In search of a good multi-purpose wide angle lens

[sumnersn]

Hi all,

been racking my brain over a 3rd lens (currently have 70-200mmF4 L IS & 100mm f2.8 Macro) and now want something wider. I am getting quite confused about all the different options available. I have a budget of about $1200 max and would ideally like something between 15-70mm - and in particular image stabilisation and possibly F2.8 or higher. Maybe wait for the new EF24mm f2.8 IS USM. I would be very interested in your feedback


much apprecaited

Neil

[dulvariprestige]

If you're using a crop body, I'd recommend the canon 17-55 or on full frame 24-105

[Kym]

The Sigma 10-20 is very well regarded for WA

[ameerat42]

HOw far and wide?
I found this the other day...
http://youshop247.com.au/store/product.php?productid=39664&cat=0&page=4
Am.

[sumnersn]

thanks for all your feedback. Today I bit the bullet and bought a Canon EFS15-85mm F3.5=5.6 IS USM lens from Camera House. So hopefully this will be my last purchase for a little while, otherwise a divorce may be on the cards ...

[Bennymiata]

It won't be your last purchase, not by a long shot!

By looking at your list in your sig, I think you'll need a good flash soon. :D
And then a good tripod..................................

[unistudent1962]

Today I bit the bullet and bought a Canon EFS15-85mm F3.5=5.6 IS USM lens from Camera House.

Exactly the lens I would have suggested, if only it was a constant aperture!!
Apart from that it's a great lens; quick, quiet AF, excellent IS, great colour and contrast.
The only time you won't be happy with it is in low light.

[Rosh]

you bought what I was going to suggest. I think i will get a 15-85 as my travel lens . Its very versitile for Landscapes to portraiture,
and for low light just get the 50mm 1.8

[ameerat42]

It won't be your last purchase, not by a long shot!

By looking at your list in your sig, I think you'll need a good flash soon. :D
And then a good tripod..................................

(And now a good accountant.)

[Newts]

The Sigma 10-20 is very well regarded for WA

I agree, I picked up one of these in December and loving the images I am getting on landscapes.
The distorition when mucking around with friends portraits is unbelievable

[Arg]

Canon 15-85? Great choice!

[rbat]

I've heard good reports about that lens, hope you enjoy it. I ended up with at 28-75 Tamron lens and have been very happy. I was more keen on the f/2.8 for inside purposes.

[sumnersn]

Well it's been a couple of weeks now and I am very happy with tha 15-85 - will post some pics up here shortly - thanks to all for your input most appreciated

cheers

[Rosh]

I have now been looking at uwa lenses god this has done my head in lol.

[darylcheshire]

I used to photograph moving trains standing next to the tracks with a FD 28mm f/2.8 (forget exact aperture) and the train starts as a small dot and suddenly grows in the VF as the ground shakes. Best to have both eyes open.

[flashc]

Hi...
I bought this lens (15-85 EF-S F3.5 F5.6) as a Platinium kit with my 7D.
As you've probably found by now, it's a great all round lens for everyday use with F3.5 max but in dull light unfortunately at the zoom lens (85mm) it's F5.6. Only the more expensive lenses have a constant aperture.
I wanted this lens because it's wide end is equal to a 24mm angle of view on a full frame DSLR. The nearly 6X stretch to 85 mm is good but I have to change to my 70-200 F4 sometimes to get closer and brighter. With the 7D, and at 85mm, I can still crop out a section and have a good image.
The lens is also macro capable. In summary, If I had a full frame, I'd buy a 24-144 F2.8 as an all round everyday lens if there was one but the 15-85 EF-S is great on a crop camera to get a wide angle view at 15mm.