Mid range zoom

[anonymous-user]

Having recently added the superb 100-400L to my arsenal (thanks Phil!) I'm now starting to realise that I could really do with something better than the kit 18-55 lens for the closer stuff. With Goodwood FoS coming up I guess I ought to do something about this sooner rather than later.

With a budget of up to around 500 quid, does anyone have any recommendations? Mainly I'm after something with good image quality and quick autofocus.

I've currently found:

EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (£300-ish)
EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM (£400-ish)

The EF 24-70 f/2.8 L USM looks perfect, but unless someone can convince me of its brilliance I reckon the £850 7dayshop want for it is a bit rich for now.

Would it be worth taking a look at the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 (£250-ish)?

[anonymous-user]

I'm just about to get the 24-70L. It's a beauty!!!

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I had a sneaky feeling that people would push towards the L. However I don't think my bank manager will share your enthusiasm.

I'm not really sure whether I'll find the 17-24/28 end or the 70/85-135 more useful. As I have found I'm pretty crap at taking static paddock type photos, I have a feeling that the extra reach up to 135 might be more useful at hill climbs and drag races than the wider angle trying to take photos that will be pretty bad anyway.

I think it may be time to go and have a play with these in the local Jessops, preferably without my credit card in my pocket.