Lens advice

[altea]

I'm sorry to post another lens question as there are so many of them, but I would really like some advice. I have a 400d with kit lens and would like to take some better photos as I don't think the photos are that sharp with the kit lens. I'm looking at spending between £200 - £300 and would like a bit of an all round lens as I like to take photos of a variety of subjects in particular landscapes and buildings. I take lots of photos of our children too but am not too worried about it being especially good for portrait work as I was thinking of getting the 50mm canon lens that sells for around £100. I was looking at the Canon 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM which is currently £269.99 with camera world. What are your views on this lens and do you have any better suggestions for that sort of money? What is the point of the USM other than for focusing speed and noise which I don't think is much of a problem unless I wanted to do wildlife shots etc. Hope that you can help as there seems to be too many lenses to choose from.

Many thanks.

[donoreo]

To answer one question, USM is about speed and silence. The way it gets raved about you would think that the regular focus motor sounded like race car! It is handy to have the quiet motor if you are shooting wildlife, where the the regular motor may be loud enough to spook your subject.

So in my case as well, I see no benefit to spending extra JUST for USM. However, the lenses with USM often have better optics as well. The 17-85 USM does get better reviews than the kit 18-55 for optics.

Take a look at brands other than Canon, often you get more for less money.

[altea]

Originally Posted by donoreo

To answer one question, USM is about speed and silence. The way it gets raved about you would think that the regular focus motor sounded like race car! It is handy to have the quiet motor if you are shooting wildlife, where the the regular motor may be loud enough to spook your subject.

So in my case as well, I see no benefit to spending extra JUST for USM. However, the lenses with USM often have better optics as well. The 17-85 USM does get better reviews than the kit 18-55 for optics.

Take a look at brands other than Canon, often you get more for less money.

Thanks for that, exactly what I was thinking (regards USM) maybe a lens without USM for the same price would be a better quality glass? Any more Ideas on such lenses???

[hoofpix]

Being a action photographer I do not shoot alot of landscapes or portraits. However I can comment on the canon 50mm 1.8 lens. I do have one in my bag and tend to pull it out more often than I ever thought I would. It is SHARP and a great all around lens, you cannot beat the price either.

I currently am playing with the 20mm 1.8 by sigma a friend let me borrow. So far it is sharp , fast focus and is wide enough for landscape shots.

Good luck with your lens search, I know how difficult it is choosing the right one.

Jeanie
aka hoofpix

[donoreo]

I would second the 50 mm 1.8. Cheap and sharp!

[chris-p]

I disagree actually... not that th 50mm isn't sharp etc, but that you're really talking about upgrading your kit lens.

The most direct, higher quality replacement is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS which is £190. A step above that is the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 which is excellent value at £250 (ish).

Your other option would be to extend the range a little bith with either theCanon 18-135mm IS which is £300 or the Sigma 18-125mm OS which is £250.
The Sigma 18-125mm is basically the same as the Nikkor 18-105mm that I've got and a recent back to back test of them showed no optical differences. The only real difference was that the Sigma is slightly better built. I mention this because the 18-105mm I have is far superior to an 18-55mm kit lens, and either the Canon or Sigma here would be a huge step forward.

[altea]

Thanks for your replies so far. I was looking for feedback on upgrading the kit lens rather than opinions on the 50mm lens. Thanks to everyone so far.

[donoreo]

I was not recommending the 50 as a replacement, but an add on