying your camera gear from best buy I have a good coupon, it saved me $230 last week.
Yes, please forward that to me if you don't mind.
That will motivate me more to upgrade to a newer body.

[Jaimecbr900]

The 24-105 L is a great lens. I have it and love it. 24-70 L is also a great lens, but personally I like the 105 a little better. I like the IS and the F4 is not really an issue 90% of the time.

Look around. You can pick up either for relatively cheap online.

[Tarzanman]

I use the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 as my walk around lens. f/2.8 has its uses, but I usually pull out a f/1.8 prime if I need to get any serious low-light or action-freezing photos taken.

I have a (Tamron) 24-135mm f/3.5–5.6, but favor the 17-50 and 55-250 combination as both are small enough to keep in a cargo pants pocket while you are out and about.