Exp w/ Canon EF-S 17-55 and Sigma 18-50 EX?

[rwdfresno]

I am curious to hear from those who have experience with both of these f2.8 lenses on a 1.6x crop dSLR. I'm looking for something that I can walk around with in and outdoors doing mostly natural light, shots of people and objects, going with me to museums, exhibits, kids playing in the backyard, opening Christmas presents. I have heard good feedback about both of these lenses and read as much as I could in the archives about them. I have been hanging out with prosumer Sonys and my old Canon AE-1 (yes seriously lol) and finally going to get a Canon dSLR and trying to price out a decent kit for myself. Quality is of course important to me but at the same time this is for hobby work not for making $ so exploring my options. Of course any other suggestions are always helpful as well.

thank you,
Ryan

[Phil_Flash]

rwdfresno --

I'm a newbie to DSLRs having come from the film world. I bought my XTi body with the 17-55 2.8 IS instead of the kit lense.

After about 300-400 shots, I am VERY impressed with its sharpness and its wide open performance. I have found that the 2.8 aperture and the IS make for easy shooting. It's a bit larger/heaver than the kit lense, so you may find the perfect balance is achieved with a gripped body.

PF

[sit]

Check out the reviews (http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-18-50mm-f-2.8-EX-DC-Lens-Review.aspx) at http://the-digital-picture.com/ which recommend the tamron 17-50 over the sigma.

[macmac]

I shot with the Canon 17 to 55. It is a great lens.

[Scott_Quier]

:agree - I've not shot with either the sigma or the tamron. I do, however, have the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8. I probably take 95% of my indoor shots with this lens. It's a real winner!