Replacing my Kit Lens. Help me help myself!

[AlexMoon]

Hey TPF!
So im in the market for replacing my Canon 18-55mm kit lens that came with my 600D. The other lenses i have are a Canon 50mm f/1.8 and a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6. Im still looking to have about the same focal length as the kit lens i have, but just better glass. Im looking in the price range of about $400-$500 brand new, but i'd rather get a used one. So far i've been looking at the Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4. I'd like to go wider than 18mm, so im not looking for anything higher than 18mm.

Please let me know what you would suggest as a viable replacement for my kit lens and let me know what you think about the Sigma 17-70mm if you've used it. Anything will help.
Thanks!

 

[Usul]

If i was in you place i got canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. It's bit pricey but worths it. I saw somes used ones for 600$.

 

[Big Mike]

Have a look at the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8.
There are two versions; an older one without VC (their version of image stabilization) and a newer version with VC.

I had the older version for several years and it was a great lens for the price. I've heard that the new version is good as well, but last I checked, it was significantly more expensive.

One of the best options as a direct replacement would be the Canon EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS. But I doubt that you could find even a used one in that price range.

 

[Dao]

I have the Tamron 17-50m f/2.8 non-vc. It is pretty good optically. Used price should be around $300 to $350 depends on conditions.

 

[jaomul]

What Big Mike said. If you find that you still want wider the Canon EF-S 15-85 IS is well liked but not as fast as the f2.8