Recommend me a replacement for my Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM ?? This lens is too soft

[trixstar]

So I'm having a lot of fun shooting with my 50mm f1.8 since its much sharper and has much more detail when shooting family pictures. Sometimes I even stand far away from the subject just to shoot with the 50mm since it's still sharper then being up close with the 17-85.

If I sell my 17-85mm IS, I can fetch about $250 for it. Is there a lens out there that's roughly the same price or under $400 (used or new) that will give me a sharper picture with less CA at 17mm or under? anything between 10mm to 50mm is fine.

[bhrm]

I just bought myself a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 for an upcoming trip, because I don't have anything wider than a 30mm. Surprisingly quite sharp with minimal fringing and not that bad chromatic aberration at wide open.

I picked it up for $350 used but mint condition, no box or lens cap. I will be selling in October when I'm done with it.

[trixstar]

I just bought myself a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 for an upcoming trip, because I don't have anything wider than a 30mm. Surprisingly quite sharp with minimal fringing and not that bad chromatic aberration at wide open.

I picked it up for $350 used but mint condition, no box or lens cap. I will be selling in October when I'm done with it.

Since it isn't EF-S, would it be something more like 28mm-80mm on my 50d? since its not a full frame

edit: nvm, the opposite is true.

[gotak]

Go to photozone.de there's lots of details to browse over if sharpness is your primary concern. On the other hand maybe you should just try to avoid that trap of sharpness for sharpness sakes. It's one expensive trap leading to more expensive bodies and lenses.

[kay188]

Since it isn't EF-S, would it be something more like 28mm-80mm on my 50d? since its not a full frame

It doesn't matter if the lens is EF or EF-S. What matters is the body that you're shooting with, full frame or APS-C crop.

All focal lengths on any lens are full frame measurements.
It's just that lenses designed for APS-C cameras, such as the Tamron 17-50, have a smaller imaging circle that just fills the crop sensor.
Although it will physically mount on a full frame body, the image will be a circle because of the smaller imaging circle of a lens designed for crop.

The Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 non-VC is a excellent lens. It can be had for $350 used.
Take a look at the Sigma 18-50 F/2.8 as well. They're direct competitors. People say the Tamron is just a margin sharper than the Sigma.

I own the Sigma, and it was my lens after I broke my Canon 17-85. I hated that lens for it's aperture, but loved it for it's range.

Trust me, this is the lens you WANT to get because it's so versatile with it's F/2.8 aperture.

[trixstar]

thanks everyone. I will keep an eye out for the 17-50mm 2.8 tamron

[kay188]

There are Sigma 18-50's out there too. Kijiji, Craigslist, etc.

Don't think it's any less of a lens than the Tamron 17-50 just because it's 1mm longer on the wide end.
Sharpness, IMO it's very close so you'll never notice it in real life situations.

[charltonc]

I'm a Nikon user and I vouch for Tamron 17-50, I actually like this lens more than the 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 that I have.

However, I would recommend buying new because of the warranty. When I first bought it, I took it out to shoot and I find that it did have the focusing problems that a lot of the other Tamron users had, so I took it to the shop and get the lens calibrated (which is covered by the 6 years warranty.) After the calibration, it's perfect!

Good luck!

[o0aZuMi0o]

Also try out the Sigma 17-70mm 2.8-4. This is my "go to" kit lens replacement whether I'm using Canon or Nikon.

It has the extra reach than the Tamron/Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 and is also pretty sharp with great colour and contrast.

The only think it lacks against the Tamron/Sigma is the constant 2.8, then again - it's cheaper than those two as well. You can get them in the used market for around $300.

[lexar123]

Get the canon 15-85. Amazing sharpness and IQ and the range is perfect for general walk around. Take a look at all the reviews!

Travelled several times to Europe and never used any of my other lenses.

[stasbasko]

canon 50 1.8 fixed lens . Price is only about 150$