rocketride Loc: Upstate NY

In bright light, the Canon EF-S 18-135 IS (not STM). It was the kit lens with my 50D. It has noticeably better IQ than the 18-55 kit (pre-IS, pre-STM) lens that shipped with my XTi. And that is pretty decent. I've heard that the STM version has better IQ than either of the earlier variants, but have not had time to test for myself. It still has a plastic lens mount, but the front of the lens doesn't rotate and the horrible play between the front section and the rest of the lens is absent. (Being able to jiggle the front assembly of a lens 1/16" can't be doing anything good for IQ.-- and it's not like there's any real way to control it to use it for scheimpflug. )

In dim light, I prefer the Sigma DC 17-50 f/2.8 OS HSM.
Tack sharp. Better than the 18-135, even. The downside is that it is really big and heavy for a lens of its focal length range. (The similar Canon and Tamron offerings are similarly big and heavy-- the laws of physics will not be flouted.)

I also got a 35mm f/2 EF lens to use as the equivalent of a 55mm "normal" lens. One of the exercises the photography class I took in college (ca.1980) involved bringing only one fixed focal length lens (preferably a normal lens) to do various projects. I still do that sometimes, just for the challenge.

I ordered a EF 85 f/1.8 yesterday from Amazon for portraiture in low light (my GF's gigs, mainly-- which is what I originally bought the Sigma for but I need something longer to compliment that lens for when I can't get that close to the performers)-- it should arrive tomorrow. Early Christmas.

I hope I didn't ramble too much.

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

Yep. No such thing as a good lightning storm or great rainbows!

Alashisan Loc: Arizona

I have a lot of L-glass for my Canons which I no longer carry. My FF Canons are retired to my closet.

So, when I carry my crop sensor cameras (SL1 & 7D), I use the Tamron 18-270. When I carry both (Cotton Carrier mode), I use a Canon EFS 15-85 on my 7D, and a Tamron 70-300 on my SL1 (or visa versa depending on my mood). With that combo, I get better quality. However, for just out and about, I use the single 18-270 Tamron lens. (I tried the Sigma 18-250, but it had too much CA.)

BTW, with my FF cameras, I used to carry my 35-350 most of the time.

Bill gomberg

28 mm. Roughly equivalent to 50mm. on full frame .Zoom with feet a la H.C. Bresson .Fast as you can afford . Light and compact . Better image quality than any zoom .

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Most of the time I use my 24-105mm f/4L on a Canon 7D and/or my 6D cameras. This range seems to work well for me most of the time when I am out walking or driving around.

Jim D

ole sarg Loc: south florida

What an easy question to answer.

the one on the camera when you see something you want to shoot!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I agree with Robert. I hardly ever take my 18-135 off the camera. It's perfect for me.

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

Have had the Tamron 18-270 mm for a while and I find it to
be all you need for most things..not heavy,great wide angle.
and if I put a 2X on it that give me over 1 500mm. Love it.

bigb Loc: Central New Jersey, USA

[quote=Jill Jillson]I have a Tamron 18-270 and like it a lot. It covers most aspects of what I like to shoot so I don't have to carry a second lens and don't have to change lenses when I am in a dirty situation (i.e. blowing sand and dust, sea spray, etc.) or when I need to grab a shot fast.

A lot of my shots are distance shots or details of buildings so I want a tele for those. This also has a "macro" position so I can get close ups of flowers ((or at least as close up as I want).

When I travel I like having a sort of wide angle when I am in tight situations such as city streets. Please explain the macro setting ,i have same lens ,is there something you do to use macro in addition to getting close to subject?

anotherview Loc: California

Consider the Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens. It gives the cameraman the effective focal length range of 24-136mm, a very useful range of FL.

Ken Rockwell has a write-up on it:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/15-85mm.htm

I bought my copy as a used one from www.borrowlenses.com. It works okay as a walkaround lens on my Canon Rebel T4i.

You may try other sources, too, for a used or a refurbished copy.

Another review of this lens:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-15-85mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Consider also the new version of the Sigma 17-70mm lens for Canon. I own the earlier version, and found it most useful on my Canon Rebel camera.

Good luck.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Canon 15-85 - unless speed or money matters - then Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 .

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

UHH has a section dedicated to true macro photography.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

You can find most information you will want to know there, including what true macro photos are.

Jim D

Bill Emmett Loc: Bow, New Hampshire

I'll chime in on this topic. When I'm going for a walk in the woods, I take my Tamron 18-270mm zoom. I has what Tamron calls VC, which is a type of IS (image stabilization, in Canon talk) and a reasonable telephoto. It is light weight, and not to large. Presently the lens is selling for about $400.00, which is pretty cheap. It also comes with a 6 year warranty. The Tamron, take pretty good shots. I would not count this lens out of the mix. Be aware, Canon glass can be the best on the market, and will be a little narrow as far as the range. But, to be sure Canon glass will be expensive.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I've now owned three Canon Rebel models including the t3i I have now. Above all my favorite lens is the 28-200. It's now discontinued but the 18-200 is available.

These lenses are sharp, fast and accurate.

Bram boy Loc: Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

a walk around is more than likely where people tend to go every day , shopping , patk,zoo, concert, beach, a drive down town , church, picnic , boat
dock, to the lake , and most don't want to rent a crane to haul there lenses
around the mountains . you know what he or ,she means . so is this just to let
the world know how many lenses you have . any body would to be daft to even to take you seriously .