Q for the photographers: Need a good "walkaround" lens
 

I have a Rebel XS with the 18-55mm EF-S box lens and a Canon 70-300.

I need something that can bridge the gap between the two. I need the functionality of the 18-55 with some added reach. Suggestions?

I'd like to keep it under $400 if possible.

Try this lens, shouldn't be too expensive and has decent image quality. I use it when shooting around town, in and out doors on a Canon 40D with pretty good results. Let me know how it goes.

Canon EF-S 17-85 mm F4-5.6 IS USM Lens Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

Thanks. How is it with action shots?

This would basically serve as my core lens for the upcoming ZDayZ, where I'd be going back and forth between some wide angle close ups to action shots with a bit of zoom.

It doesn't do too bad, it keeps up just as long as you have your camera set up right for the lighting. I use it as a walk around lens when I don't have time to change out and have used it indoors with poor lighting and outdoors where the lighting blows everything out. I think that you will enjoy using it (if you end up going with it). I think that it is a great budget lens that gets great results. Not too bad with bokeh either and decent with macro shots too.

I think Sigma makes an 18-250 which might be exactly what you're looking for.

Amazon.com: Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

...and they have a popular 18-200 too: Amazon.com: Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC AF OS (Optical Stabilizer) Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

I have a Nikon D60 with an 18-55 and experience with a Nikon 70-300. I've been looking at getting one of these Sigma lenses based purely on amazon reviews and price. The 18-200 is $399 where the equivalent Nikon lens is close to $900. Seems like they're a good value for a lens you just want to carry around town with you.

I like that Canon 17-85. Those Sigmas are nice too, especially at that price. I will have to take a closer look at those. Thanks guys.

The Canon will perform better but the Sigma will be more versatile. I still lug around all my pro lenses because I can't stand the slow lenses and love the bokeh when shooting wide open.

I agree, there are lenses out there that have a long reach but you sacrifice image quality when you do that, plus like spear said those lenses are slow. On the other hand if you aren't worried about any of that and just need something to tool around with, that has so so image quality then there are tons of lenses out there. I'm a Canonite and so I will use only the Canon lenses, just like the folks out there that use Nikon stick with their stuff. So with that long winded reply, I wish you the best of luck and happy shooting with what ever lens you choose!=)

I think I'm going to take the 17-85! :tiphat:

=) I think you'll enjoy it! Post some of your shots when you have a chance!