Canon EOS 450D Lens Choice

Mel_P · 25 Jan 2009 at 22:53

Hello Folks
Having decided that only an SLR will do (see
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=13358094#post13358094)

I was thinking of this combination:

Canon EOS 450D Body Only
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM

with the lens range such that for normal use I wouldn't need to swap any lenses. Any Views please?

Thanks, Mel

Vertigo · 25 Jan 2009 at 23:06

The 17-85 isn't one of the best I'm afraid.

Personally I'd be more inclined to look at the 18-55 IS (new kit lens) or the Sigma 17-70

2Thumbs · 25 Jan 2009 at 23:38

Can you afford an EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM?

That'd be my personal choice, or if you're on a budget the 18-55mm IS as Vertigo suggested.

hashcake · 25 Jan 2009 at 23:40

I agree with Vertigo1.
As a starter lens the 18-55 IS isn't a bad all rounder.
It's quite fast and also not too shabby in low light.
I also own a 17-85 IS USM is quite slow and while it's fine outdoors in daylight, it doesn't cope so well with low light.
Here is an example of a shot taken with my 450D and 17-85 IS:

Hope this helps.

Hashcake

PinkFloyd · 26 Jan 2009 at 00:12

Another thumbs up for the 18-55IS that is the current lens bundled with the 1000d and 450d. Cracking little lens

turtle1000 · 26 Jan 2009 at 01:05

As above with the 18-55mm IS but if you have a bit more money to spend then consider the Tamron 17-50mm.

Trick · 26 Jan 2009 at 10:25

hashcake said:
I agree with Vertigo1.

Hashcake

That's a really good shot mate, it looks like a painting.

Firestar_3x · 26 Jan 2009 at 10:30

PinkFloyd said:
Another thumbs up for the 18-55IS that is the current lens bundled with the 1000d and 450d. Cracking little lens

Didn't think the 1000D came with the IS version of the lens just the shonky old version???

sid · 26 Jan 2009 at 10:54

The 17-85mm is a mixed one mate. Good in certain areas , bad in others

Other options from sigma have f2.8 but no IS and limited range as well.

Worth thinking about whats important

sid

2Thumbs · 26 Jan 2009 at 11:23

Firestar_3x said:
Didn't think the 1000D came with the IS version of the lens just the shonky old version???

No it comes with the IS version.

hashcake · 26 Jan 2009 at 17:05

Trick said:
That's a really good shot mate, it looks like a painting.

Thank you

It was taken in Iceland last Sept.
I've been thinking about getting it printed onto canvas but haven't got around to organising it yet.

hashcake · 26 Jan 2009 at 17:10

You wont go wrong with starting off with the 18-55 IS.
I've kept mine as there are plenty of situations where I have found that it's better than the 17-85 IS.
Another good budget lens (when you eventually need more focal length) is the Canon 55-250 IS.

2Thumbs · 26 Jan 2009 at 17:17

hashcake said:
Another good budget lens (when you eventually need more focal length) is the Canon 55-250 IS.

Ah, the nifty two-fifty. :cool:

Mel_P · 26 Jan 2009 at 22:09

Thanks all - blown the camera budget for a year or 2

EOS 450D
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM?

It seems to fit what I want to do - just hope it lives up to reviews!

Mel

neil_g · 26 Jan 2009 at 22:16

sigma 18-50mm f2.8.

sorted. next question.