I took my shiny new camera home last night and read a few reviews online. It faired quite well but was let down (no surprises here) by the kit lens. Its a typical 18-55mm. It was suggested that you replace it ASAP to make the most of the camera.

In an ideal world I'd have a lovely wide angle (10-20mm maybe), a nice prime (50mm) and solid all rounder and a Macro to cover all the bases. The reality of it is I'm not that bloody rich!

As it is then I have the kit 18-55 and a 70-300.

I wondered then if the first purchase I should make given the chance (i.e. 'she' lets me) could be the Sigma 17-70mm. That way I'd be covered from 17mm all the way upto 300mm. Ok so still no prime or macro but its a start!

Anyone have any experience with the 17-70mm Sigma?

P.S. before anyone recommends something bear in mind the Sigma only costs around £280

What's the camera, sorry? If it's Canon I'd certainly be looking at the 50 f/1.8 (8-D)

No its a Samsung GX20. If I got rid of the kit lens and replaced it with a 50mm prime I'd be stuffed for landscape/wide angle.

Hope you don't mind a new boy having his halfpence worth, I use a Sigma 10 - 20 and 105 macro, great lens both well built and good quality.
Not tried the one your after but presumably the reviews are OK, so get one and enjoy the camera

After some thorough research it looks as though the Tamron 17-50mm is a highly rated replacement for a kit lens and makes a good allrounder. Thats looking like the one to go for even though I'd lose a bit of focal range compared to the Sigma. Just need to convince the missus now that its an essential purchase

Then the Sigma 10-20
Then the Pentax 50mm f/1.4
Then the Tamron 90mm Macro
...
...
...
...its never ending!

Anyone got the winning lottery numbers

Then get an 18mm as well. You know you want to. I'd rather carry 2 primes than a single zoom.