help with lens decision...

[macawmagic]

I've got a canon eos 20d. i'm borrowing a lens from my uncle right now, but am plannin on getting my own. just have noooo clue what to get.

alright. right now the 2 lens's i've tried are the canon efs 17-85mm and the tamron 28-300mm. the tamron is a little cheaper(because it doesn't have the image stabilizer) but the canon does and thats a nice feature. I feel like the tamron would be a better walk around lens minus the image stabilizer. I have full intentions of buying a macro lens as soon as I get the money for that, but right now can only afford one. I think it's smarter for me to buy the one that I can use all the time vs the one I can onlyl use for macro shots.
are there any other lens's I should look at? I plan on having the 2 lens's, walkaround and macro. thats all I feel that I'll need right now. any input?

also, I'm an architecture major so I like to take pictures of buildings. will use this camera for family photos at party's and such, weddings, and just stuff like that.

 

[swjim]

What is your budget?

 

[macawmagic]

500-600. but i'm not a pro nor will I ever be so I don't wanna spend tooooo much. I still will/am saving for a macro lens.

 

[swjim]

As you know, the Canon 17-85 is good for a general walk around lens and it is stabilized.

Another good option that isn't stabilized but does offer a larger aperture (faster) is the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8. It goes for $429 at B&H.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

Re: help with lens decision...

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12759652#post12759652 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by macawmagic

also, I'm an architecture major so I like to take pictures of buildings.

Canon 10-22 or Sigma 10-20 for buildings

I wouldn't use either of the lenses you listed at a wedding

For family shots I like to bust out my 70-200 and shoot telephoto if possible. The 135 prime would be a great lens for this purpose imo.

Based on your two choices I would go with a 17-85