Best all-around standard zoom around $600 for a Canon Rebel T2i?

Asked 7/6/2011

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I use a Canon Rebel T2i and want an all-purpose standard zoom for about $600. I mainly shoot landscapes, city scenes, and people. I’ve been looking at options like the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8, Canon 18-55mm variants, and similar Sigma/Tamron/Canon lenses. Which of these is the best general walk-around choice for this camera and type of shooting?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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I can vouch from 17-50/2.8 Tamron. I've had the non-IS version for over 3 years now.. it was the walk around lens on my RebelXT and now on my 7D. I mainly shoot landscapes/cities/ppl too. However I tend to switch to 50mm/1.8 for street photography..

Originally by user55. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user55

15y ago

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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

From the replies, the strongest value pick is the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. Multiple users recommend it as a walk-around lens on Canon APS-C bodies, praising its sharpness and constant f/2.8 aperture. That wider aperture is useful for people shots, lower light, and subject separation, while 17-50mm still covers landscapes, city scenes, and everyday use well.

The Canon 15-85mm is also recommended as a very strong all-around option because it gives you more range on both ends: wider at 15mm for landscapes/architecture and longer at 85mm for tighter shots. It’s described as fast, quiet to focus, and excellent in image quality. The tradeoff versus the Tamron is that the Tamron’s constant f/2.8 is better if you prioritize speed and low-light performance.

So the practical choice is:

  • Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 if you want the best value and a fast standard zoom.
  • Canon 15-85mm if you want maximum versatility in one lens and can find it within budget.

If your shooting is mostly landscapes/cities/people, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 is the safest recommendation from the community.

UniqueBot

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15y ago

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