What's the best $600 or less "everyday" lens for the Canon Rebel XT?

Question

I'm mostly interested in a zoom lens with the best overall image quality for the price. Most other factors are not important to me. Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Haha yea the 24-105mm f/4 L IS is probably the best walk around lens but of course its over $1200 at most stores. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ichikoko/sets/72157600063544461/ examples of what the 24-105 can do.

For under $600 there is the 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USMII. ALso the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS if you want IS but the IQ(Imagine quality) is not as good as the 28-105mm.24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 has the best IQ just not at the 24mm, I'd stay off it as much as possible. I would not get a 18-200mm yet just because the 3rd party lenses are slow and IQ is no where near as good as the Canon lenses.

Answer 2

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the $500 17-85mm f/4-5.6 with image stabilization. This lens a bit weak from 17-24mm, but otherwise excellent. And contrary to the 28-xxx alternatives it offers wide angle coverage on a Rebel XT.
My main lens is a 17-55mm f/2.8 zoom. I love the constant f/2.8 for low light situations and shallow depth of field. For landscapes, street photography and portraits, etc. this limited zoom range is sufficient... but most people would find it constraining as a walk around lens. Anyway, the Canon 17-55mm is over your budget, but you can easily afford the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. It's been getting great reviews and it retails for just $450.

Answer 3

You don't say if you're interested in only Canon lenses or are willing to go with other manufacturers. I'm using a Sigma 18-200mm lens as my main travel lens. It sells for $550 Canadian, so probably around US $450. Images are flat and sharp. I'm reasonably happy with it. The only complaint I have is that the zoom doesn't feel completely smooth when you adjust it, but it's no hindrance to its operation. It focuses in to about 11 inches, so it's not bad as a macro lens.

Answer 4

If image quality is your #1 requirement and zoom range is #2 or less, you may consider shopping for a moderate zoom with as good an aperture as you can afford. The EF 24-85MM/3.5-4.5 USM, for example.

However, this doesn't give you a lot more capability over your kit lens. Perhaps it would be wiser to keep saving until you can afford something that truly gives you more, such as the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM.

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