Hi Daryl,


First, let me start off my saying I haven't read anyone else's response, only due to not a lot of time tonight on the site here... but I wanted to give you my opinion at least. The 50mm f/1.8 II (aka the Nifty Fifty) is a REALLY good lens for the price! If you have the 90 pounds to drop on it, I'd say GO FOR IT in addition to the main lens to replace your 18-55 no IS. You ruled out the EF-S 18-135mm. Why? I know it's not gotten the best praise, but neither has any of the other lenses you listed after it. All those lenses are in a price range that says, plain and simple, that they aren't as good as more expensive lenses. Having said that, you should do one of two things. A) If you think you'll be in photography for a while, don't buy a better low-end lens only to replace it again in a few months to a year. Just spring for something REALLY nice and take care of it. I'd recommend the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 (NICE lens) or the EF 24-105mm f/4 (which is not as wide as I'd like on the wide end since it's made for full-frame cameras, but is a GREAT lens). Both lenses will run about $1,000 in the US or 900-something euros here in France where I'm living now.


B) Get the EF-S 18-135mm. 18mm is wide-enough to be nice, and 135 is quite long. I bought it for my girlfriend for use with her 500D, and she loves it! She takes amazing photos with it!


Also, please note that if you're looking for a wide-angle lens, the Canon 10-22 isn't bad (everyone says it's great, but it's so-so in my opinion) but costs a bit. The Sigma lens I've heard is BETTER and LESS EXPENSIVE... but only if you get a "good copy" - which is basically just luck. Sigma's quality control isn't the best.


Meet the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 ultra-wide angle. I love this lens. It's only got a 5mm focal length range (some call it a fixed lens, haha) but it's amazing. Do a search for it on Flickr or check out my website and see the stuff I've taken with it.


Also, if you want to make your honeymoon worth it, you should have a super-wide angle AND a 50mm prime. I would either get the Tokina 11-16 (about $500) and the 50 1.8 ($90) or the 50 1.4 ($350) and just keep your 18-55 for "middle-work". OR... better yet, buy the 18-135mm also. You could get be with ONLY the 18-135, as it's a versatile lens, but then those SUPER wide shots, and those nice night shots or sexy shots of your new wife with nice bokeh won't get taken


Just some things to think about! (Included is a photo I took in Vienna, Austria from a bridge with the 11-16mm. It's nice to get a wide shot!)


- Jordan


www.freshphotohawaii.com


www.freshphoto-du-sud.fr