Quote Originally Posted by ret View Post
The 17-50 with fixed F2.8 sounds good and they even have the 18-200! do they have image stabilization? .... And how would you rate lenses from Tokina and Sigma?
WOW !!!! Sounds like an easy question but it's not. Putting all lenses in one category from a particular manufacturer does not work. (good/bad).
I can only share you my experience.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Had it did not like it. You can pick a used one up for $50

Canon 28 to 105.. It not a bad lens at all. Used goes for about 160

Sigma 70 to 300 ..Again not a bad lens buit I found it not to focus fast


Canon 28 to 135 IS..Personally I did not like it but they are quite a few people who do. You can get a used one for about 260 and new for 315.


I have the 70 to 200 F4 L... SWEET !!!!!!! lens..fast focus..great color. About 550 new

I have very happy with the tamron 28 to 75.. great lens ..highly regarded and priced right


I have the Sigma 10-22 This fill in my wide angle.. Another nice lens

I also have the Canon 85 1.8.. Another nice Canon lens.. Sharp and fast

I can get by without IS but thats just me.

On a budget, you can get a new 40D using microsift live and get 6% cash back. $816 for a new 40D free shipping.. Leaves you some extra cash for a nice lens.
I would go for a used Tammy 17 to 50 on the Canon forum and the back it up with a new 55 to 200 IS later on