Lens for 7d

emilybeth

I'm getting ready to buy either the 60d or 7d. I'm kind of hoping for the 7d but we'll see how finances hold out. I need suggestions on lenses. I've done all my telephoto research and I know which of those I'm getting but what about a more general lens? I know i shouldn't get the one in the kit so which will be best as a walk around? I need something for pretty much everything but sports. Thanks for the input.

paddler4

A very nice walk-around lens for either would be the EF-S 15-85. However, it is not very fast. if you prefer speed, you could consider the Tamron 17-50 non-VC (reviewed as sharper than the VC). I use the 15-85 because for outdoor walk-around use, I find the greater range more valuable than the speed. YMMV. It all depends on what you shoot. the 15-85 also has usm, full time manual focusing, and good IS. On the downside, it is a heavy lens.

ziggy53

My most useful standard zoom lens for Canon crop 1.6x/APS-C format is, by far, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm, f2.8 IS USM. It is close to "L" optical quality and the range works perfectly for most social situations. I use it for weddings and events, as well as nature and landscape applications. AF is fast and sure, and the IS does help in low light.

The 17-55mm couples well with a 70-200mm for the long end. I don't notice the slight gap in focal length coverage at all. I use either a Canon 70-200mm, f2.8L or f4L, depending on whether the larger aperture is more important or the weight is more important.

divamum

Emilybeth, I think a bunch of great lens suggestions were made in your previous thread where you were asking about kit/body (I'm assuming you've upped your budget, given you're now considering a 7d? ). If you revisit, there's a lot of great info there.

Also, recent threads with similar lens discussion here (60d) and here (7d)

travischance

If you decide to go with the 17-55, I have one listed here on Dgrin for sale.