Canon EF-S 17-55mm VS Sigma 17-50mm VS Tamron 17-50mm?

I think you'll be happy with it, it's a great lens.  Some thoughts on your comments below.

1.  I've done no research on this, so I can't really comment.

2.  Video is great with the Sigma as well, shorter focus throw is preferred by some and not by others, I have had no problems filming with either one.  The only advantage the Canon has here is that you don't need to move the AF switch to MF, because it's full time MF anyway.  You'll be happy with your new lens here though, so no worries.

3.  I call shinanigans on this one, MOST PEOPLE wouldn't know the difference if you were paying them to answer, MOST PEOPLE don't shoot DSLRs and are more likely to look at the name on the camera then the lens anyway.  The big white L lenses do get some attention for being....well...big and white, but that's not always a good thing, really.  This is the silly reason out of your list.

4-5.  You'll like the lens, I suspect, the only knocks I have on it is that it's big and the build is kind of not so great for the money.  If it were built like the 24-105 or 17-40 I think it would justify the price, but it isn't.  Still, one of the best lenses you can choose for Canon crop cameras, no question.

As to your flash question, I use the 430ex II and like it a lot.  I've used it off camera through an umbrella and as a bounce flash (most of the time).  I think it's a good compromise of size, price, and performance.  If you get serious about shooting in studio strobes are better and some are cheaper, it's a great situation to be able to shoot in really good lighting.  The 430ex II gives you ETTL off camera, which can be useful at times too, but the main arguments for it are size and price.

Have fun with your new lens, and let us know how you like it.

psychoticpanda wrote:

1. I need a high resale value because I will be upgrading to a full frame in the future and this will be my only lens which will be useless then...
2. I need this lens for video shooting also, and I read that the focus works more efficiently on the Canon for that.
3. Canon products give you a more professional look then a third party brand, most people (unfortunately) will see Sigma or Tamron as a knock off brand and relate that to cheaper quality work.
4. I found the money to afford the Canon, and realized that I can make enough to get a flash by the time I need it, which won't be for a few weeks when I have to do portrait shots.
5. There are more reasons due to my research and reviews I have read, unfortunately I have never tested the lenses because I don't have a local camera store... But I guess I can always return it if need be.

Now if anyone would like to suggest a good quality flash to me would also help... For party events and portraits both in studio and outdoors... I was looking for something simple like a Canon 430...

Can't wait for my lens to arrive for some practice shooting! Hurry up Amazon (Thank god for free 2 day shipping)

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THE USEFUL ADVICE