Recommendation for "everyday" lens?

[alissasanderson]

I use a Canon Rebel XT. I own the kit lens (18-55mm f3.5-5.6) plus the Canon 50mm f1.8 and a Canon 75-300mm f4-5.6.

Currently I use the kit lens the most--it's the one that lives on my camera. I'll put the 50mm on sometimes just to play, but I always miss my ability to zoom, which is a handy function with my ever-moving children. And the longer lens is nice for wildlife stuff and less-spontaneous shots, but it's difficult to hold steady when it's even a little zoomed.

I'm looking for an upgrade to my kit lens--something with a decent range that I can use as my everyday lens. I was thinking the Canon 24-85mm, but I'm just not experienced enough yet to really know what I need/would get the best use out of.

Any recommendations? I'm looking to spend ~$300, but less would be nice:)

[RainPacket]

Hee. You have the same lenses I do. Honestly, I find the 50mm is my day-to-day lens, but I'm tending not to go for fast-moving children so often!

I'd recommend looking around for rental shops (there are many, some even doing mail-order equipment rental), and talk to them about what you're looking for in a lens. Rent whatever they recommend for a weekend, give it a try, and find which appeals to you.

[Saralonde]

It's hard to get a great lens for $300. I know, I try all the time. Sometimes I feel like an expert in budget lenses for Canon! I have never used the 24-85 so I can't speak from personal experience. Try reading this http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-24-85mm-f-3.5-4.5-USM-Lens-Review.aspx for a good review. Most things I read were iffy, some liked it, others hated it.
When I decided to replace my kit lens, a lot of research led me to the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di. I wanted a 2.8 so I could shoot in lower light than the kit lens allowed me to do. I did not want to spend a fortune, and I looked for a lens with a high rating. I bought it for $339 - $10 rebate at buydig. That is close to your $300 budget and it is a higher rated lens.http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Tamron-28-75mm-F-2.8-XR-Di-Lens-Review.aspx
I've also heard a few people recommend the Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 (not the f/4-5.6)http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-28-105mm-f-3.5-4.5-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx as a good budget lens for around $220 if you really need to save money.
Which ever lens you chose, test it to make sure you got a good copy. Don't pay more then you can afford and research it as best you can. You may decide to wait a little longer to buy a better lens. After all, you want to be replacing it, too.

[mdwsta4]

i'd suggest taking a look into sigma's 28 f1.4. that'll be my next lens. i have the 50 1.8 as well (its too cheap not to have!), but find it's no where near as wide as i'd want it to be.
my personal everyday lens is canon's 17-40 f4L. i love it! although it's a bit out of your price range, i think you'll learn as you go that inexpensive lenses can really hurt your image quality. i'm not saying that's true for all cheap lenses (nifty fifty is a perfect example), but it's worth investing in quality glass that will last you a long time rather than buying a cheap lens because you think you need it right now. does that make any sense?

but one reason it's hard to answer your question is we dont know what you like to shoot? landscapes? wildlife? people? etc. what you enjoy photographing the most will dictate what type of lens may be right for you.

[alissasanderson]

I shoot landscapes, lots of sunsets, wetland scenes, wildflowers.

I also take lots of photos of 2 very active little boys.

So I need something a little wide, but also with zoom capability.

I don't ask for much, do I?:rolleyes:

[Saralonde]

I shoot landscapes, lots of sunsets, wetland scenes, wildflowers.

I also take lots of photos of 2 very active little boys.

So I need something a little wide, but also with zoom capability.

I don't ask for much, do I?:rolleyes:

Oh, so you want my dream lens a Canon 10-300mm f/2.8 L with IS costing $100. :rolleyes: :D :D

[mdwsta4]

LOL! hey, that's mine too!! although, i was willing to pay $500.

Oh, so you want my dream lens a Canon 10-300mm f/2.8 L with IS costing $100. :rolleyes: :D :D

[alissasanderson]

Ah, the dream lens! Why didn't I think of that before?!:D

I'm really leaning towards the Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. But nothing is final yet.

[Saralonde]

LOL! hey, that's mine too!! although, i was willing to pay $500.

It's $100 after the rebate.