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I know this has probably been covered a gazillion times before, but I have a gift card burning a hole in my pocket and I need to use it!! I have a Canon 60D and own the kit 18-125mm lens, as well as a 50mm and a 35mm. I'm looking for a better lens to replace the kit. I really enjoy hiking and taking photos outdoors, as well as everyday shooting of my granddaughters. I want a better zoom to catch those eagle photos, etc. One problem - I don't like carrying around a heavy lens. My questions:

1. What is your favorite everyday lens to shoot family, grands, etc.?

2. What is your favorite lens for outdoors/birds/scenery/sunsets?

3. Canon vs. Tamron?

Thanks! I so need the input!!!

For outdoor scenery and travel I often use my Sigma DC 18-250mm 3.5-6.3 HSM Macro OS. It is hard to find a zoom lens that is all-purpose. Most zooms have variable rather than fixed aperture, but that's OK for me when outdoors, I usually shoot with a smaller aperture anyway. Right now B&H photo has this lens on sale, $349 reg price $549. When shooting the grandkids and indoors I usually use 50mm 1.4 or 85 1.8.

Janice

When I went on vacation to Yellowstone (& beyond) I took a Canon EF 75-300 f/4.5-5.6 and had no trouble carrying it & my kit lens. Was happy with the zoom for the distance shots. Got it at 17th Street Photo for $121.00. Got a shot of a buffalo that had everyone wondering how I got so close.
1/500, f/5.6, ISO400, 300mm

I have the Canon 28-135 and really like it. I like the sharpness of the Canon lenses but I know people are happy with the Tamrons, too.

I loved the good old 50mm 1.8, I see you already have it. I broke it last year and have not replaced it yet. Since using the kit lens I just don't take as many photo's now because the pictures are not as nice. Only draw back is the fixed lens, but because it is so small it is easy to take anywhere. This is a plus with small kids, the larger lenses are just cumbersome to drag around when my hands are already full.

Let us know what you decide and how you like it.