Choosing a general purpose lens for a Canon Rebel XTI

[timswim78]

I have a Rebel XTI, and I am tired of changing between my 18-55 and 70-300 lenses. Also, I find that I often want to shoot something in that 55-70 range that I am missing.

So, I am looking for a lens that:
- Has good (not necessarily great) optics
- Includes at least 18-70mm
- Is image stabilized
- Has a high-speed motor
- Is less than $500

Right now, I am looking at two lenses in particular
- The Sigma 18-125mm F3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3342&navigator=6
- The Canon EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 IS USM http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=10511#ModelFeaturesAct

Any thoughts?

 

[gullaa]

i also have a Rebel Xti, i took some pictures over the past week with the stock 18-55mm lense, i just bought a Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM lens, and am loving it so far..here are some pics i took soo far with the stock lens..pictures with new lens will be up later during the week. tell me what you think of the pictures so far... http://www.flickr.com/photos/27570221@N04/

 

[marioman38]

the EF-S 17-85mm appears to be a decent lens. For under $500 it will be hard to find a better lens with IS. The sigma is faster however, although hardly enough to be a major factor.

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon_17-85_4-5p6_is_usm_c16/

 

[M@lew]

I also advise the 17-85. Not the best, not the worst but very convenient. Range, USM + IS is a deal sealer for a nice every day lens.

 

[Chonk]

I have that lens on the 350D and can't complain for the price I paid (Just under £260).

Its has a little but of issues at 17mm but these are all corrected during PP. Great general purpose lens in my books , especially up from the stock non IS 18-55 I had before.

 

[timswim78]

Thanks for the input guys. I ended up going with the Canon 17-85mm. The extra range of the Sigma was tempting. However, the lack of reviews on the Sigma lens was a definite liability in my eyes.

I found someone who bought a 40D with the 17-85mm lens and gave him $300 for it. So, I still have another $200 budgeted to get some filters, hoods, a new tripod, or...

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

So, I still have another $200 budgeted to get some filters, hoods, a new tripod, or...

............ the BG-E3 battery grip? If the 17-85 lens is longer, it'll help keep the camera in balance and give you more area to hold. Just a thought.

 

[goodmorning]

I'm going to be that guy that insists on the 28-135. I debated the 17-85 for a long time, but I can honestly say that the 28 is wide enough for (my) general purpose and does give a nice boost at the telephoto end. I have also read that the 28-135 has slightly better IQ than the 17-85. I have been using the 28-135 for a couple months now, and the only time I really wish I had something wider was in the Badlands, though at that point I would like the Sigma 10-20.
Anyway, just my 2 cents...

EDIT:
Oops, you already bought it, sorry about that

 

[harcosparky]

I'm going to be that guy that insists on the 28-135. I debated the 17-85 for a long time, but I can honestly say that the 28 is wide enough for (my) general purpose and does give a nice boost at the telephoto end. I have also read that the 28-135 has slightly better IQ than the 17-85. I have been using the 28-135 for a couple months now, and the only time I really wish I had something wider was in the Badlands, though at that point I would like the Sigma 10-20.
Anyway, just my 2 cents...

EDIT:
Oops, you already bought it, sorry about that

Yeah he already made his choice.

You know what? I agree with your selection of the 28-135 IS. In fact I just acquired a second on in the 'kit' with my 40D. I may sell off one.

BUT ....... when I went into the photography supplier and slipped a 17-40 L on my 30D it was like an entire new world opened up.

Given the multiplication factor, going down to 17 made sense.

Still though I love that 28-135 IS, it served me well over the years. It would be cool for Canon to upgrade that lens and make the lower end 13. A 13 - 135 IS lens .... hmmmm!

 

[M@lew]

If you have a crop body, the 17-85 is a more convenient "general lens". Unless you have the 17-40 then you could add the 28-135 but the OP wanted to stop changing lenses every so often. The 24-105 would give the best of both worlds but it's a tad more expensive.