Replacing the Kit Lens... Canon T1i (18-55)

[retro_pony]

Yes, before you ask, I have read/searched online and searched these forums for this topic, but I have not found good answers to my particular question.

I have a T1i. I am slowly growing into amateur freelance photography. I definitely need to replace/upgrade my kit lens from a low light and shallow depth of field. Searching for a 2.8 lens for shooting events indoors (dinners, interior, fashion shows, etc) as well as still shooting outside but gaining the depth of field (portraits, car shows, etc).

I have options of (more affordable) Tamron 17-50 and Tamron 28-75 or (more expensive) Canon 17-55 or 24-70L. I have no immediate plans to upgrade from the crop sensor camera. I have been shooting a lot with my 50 1.8 due to the clarity and depth of field. I agree with most others, the 85 1.8 is best for portraits, but not versatile for my current situation.

Looking for any input, practical experience, comparisons for these lenses, thank in advance!

[ishootRAW]

Do you wish the 18-55 was is a bit longer? If so, get the Canon 24-70, If not, get the 17-55. There both good, sharp, fast AFing lenses.

[oldwolf]

Sigma and Tokina make good lens as well.

[ccting]

haha, another victim of kit len ;D. How long have you been owning this kit len? Just get the best so that the len can serve you for many years. Expensive len also give good impression to your client (There is a great photographer that uses d3000, who takes great photos. But the clients have poor impression about the low-end camera..If you have expensive lenses, the clients especially those who know a bit about lenses, will have good first impression about you)

its all about psychology.. LOL and nothing to do with photography..

[RichardTaylor]

I own the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 (not the VC lens) and whilst it is sharp I found it next to useless for focussing in very low light (ISO 1600 + territory) with a Canon 40D. I do not use it any more for covering those classical music events (preferring to use fast primes instead)

[Preeb]

I have to vote for the EF-S 17-55 f2.8, since I have it and I haven't tried the Tamrons. I consider it the perfect replacement for the 18-55 kit lens.