The unfortunate thing about taking up photography as a hobby is that you'll eventually come to a point where you'll want to upgrade your lenses. While I can't afford to buy the ones I really want (i.e. the Canon-branded equivalents), I've read reviews on the following lenses and they seem to be more in my price range while providing comparable results.

First, the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di-II LD lens, which is comparable to the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens ($1,060) but can be had for less than half the cost ($460). I currently have a Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 DC lens, which has worked fine for me thus far; however, the f/2.8 is very desirable because I've found myself struggling to get decent pictures in low-light situations without jacking up the ISO or pulling out my Speedlite 430EX.



On to the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM lens, which runs about $750. Canon's version, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens, makes me want to cry at no less than $1300. My current lens for this zoom range is the Sigma 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DC, which is fine and dandy when shooting outside during the day, but forget trying to use it indoors or in low-light situations. Once again, obtaining a lens with a higher f-stop is what I'm yearning for. Selina already calls my current 55-200mm lens my "stalker lens" -- would hate to see what she'd call this newer one, which is nearly 4 inches longer.



So there you have it -- not exactly the lenses of my dreams, but they come close enough. If anyone out there feels the sudden urge to splurg on a stranger, let me know which store and I'll be happy to meet you there.