Originally posted by demuire ... and now I totally want that Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5
I had such a hard time taking photos because the lights weren't bright enough and the people were moving too fast a lot of the time! High ISO = lots of noise
IMO you would be better off with a constant aperture prime or zoom.
The Sigma 50-150/2.8 (if you can find one new - if not they are worth hunting down Used), is much cheaper than the DA*50-135, and has fast, quiet HSM, or even the Tamron 17-50/2.8, if you are close enough, which is superb value for money. Also the Tamron 28-75/2.8 is around the same price and maybe the perfect lense. The DA*35 macro maybe enough too and it's probably the cheapest option without going MF.
However if the light is really bad and flash not permitted then the Sigma 30/1.4 is cut your throat sharp in the centre and easily cropped if necessary.