Originally posted by craig1024 I think a 17-70mm f/2.8 would be perfect. Any such beast out there? I hate using the flash! I would love to either learn how to use the flash properly, or not use it, which is what I try to do now.
Petnax will put a 17-70 f/4, not f/2.8 on the market soon. I don't think that there is a 17-70 f/2.8 on the market right now.
Flash: if you have a P-TTL flash, then try to use it bounced. Of course you would need a white ceiling for that. The other option is to use a diffuser. Either way, you'll need to adjust the exposure compensation to +1/2 or even +1 EV.
When I photograph family events, I use ma Cobra thyristor flash, bounced up. My diffuser is a white piece of paper attached to the flash with a rubber strap. I just have some problems with the exposure settings, since the flash only works in M mode.