Good Lens Line-Up?

[Jlau521]

I have a Canon EOS Rebel XSi, and was thinking about using these lenses as a line-up.

EF 50mm F/1.8
EF 70-200mm F/4 L USM
EF-S 17-55mm F/2.8 IS USM.

I mainly want to use these for traveling and some general purposes.

Is this a good line-up for general purposes like events, nature, and portraits? Do you guys have any recommendations on what I should have. I'm open to suggestions!

[Cardiiiii]

Swap the 50 f1.8 for the 85 f1.8 if you have the cash.

[inkista]

Actually, I'd say the 28/1.8, 35/2, the 50/1.4, or the 85/1.8, assuming that what you want the 50/1.8 II for isn't the low low price (given the 17-55 on your list, this seems less likely). If you want to street shoot, shoot full length portraits, or portraits with some context/environment, or to use a "normal" lens, then get the 28/1.8 or 35/2. They're wider and focuses closer, and also do available light and out of focus blur. The 50/1.4 if you need to manually focus for things like landscapes. And the 85/1.8 if you want to do headshot portraiture.

If you have the cash, then it's the 35 f/1.4L or 85/1.2L.

The 70-200 f/4L USM is a good lens, but it isn't as general purpose as it's f/2.8 and IS-equipped siblings. Don't expect to be shooting indoors with it. Also, most folks tend to prefer the other end of the focal length range for travel (i.e., getting an ultrawide like the 10-22, rather than a telephoto zoom), unless they're shooting wildlife.

The 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM rocks, and is a really great lens, but if you're willing to spend that much on glass, you'll also want to weigh for yourself whether or not you plan to go full-frame in the near future (EF-S lenses cannot be used on a 5D).