Replacing a 30D kit lens?

Fenster

I own a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. Having begun photographing for prints recently I've noticed that there's an inherent softness in my pictures. I have no idea if it is front-or back-focusing, but there is softness. Umm. And the lens is also showing a lot of wear and tear - the zoom is loose and tends to stick.

I would love some L glass, but it is utterly beyond my budget at this point. This is my dream lens...but I'm dreaming.

My options include the Sigma 10-20mm and Canon 10-22mm, pending me checking their IR compatibility.

Anyone want to toss out other options?

Chorcai

70-200 F4 L *NON IS* ??

Fenster

I should have been clearer, but I really need a wide-angle for my landscapes. I had the 70-200mm on loan over Christmas and while it is an amazing lens, I really don't have any use for it.

Fenster

I've just ruled out the Sigma 10-20mm due to hotspotting.

peter1892

There's a Tamron with similar focal range to the Sigma:

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_10-24_3p5-5p6_n15/

I've seen the Canon EFS 10-22 on sale in Dublin for €900! The 17-40 f/4L is marginally cheaper...

swingking

The tokina 12-24 is a super lens for wide angle landscapes. It's quite sharp too. The other option is the 17-50l which I tried out for a few days and I was blown away with the sharpness. It's expensive tho

peter1892

What about Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens? €500 in the shops, don't know anything about it but it might cover the focal lengths required.

They also have 17-35mm F2.8-4 EX DG - that's listed in one shop here at €350 and 15-30mm F3.5-4.5 which is also €500 new.

I've no idea about any of them or what they're like I'm just basing it on them being vaguely similar to the EFS 17-85.

Fenster

The Tokina 12-24mm is out too. Clicky.

Ricky91t

Yes.

Fenster

The 17-40 was a great tip.

Diabhal_Glas

Fenster wrote: »

The 17-40 was a great tip.

I got one lately, really really love the lens. I managed to get it used on E-bay, in great nick for 330 euros...:D

I was looking out for one for ages and have seen them on adverts for a little over 400 Euros and remember seeing some for 500 - 520 ish sterling

Effects

Canon 10-22 on my IR converted 350D. Wish I had this lens for IR all the time.

FoxT

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC Macro Lens? €500 in the shops... I bought a new one on ebay 2 years ago for less than GBP200. Photozone.de damn it with faint praise - but its a great general purpose lens & a step up from the 18-55kit lens IMO. But - dont spend eu500 on one...you could buy 2 of them for that kind of money!

Fenster

After mulling it about I've decided to pick up a 17-40 sometime over the summer if/when I have the capital to burn.

sasar

tokina 11-16 2.8? You don't get many wide angle lenses with wide aperture, this is one of them. I own it and can't say a bad word about it.

Fenster

I actually had a very brief try of the Tokina 11-16 in visible light and reports are favourable toward it too. But here is my thing: I can pick up a 17-40 L (used) for the same price as a new Tokina. My sole problem with the Tokina was that it looked and felt like a lump of cheap plastic.