So I'm looking to replace my "kit-lens" that came with the 400D, that + a 50mm f1/8 II is what I have been playing with for like a year now and I feel I want to get something with slightly more edge (without spending a fortune)

I asked some mates and found a Sigma lens that seems quite good, I'd like to hear what you guys have to say about it and maybe you have some alternatives!

Sigma EX 18-50/2,8 DC Macro for Canon

Objektivtyp: Vidvinkel - zoom
Linskonstruktion (linser/grupper): 15/13
Bildvinkel: 69,3-27,9
Brännvidd: 18-50 mm
Största bländare: f/2.8
Minsta bländare: f/22
Närgräns: 20 cm
Förstoringsgrad: 1:3
Filterdiameter: 72 mm
Fokusering: Autofokus, manuell fokus
Mått (längd x diameter): 85,8 x 79 mm
Vikt: 450 gram
Garanti: 1 år
Övrigt: Motljusskydd medföljer

Sorry I couldnt get the specs in English but I guess all you camera-geeks will understand anyways

 

What are you trying to achieve?

I used to own a couple Sigma lenses--they are decent for the money.

What I have found is that by buying top of the line type lenses, I can use and later sell them for about the same amount of money that it costs to buy a Sigma and later sell.

For example, I now have all Canon lenses (most L series professional lenses) and my 70-200L 2.8 IS lens, which I bought for $1600 is now worth about $1450 after three years of ownership. That's not a bad "rental rate". Granted, you have to have the $1600 to get in to the game.

Anyway, what specifically are you trying to do with this new lens that you can't already do with your existing lens? That will help us suggest alternatives.

You might also want to check out dpreview.com.

 

I dont have any great examples - i just think the Canon Kit Lens 18-55 is kind of lame and doesnt let enough light in (its 3.5 right?) ..

Also, I dont have that much money to spend, even if it would be a smarter buy

 

Well, if you need a "faster" lens (ie one that lets in more light (F2.8)), I'd really consider what focal length you need. If you have an 18-55 kit lens, I would complement that lens with one that provides a difference focal length. A good and economical lens is the Canon 28-135 IS. Although it is not a "fast" lens (F3.5-4.5, I believe), it has image stabilization which allows you to handhold the camera without blur at slower shutter speeds. This is great in low light conditions when your subject is NOT moving. If your subject will be moving, then you will need a faster shutter speed (read: faster lens).

These are a handheld shots with the 28-135 at about 1/8s F3.5'ish with no flash: (my pictures)

 

Do you need a zoom lens or would a fixed focal point be ok as well?

I recently got a Canon 85 F/1.8 for wich I like a lot, it produces crisper images and is much more light sensitive than the kitlens. I paid around €300.

 

I'd definitely agree. Canon's 28-135mm was my first lens and it holds great value for its money. I think I originally paid around $400 for mine.

 

For your 400D, you can't go wrong with the 28-135, or the Tamron 17-50 2.8. You can also go 24-105 if you have the money to spend.