Replying to My Uncle needs some help!K+ for help!

He's getting a 60d primarily for photos and he'll use the video some too probably. He was looking at a standard zoom range lens so I recommended the Tamron 17-50 (non vc) cause I have that lens I love it and think its an awesome lens. He was very stuck on getting the Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS because of the image stabilization because he said he feels it's very important for low light photography. I really dont want him to spend so much money on a lens cause the Tamron is sooo comparable for a much better price. Thoughts? Solutions? Suggestions? Recommendations?