17-40 vs 18-55

[MrDave]

I've just read the "First Lens for First EOS 10D ( Again ?)" thread, and am wondering what these two lenses are like side to side?
Obviously the L is better, but how much? Is it really worth the extra??
Has anyone here taken pics with both?
Here in the uk, the 300d + 17-40 will set me back £1300 or a whopping $2000.

[vvizard]

Don't feel sorry for yourself, here in norway, the 10D set me back $1950 _ALONE_ ;) That was one month ago, bought from the cheapest place possible according to the norwegian web-shop price-watcher. My local photographer should have $2331 for it. And that's closer to the "normal" price you'll find it for in webshops.. Norway is expensive, indeed :/

[RichardtheSane]

mrDave wrote:
Is it really worth the extra??

Yes.
Yes and Yes.
I am blown away by this lens, completely. It is a fantastic lens, but IMHO you need to see the quality you get with the standard lens before you really understand how much difference it makes!