Looking to upgrade from Canon 18-55mm kit lens

[SunderlandPhotography]

I'm thinking about upgrading my 18-55mm kit lens to something else.

I'm wanting a zoom lens which starts at around 18mm. I already have a wide angle lens (a Sigma 10-20mm), so don't want anything too extreme that falls way below 18mm.

I'm wanting IS, although I'm not particularly sure about if I need it for the type of photography I do.

I use the kit lens for mostly landscapes but occasionally use it for macro ie. flowers and other small things.

I want to stay with Canon.


What are the differences between 'L' series lens and non 'L' series lens?

I've been looking at the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM Lens but what other lenses are there that might be ideal?

At the moment, I'll say that money is no option. But I might go 2nd hand if I have to.

[brunerww]

Originally Posted by SunderlandPhotography

I'm thinking about upgrading my 18-55mm kit lens to something else.

I'm wanting a zoom lens which starts at around 18mm. I already have a wide angle lens (a Sigma 10-20mm), so don't want anything too extreme that falls way below 18mm.

I'm wanting IS, although I'm not particularly sure about if I need it for the type of photography I do.

I use the kit lens for mostly landscapes but occasionally use it for macro ie. flowers and other small things.

I want to stay with Canon.


What are the differences between 'L' series lens and non 'L' series lens? And would I

I've been looking at the Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 L USM Lens but what other lenses are there that might be ideal?

At the moment, I'll say that money is no option. But I might go 2nd hand if I have to.

Here is the best explanation I have found for the difference between "L" and "non-L" Canon lenses: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/C...ns-Series.aspx

For your crop sensor 450D, a full frame EF "L" lens might be a little much. If I were you, I would look at Canon EF-S lenses such as the £295 18-135mm or the £399 18-200mm. These are fine lenses and will produce terrific images with the 450D.

Hope this is helpful,

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[wavemachine]

Another option is the Canon EFS 15-85 IS it is a cracking lens but if you are happy to stick with 55mm as a maximum zoom then the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is a very solid option.

Both these lenses produce really sharp images.

Canon currently only do L series lenses for full frame i.e. EF but quality wise both these lenses are excellent.

[wave01]

as a canon shooter t2i/550d i wanted to upgrade my 18-55 and after a lot of research the best value i came up with was the sigma 17-70os it goes wider than the 15-85 and opens up to 2.8 it also has some macro capability. all in all its a really great all round lenses

[greenwing]

Originally Posted by wave01

sigma 17-70os it goes wider than the 15-85

Run that by me again?

[JonnyM]

The Sigma 17-70mm DC HSM OS lens isn't the best in my opinion, I may have a lemon which is not unknown but you have to work it quite hard both in the field and in post-production to get good results. As you say you want to stick with Canon so the 17-85 or 15-85 EFS lenses are probably the best option. I use a crop sensor camera (60d) but I wouldn't purchase another EFS lens unless Canon come out with the L equivalent, even then I doubt it.

[wave01]

greenwing my mistake meant to say not as wide
jonnym i have this lens and it does get me great results i got mine after a friend got theres and they too were very pleased with the results

[brunerww]

If we're going to open it up to Sigma (despite the fact that the OP said "I want to stay with Canon" ), I highy recommend the £133 Sigma 50-200. I bought one of these when I was a Canon shooter. Great lens, great value for money.

Bill
Hybrid Camera Revolution

[greenwing]

Originally Posted by brunerww

If we're going to open it up to Sigma (despite the fact that the OP said "I want to stay with Canon" ), I highy recommend the £133 Sigma 50-200. I bought one of these when I was a Canon shooter. Great lens, great value for money.

Bill

Of course, the OP also said he wanted a replacement for his 18-55, and I don't think any brand of 50-200 can do that.

Chris

[mondmagu]

The EFS 17-55 f2.8 is a cracker of a lens.Same range as your kit lens but a constant f2.8 through the range and the image quality is superb.
It is pricey but you are paying for the quality of glass in the lens.I have this for just over a year now and take about 90% of my images with it.
If you purchase it you will never regret it!!!

Des