Whats a good walk around lens for a 50D

[davearnold]

I actually agree.

It is a good lens - excellent but, it does distort at or near 24mm (take an ocean shot at 24 with it then, note the horizon - not bad but, noticeable).

If you are going around to take pictures of people or things in the middle distance, it is great.

It is near - useless for parties or street scenes - where you will almost certainly need <24 mm on a crop camera.

If, by walk around, you mean to walk around taking pictures of buildings you are standing in front of, close ups of people with scenary in the background or parties etc... A 10-20 is far more useful.

Sorry, but must disagree !

People reconmend the 24-105, because they actually use it as a walk around lens!!!!

It is a great walk around lens, if I was going out for a walk to randomly take photos, it was the lens of choice, although not the widest lens, it makes up for it with the reach and image quality.

I say that in the past tense, as the IS has failed, and while waiting to get it fixed, I am limited to 17-55 F2.8 .....really missing the reach the 105 gave me, 55 is not LONG enough for a "walk around" lens.

Cheers Dave

[Kerry]

I guess it's all a matter of personal choice and what you have to team it up with..As a 'walkaround', I find it more than adequate..As I mentioned, I picked mine up in Phnom Penh and it pretty much stayed on my camera most of the time after that..I guess it all depends on what you're shooting..I found it ideal for portraits, inside the temples and pagodas, and when I wanted wide angle, I had my 10-20..also for low light in the markets, I had the nifty fifty..So call me crazy, but I'm happy

[fabian628]

I think a nice lens for the 50D would be a 35 f/1.4. They are not so expensive second hand ($1300-1350) is approximate price. It gives you a nice field of view on 50D. I think the versatility of aperture and high image quality makes it a good contender against a zoom.

[Scotty72]

I guess this shows you have to discover your own style. If you are an up close and personal / in your face / stand right up near the building then the 25-105 will frustrate you. If you like a bit of reach will be a blessing.

No question that it is a great lens but, only you can figure out if it will suit your style.

[Bear Dale]

The 24-105mm is a great lens on a 50D, I own a 50D and a 5DMKII and it's a brilliant performer on both.

[gje38752]

Have a 15-85 on the front of my 50D, absolutely great lens, I also use a 70-200 L and generally cannot tell the difference

[tassam380]

This thread is over a year old, best not to go digging!

[Bokeh77]

Just wanted to share, that my EF-s 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS lens on my 50D is by far the best 'walk around lens' the wide angle is great and the tele is good to.
one of the best things about it is the light weight, you can carry it around everywhere.
only issue is it will not work on FF bodies if upgrading later

[ice]

I have had both of the lenses you're thinking about. The 17-85mm kicks the 18-135mm on quality EVERY TIME. It's also a really nice walk around lens- great for weddings etc. My opinion? Get yourself the 17-85mm if you can afford it. If you cant, and weve all been there, get yourself the 18-135mm and the 50mm 1.8 to give you the larger apetures that you just wont be able to achieve with your 18-135. I got the 18-135 with my 550D and was really impressed until i paid $90 and got my 50mm 1.8 and i was so disappointed with the 18-135's performance that i sold it. Good luck!! Tell us what you choose