Need help selecting a lens

[Huntnfolk]

I'm looking for some help from those of you with photo skills.  My wife wants to add a wide angle lens to her camera set up.  She has a Canon 60D.  Her birthday is coming up and I want to surprise her with a lens.  I don't have a clue what I should be looking for.  Any advise would help.  Can I get a good lens for $500 or less?

[popeshawnpaul]

17-40 f4 L fits that bill...

[hunting4sanity]

17-40 f4 L fits that bill...

I'd love that Canon lens, but if you can't find it cheap enough somewhere and want other suggestions, I've been happy with my Sigma 17-50mm.
http://www.adorama.com/SG1750EOSK.html
If you need to still shave off some bucks or want an even wider angle lens, this one may work.
http://www.adorama.com/SG1020EOSK.html
I don't own the 10-20mm lens, but I've been happy with my Sigma lens.  Disclaimer: There are a lot better photographers on here, so take what I say with a grain or two of salt.  I'd definitely see if you can find the Canon 17-40 somewhere at a doable price.

[dmv9]

How about EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS? It's 499 at amazon

[huntnphool]

I'd stick with the Canon lenses and take Popes advice.

[grandpawrichard]

The 17-40 L or a 24-105 L lens are Fantastic lenses that your wife will absolutely Love!

Dick

[yajsab]

My EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is good. 

[quadrafire]

How about EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS? It's 499 at amazon

I have this lens and it is not bad, but for the money a used 17-40 f4 would  be much better.

[quadrafire]

My EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is good.

Yes that is a great lens, but more $ than he was wanting to spend

[Arrow Head]

How wide does she want to go? I'm loving my Canon EF-S 10-22mm. I think it has L quality glass, but the construction is not L quality. You can find used in the $500 range. It only works with crop sensors, so if she's planning to go to a full frame one day, this lens won't work. This lens is equivalent to the range a 16-35mm will give you on a full frame. It's fantastic for landscapes, but if she wants to do closer wildlife and portraits with it, do the 17-40 or 24-105.

[yajsab]

My EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is good.

Yes that is a great lens, but more $ than he was wanting to spend

:-) yes, I was just throwing suggestion in the pot.

[huntnphool]

My EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is good.

I like mine as well but its about twice his budget. The speed (f/2.8 ) of the 17-55 is always nice but expensive and only compatible with crop sensor cameras, which may be a concern down the road if changing to full frame. Although if purchased used you would likely be able to sell it a couple years later for the same price you bought it for. Stick with Canon glass, there is a reason why it costs more than cheaper brands.

 That Canon 10-22mm is a fun little lens as well.

First two are with a Canon 17-55mm 2.8 and the last one is with the Canon 10-22mm

[Smossy]

My EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS is good.

I like mine as well but its about twice his budget. The speed (f/2.8 ) of the 17-55 is always nice but expensive and only compatible with crop sensor cameras, which may be a concern down the road if changing to full frame. Although if purchased used you would likely be able to sell it a couple years later for the same price you bought it for.

 That Canon 10-22mm is a fun little lens as well.

First two are with a Canon 17-55mm 2.8 and the last one is with the Canon 10-22mm

You sir take some amazing fricken pictures. Mind if I use that winter frost one for my desktop background?

[Johnb317]

The Ef-s lenses are very good.   Just remember they won't work on a full frame sensor if she ever wants to go there.    I have the 24-105 lens, sharp and a great walk about lens. 

[Smokepole]

I have a Tamron 28-70 I've had great success with.  Sharp as a tack.

Tamron also makes a very good 17-50 that is a great lens for the money.  Takes shots as nice as my L lens & they are reasonably priced.  So if you don't want to break the bank, you might want to try one.  Kenmore Camera is where I got mine.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/423714-REG/Tamron_AF016C700_17_50mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html

[Huntnfolk]

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.  I have an idea of what to look at now. 

Huntnphool, those are some amazing photos.  Thanks for sharing.

Huntnfolk

[Alchase]

Here is a side by side lens comparison page, just select the two lens you want to compare and slide you curser back and forth.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=398&Camera=474&Sample=0&FLI=3&API=0&LensComp=366&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=0