So, I'm sure it's been asked but figured maybe someone could help anyways. I just got back from a 4 day trip to Rome. I shot about 2000 pics on my T3. I didn't switch up lenses at all and stuck with a thrift store find Canon EF 28-80mm II. (I have the 50mm Canon 2.5 that I mostly use for product shots).
The 28-80mm did the job pretty well and I got some stellar pics, but I definitely realized that I needed a better lens as the lowlight stuff (Coliseum at night) was maddening when using the AF. After some research upon returning, I first was leaning towards the EF-S 17-85mm but saw that there were general QC issues with the AF. I then started to look at some of the wider range of focal lenses in the canon line-up and also wandered into the idea of buying a Tamron maybe as those lenses seem to be well regarded.
Basically I'm looking for a good all-purpose lens with a better build quality and feature set than the 28-80mm I currently have. I'd like to get something for $600 or lower and am not opposed to second-hand. Basically just seeing what you guys think. I'm new to this and constantly learning so go easy on me. Thanks