I have a Canon EOS 40D and a 28-135 f3.5-5.6 IS lens. I have been asking around randomly and was looking at lenses today with the hope of finding the perfect lens for gear pics and use at meets. The question of whether it is better to get a macro or just a wide angle lens is not completely clear to me. Several people have 50mm f2.8 macro lenses and like those, and you can even go to f1.4 with a new Sigma lens, but I think I still want it to be a zoom for greater flexibility. Talk me out of it, of course, if you think that is the best choice.
The lens that looks killer to me is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, although it is very pricey and may be overkill for me. The runner up is the Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM, but that is almost as much cash. The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM is more affordable, but the f4 seems to make it less indoor-friendly. I know that you can jack up the ISO, but still, that is probably too slow for use very often in low light. Sigma has the 20-40mm F2.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL, which seems pretty bitchin, and it is much lower priced.
So, any thoughts on the right lens for gear? Any experience with any of the lenses above? Just want to spew some photo-knowledge? Please have at it.
Thanks.