17-85mm alternative?

[pcasciola]

Is anyone aware of a good alternative to the 17-85mm Canon EF-S that is of better quality? I don't mind that it's EF-S so much, but I've just seen too many negative reviews of the 17-85mm. I'm really happy with the Tamon 28-75mm, but with the 1.6x factor 28-75mm is not quite the range I need. I though about complimenting it with the Tamron 17-35mm or Canon 16-35L, but before I do that I wanted to see if anyone knows of a lens that is better quality than the 17-85mm and covering a similar range. Ideally, I'd want something like the 18-55mm kit lens range, but L quality.

[alan sh]

I looked at both that and the 17-40L. I went with the 17-40L which complemented my 28-135 IS.

I now leave the 17-40 on most of the time. It seems to be a great walk about lens.

Alan

[CoolToolGuy]

The best advice may be - wait. Canon has indicated that there will be high quality EF-S lenses coming, and the others may follow.

In the meantime, take a look at the Sigma 18-125 made for digital. It was announced several months ago. I'll be the first to admit that I am not a Sigma kinda guy, so no recommendations here, but it might be an option.

This is Sigma's intro page for zooms, click on the link for the 18-125 when you get there:

http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/zoom_intro.htm

Have Fun,

[pcasciola]

In the meantime, take a look at the Sigma 18-125 made for digital. It was announced several months ago. I'll be the first to admit that I am not a Sigma kinda guy, so no recommendations here, but it might be an option.

This is Sigma's intro page for zooms, click on the link for the 18-125 when you get there:

http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/zoom_intro.htm
I just came across this while going to look for info on the 18-125 that you recommended,

NEW 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC

Is anyone familiar with this lens? A little more range and a lot faster than the 17-40L and the Tamron 17-35mm. It might turn out to be an excellent kit lens replacement to cover this range. Looks like it's around $500.

[sjprg]

Sigma 18-125 $269.00 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=324385&is=REG

[Bodog]

I just came across this while going to look for info on the 18-125 that you recommended,

NEW 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC

Is anyone familiar with this lens? A little more range and a lot faster than the 17-40L and the Tamron 17-35mm. It might turn out to be an excellent kit lens replacement to cover this range. Looks like it's around $500.

I've had mine for a few months now, and I'm quite happy with it...

[Andy_T]

If you don't mind to miss the 18-27 range, why not take a look at the Tokina AT-X 17/3.5 Pro?

I bought the Kit lens in addition to the Tamron 28-75/2.8 with my 20D, because I like wide angle shots very much ... to be honest, so far I've only mounted it on my 20D once. The tests made me quite happy and I think I got a good one, but still ... the Tamron is so nice, it lives on my camera all the time.

Disclaimer: This is with one week and 700 photos of experience on the camera, so take it with a grain of salt ;)

Best regards,
Andy

[pcasciola]

I've had mine for a few months now, and I'm quite happy with it...Wow, a few months?!?! I thought this thing was brand new. I can't believe I never saw this lens before. Anyway, does it lose a lot of sharpness at f/2.8? Because my Tamron really doesn't and I'd hate to give that up.

If you don't mind to miss the 18-27 range, why not take a look at the Tokina AT-X 17/3.5 Pro?

I bought the Kit lens in addition to the Tamron 28-75/2.8 with my 20D, because I like wide angle shots very much ... to be honest, so far I've only mounted it on my 20D once. The tests made me quite happy and I think I got a good one, but still ... the Tamron is so nice, it lives on my camera all the time.
I'm in the same boat. The Tamron is on my camera 90% of the time, until I zoom out to 28mm and realize it's not wide enough, which has been happening to me a lot. I'd love to get that Tokina 17mm too, but right now I'm looking my ideal everyday lens, which for me would be the Tamron 28-75mm without the 1.6x factor, which seems to be around 18-50mm.

Maybe my solution is to buy a 1Ds Mk II. :lol:

[ron chappel]

Do NOT buy the sigma 18-125 lens without checking out examples first,
It is a good deal short of the image quality of the 17-85 !!

http://www.pbase.com/franklin/canon_sigma&page=all

(be a little carefull -some pics are of lower contrast due to clouds)

[mdr]

I fully agree. Got the 17-40mm L with my 20D. I'm more than impressed. Got the L fever now. Ended up selling my 28-135mm IS as I never used it again after I got the 17-40mm L.

[mdr]

Still not considering the 17-40mm L? Unriveled in sharpness compared with the other lenses you are consideration. A bit more on the wide angle, which you will want if you get an 18-xxmm. A bit less on the normal angle. 40mm plus two steps forward gives you the same as the 50mm :lol:.

And most importantly, It's a Canon L :D.

[HKFEVER]

Wait after Feb, Canon may have new EF-S lens coming.