Lens Suggestions?

[requisite_pseudonym]

I have been shooting with Nikon only for the last 5 years, and just recently decided to buy my first Canon. I opted for the trusty Canon 20D, and got a great deal on a body only. So, I am looking to buy some glass for it.

Since my experience is mostly with Nikon glass, I'm not exactly sure what's out there for Canon. I am looking for a nice lens, that I can use in a lot of different situations. Kind of a do-all lens, that I can use for portrait/landscape/nature, and I really only have the money to grab one lens right now, or do an inexpensive pairing.

Any suggestions on a good quality, versatile, affordable lens that will work with the 20D?

 

[requisite_pseudonym]

I have been considering pairing an EF 28-135 IS with a 50/1.8 and eventually, down the road grabbing a 75-300. Or perhaps even going with an 18-55 and the 50/1.8.

I am hoping someone with Canon experience will come along and shed some light on my dilemma!

 

[Big Mike]

I like the EF-S 17-85mm IS. I wouldn't want to we walking around with 24mm or 28mm as my widest focal length.

I also have the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8, which is my primary wedding lens, but for personal stuff, I still like the 17-85mm because of the extra reach and the IS.
Adding the 50mm F1.8 is almost always a good idea.

 

[DRoberts]

How much are you looking at spending?
The 28-135 isn't that impressive of a lens IMO...I regret not going with the 18-200. The 18 - 200 to me is alot better lens. I used a friends and it blew away the 28-135. One other suggestion, would be later on passing on the 75-300 and getting a 70-200 f/4. The quality difference is well worth it.
Of course as Mike said the 17 - 85 is a good lens, and you really can't go wrong with having the 50.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

Big Mike is usually right. How do these strike you?

A: $140 EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS + $85 EF 50mm f/1.8 + $240 EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

B: $395 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II + $600 EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

The 75-300 lenses get poor reviews for being soft beyond 200mm. The 55-250 has good center sharpness for its low price.

 

[requisite_pseudonym]

Well I've already grabbed the 50/1.8 and I am just looking for a good zoom. Contemplating a few. Someone offered a Tamron 28-300, but I really don't know a lot about these...anyone have experience?

Thanks so much for the replies thus far!

 

[CxThree]

The Canon 18-200 is a good lens and will give you the option of using a single lens on most walk around days. Throw in that 50mm of yours and you have a good setup for a day of shooting. Personally, I was not that happy with the results from the Tamron. Some people like it though.