What is your walkaround DSLR lens

[thesyn]

Question as above.
I am of the canon persuasion and currently own a 70-300 IS F4 and a 24-105 F4.
I find that the 70-300 stays on most of the time or at other times I use the stock 18-55mm.
I like to shoot wildlife so 300mm comes in handy as you never know what you will see,but if I see a spectacular building or sunset I would like to shoot that. I don't like carrying all my gear with me and hate changing lenses in dusty environments. What compromise lens do other people carry?.
Also when in New York recently the shear scale of buildings made me think that I could do with a 10-22mm, do people with this lens find that they use them often?
I also don't own a flash, except built in 400d.
I am looking to spend around £500 and want the most extra fun that I can get with my photography, I could spend more and prefer to stick with canon kit but could change my mind.
I just read the above and it is all a bit disjointed but would welcome views and experience from people to improve my photography, thanks in advance

[UncappedTag]

Signum are worth a sniff IMO.

[JustinP1]

I've got a Sigma 50-500mm

That is obviously huge reach, and I have even done outdoor portraits at 50mm with more than decent results.

The downside is you need strong forearms...!

[//dean]

Not that I ever really walk around with the camera anymore, but if I was too, say if I was on holiday, then I'd be using my 24-70 f/2.8 - uber sharp and great 'do it all' focal length.

I'm a Nikon man meself, but I hear the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 is just as sharp and much loved.

[itsnotarace]

I don't really have a walkaround lens, I will know what I am going to shoot and then pack my bag accordingly. I don't just wander round with my camera aimlessly. If I had to choose one it would be my Nikkor 70-200 VR f/2.8

[thesyn]

I will check out signum.
50-500mm wow that sounds like something else, I will google that.
28mm would I think be a little short for me .
Thanks guys

[grumpy bear]

Also Nikon but the 28-70 f2.8 is on one of mine all the time unless I'm shooting motorsport then the short one is a 70-200. Occasionally I carry the 28-70 around with me especially if I am doing a pit or paddock walk.

Edited by grumpy bear on Friday 28th May 18:16

[thesyn]

Thanks again for the input, you guys all sound pretty clued up and professional. I am getting the feeling that extremes are not popular ie above 20mm to less than 100mm. Also is it always essential to have a really fast lens like a 2.8? or is it just the case that better made lenses come with the wider aperture as a bonus? I cannot say that I have ever totally lost a shot that I liked because I had insufficient aperture for the available light.
Must confess that I dont often carry a camera about apart from my iphone but every so often I am motivated to do so.

[fathomfive]

I've got a 70-200 F4L and have recently rediscovered my 28-135 which I bought 2nd hand. It's a very nice lens, if a touch soft at times.

[M-J-B]

//dean said:

Not that I ever really walk around with the camera anymore, but if I was too, say if I was on holiday, then I'd be using my 24-70 f/2.8 - uber sharp and great 'do it all' focal length.

I'm a Nikon man meself, but I hear the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 is just as sharp and much loved.

That's the lens on my camera by default.

It's expensive but worth the money IMO.

[GetCarter]

itsnotarace said:

I will know what I am going to shoot and then pack my bag accordingly. I don't just wander round with my camera aimlessly.

It must be nice to be that organised! I've never managed it myself - I just wander round with my camera aimlessly waiting for light (with a walkaround lens on - for me a 24-70).

Edited by GetCarter on Friday 28th May 20:25

[andy-xr]

24-70 (3rd party though) here as well or a 50mm

[Simpo Two]

Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 here. But at that price I wouldn't have bought it just for fun, it was essential for wedding work. Before that I used the 18-70mm f3.5-4.5.

Edited by Simpo Two on Friday 28th May 19:57

[Don]

I use a Nikon 18-200mm super-zoom.

Great travel lens for keeping the kit bag light. Of course - a set of less compromised lenses would deliver better image quality any given focal length but then my bag would have three or four more lenses in it adding weight and cost...

Love it.

[crmcatee]

24-70 here.

When I say walkabout lens - it lives on the body. Rarely comes off.

[rob200sx]

I've got the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 and that rarely comes off. Fantastically sharp. It just pro glass in a non-pro casing really.

[Starfighter]

17-40 F4L.

Wide enough for city scapes, loong enough to do group / portrate work if required. You will need a filter on in to keep the dustout and the hood from the 24-105 F4L fits when using a crop camera.

[_dobbo_]

Walkaround lens? Here's mine:



Just kidding, mine is my 28-70 f/2.8. Widely regarded as the best zoom Nikon make, now superseded by the 24-70 f/2.8 which is supposed to be just as good.

[crmcatee]

are you jake the peg

[Lambochick]

24-70 f/2.8 for me thank you very much.