Cheapish walk around lens for a 400d

Sad Professor

I’m looking to get a decent walk around lens for my Canon 400d, which has fallen into disuse largely because my (otherwise excellent) 50mm 1.8 is too zoomed-in on a crop sensor and my 15-55mm (non-IS) kit lens is pretty crap. I’m planning to do some travelling next year and want a good allrounder that won’t break the bank.

I’m leaning strongly toward the 24mm 2.8 pancake that’s out soon. But I’m also considering the IS version of the 18-55mm kit lens, which I’ve heard is substantially better than the older one I have. I’d prefer a prime with a reasonably wide aperture, so the 24mm pancake looks ideal, but I’m also conscious of the additional cost and I’m not sure if the 2.8 on the 24mm is really worth it over the 3.5 I’d get at 24mm on the kit lens.

Any thoughts? Or suggestions for cheapish non-Canon lenses I might consider?

Pete67

The older EF 24mm f2.8 might be another option - it's no longer in production but available second hand at reasonable cost. I use one as a walk around lens on a 40D and love it.