Somewhat OT - Lens choices for Europe (canon)

[jeffbrig]

Hey Canon guys - looking for some opinions on lens selection.

We've booked a mediterranean cruise, and will be visiting several cities in Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Currently, my better lenses tend towards the long end (70-200 f4, 100mm f2.8 macro), since most of my shooting is either wildlife or in the aquarium. Below that, I have a 50mm f1.8 prime and the basic 18-55 kit lens (whose performance I've never been terribly impressed with).

Without getting too much into the trip details, I expect to be taking lots of pictures with a wide angle lens. So, it seems like a perfect opportunity to upgrade to a better wide angle, but I can't make up my mind which way to go. I've considered all of the following lenses (btw, my camera is a Rebel XT):
EF-S 10-22
3rd party ultra-wides (sigma, tamron, etc.)
EF 17-40
EF-S 17-55 (more than I want to spend)
EF-S 17-85 (very mixed reviews on this one)

Going with an ultra-wide gives me the opportunity to pick up a 24-70L or 24-105L down the road and have every focal length covered with a quality zoom. But, an ultra wide angle only covers a narrow focal range, and I'd still have to depend on the kit lens for the intermediate range.

Another friend who shoots Nikon recently went to Europe shot almost exclusively with a 12-24, and recomended I go with something in that range. Curious to hear what others think, especially anyone who has been in Venice, Rome, Athens, etc.

 

[Blazer88]

Most of the lenses you have listed will probably get the job done. I personally have the Sigma 10-20 EX and absolutely love it, the lens pairs very well with my 24-105L. The Canon 10-22 is a touch faster (F/3.5 vs. F/4) but that probably won't matter much. I was debating the Canon UWA versus the Sigma and I didn't feel like I was missing out with going with the Sigma, it is built like a tank and exceptionally sharp at all apertures . The other lenses are great (I would personally skip the 17-85) and many people consider the 17-55 F/2.8 IS the holy grail for a crop sensor. If you truly don't need the 10mm of an UWA, I would opt for the EF-S 17-55 since it's got the IS and excellent optics. The 17-40 looks to be a great lens (I would probably have one if my camera was FF) but is F/4 and lacks IS. Are you going to be taking a 24-105 or 24-70 with you on this trip? If not, I would feel pretty limited with just an UWA.

 

[jeffbrig]

No chance of a 24-105 or 24-70 this trip, just doesn't fit into the travel budget this year. Unless you want to let me borrow yours...

I figure if the majority of my shooting will be on an UWA, I can probably deal with having the kit lens as a fallback. It would still be a step up from what I have today with just the 18-55. The 17-55 is tempting, but a lot to spend on a non-L EF-S mount.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Rosseau]

No experience with those lenses here. However I've read up a fair amount on them... the 17-55 always seems to come out on top of the 17-85.. as you mentioned.

I thought a lot about the 17-55, the f2.8 is nice. Though you can find an L lens such as the 24-105 near the same price range. I've settled on the 24-105 and will have it soon, I hope it pulls through for me. The IS is a major factor for me.

I currently have a Sigma f2.8 24-60mm. It has done well for me, though I'm not an expert on things such as abberation etc.

Probably worth a look, it's reasonably priced as well.

 

[Rosseau]

I also looked a lot at the super wide angles i.e. 10mm and up range.

I have been having a hell of a time trying to decide between EF-S 10-22mm, Tokina and the Sigma.. they all seem to be good lenses with a few small advantages and drawbacks to each.

 

[zenya]

I have Canon's 17-40 f4 and love it. I realize it is f4 but you won;t miss much shooting with f4. It is sharp and colors are just beautiful.
Can't beat it for the price they are going for this days.

 

[GuOD]

I'm heading to new York this weekend. I've decided to take:

10-22 canon
24-70 canon

these 2 will cover everything except long-d. I may also take my 50 1.4 for indoors (consideration) and possibly a 70-200 but dunno if I wanna lug it around.

I think the 10-22 + 24-70 is a great combo

 

[jeffbrig]

Another possibility, instead of buying a new lens, we're considering renting an EF-S 10-22 and a 24-105 F4L (or 24-70 F2.8L) for the trip.

 

[BlueCorn]

Don't rule out the Tokina 12-24 f/4. It's a fantastic lens that's built like a tank. I love mine.