Lens compare for a beginner: Canon EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 USM IS

[reemas]

A question from someone who knows about photography, but not about SLR's (first one comming soon, Rebel XT).

Is this a good first lens:
Canon EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 USM IS ?

or should I just start with the kit lens (Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 II Zoom
) and get another lens later??

[shaun3000]

You'll be happier with the 17-85mm.

[KevC]

You'd probably be happier with this 17-85. But I think you should save up. The 18-55 isn't bad, I just use it for a cheap wide angle.

Get a 50mm f/1.8 mkII and play with those two (18-55 and 50) for now. Save up for a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XrDi and a 70-200 and you're set ;)

[reemas]

thanks for the feedback. i'm starting to think the f/4.0-5.6 on the lens may not be fast enough / enough depth of field for certain shots.

is there an alternative with a similiar price tag or less? (i really like the range of 17-85mm).

[tim]

What price range are you looking at?

[reemas]

im looking to spend 200 - 400 for a lens that is good enough to be my first. preferably better than the kit lens, as im not looking to spend more $$$$ anytime soon after my initial purchase. i'd like to upgrades lenes at a much later time.

the 18mm wide angle of the kit lens seemed hard to beat as it also went up to 55 mm.

then i saw the EF-S 17-85mm lens, but it has a max aperture of f/4 which seems kinda "slow." otherwise it would have been a great option.

[tim]

The Tamron 28-75 lens is what I use, it's in that range at B&H, and I believe it's on special at the moment.

[reemas]

Are you referring to this lens:

Tamron SP AF28-75/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

If so, what kind of motor does it have. I'm not familiar much with motor types and uses, but I understand the kit lens is USM and that makes it focus on its own at a very quick speed.

Is this true of the Tamron? I appreciate everyones help to my basic questions!!!!

[Headcase650]

the 18-55 kit is not usm. And the usm version of this lense has whats called a micro usm witch most people consider a very marginal improvement over the normal motors. The ring type usm is what every one loves and is the fastest. If your going to be doing a lot of indoor shooting consider a faster 3rd party lense like the tamron 28-75 2.8 or the sigma 24-60 2.8 or the 24-70 2.8. All are in your price rang. Befor purchasing check

http://www.photographyreview.com/defaultcrx.aspx
for reviews
and

http://www.pricegrabber.com/
for the best price online.

[MrChad]

If you were really look into the 17-85mm IS, you may want to look into the Sigma 18-125mm. It's not IS but the same speed with some more reach. Plus it will save you quite a few bucks. I love mine, just recently returned from a Cruise with this lens and I love it. Pair it with a Canon 50mm and I think you have an excellent combo.

I used the lens indoors at the Chicago auto show before that with out any issues. Great starter lens for the cash IMO.

[Andy_T]

I went down the same road.

I assume that you will be happier with the 18-55 and the Tamron 28-75/2.8 XR DI, as the image quality of the Tamron is definitely better than that of the 17-85 (and it is a 2.8 lens).

I haven't tested the 17-85 myself, but from the images I've seen I'd say that the sharpness of the 17-85 is basically the same as the 28-135 IS (or the 18-55 kit lens). I also have the 18-55 kit lens and don't find it bad, when you know how to use it (stop it down). It's just not as sharp as the Tamron 28-75/2.8.

I am very happy with the Tamron ... and I have to confess :o that I never gave special consideration to the AF speed.
I have heard some people say that 'AF is too slow' ... but that was normaly when comparing it to the $1200 Canon 24-70/2.8 L :confused:

It was fast enough for my requirements so far.

Still, I dug you out an additional quote from another forum member regarding the AF speed of the lens:

? I've used it to shoot race cars at over 100mph whilst using AI Servo on the 10D. Seems quick enough. Granted it's noisier than a USM lens (but then you can't hear it over the engines so it's not a problem :lol: )

The main advantage of the 17-85 (or the Sigma 18-125, of which I have not seen any pictures so far) is that you only need one lens to cover a both normal and wide angle.

For me, that's not so much of an issue, as I don't need wide angle that often. Also, I am normally fast enough with changing my lens to the 18-55 before the landscape I want to shoot manages to run away :D

A REAL advantage of the 17-85 lens is IS.
But if I have to make compromises, I'd rather have a fast lens in the normal range and get IS on the 70-200 instead.

Best regards,
Andy

[tim]

Are you referring to this lens:

Tamron SP AF28-75/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

If so, what kind of motor does it have. I'm not familiar much with motor types and uses, but I understand the kit lens is USM and that makes it focus on its own at a very quick speed.

Is this true of the Tamron? I appreciate everyones help to my basic questions!!!!

Yes, that's the one I was referring too. It has a normal motor, and it's not as fast as the Canon USM. If you really want USM, go for this lens (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=264304&is=GREY), but it costs $1100 to the Tamrons $329 after rebate. It was a no hastle rebate too.

[reemas]

excellent replies, i appreciate all the feedback.

do you reccommend getting BOTH the kit lens in addition to the TAMRON or just the tamron? thanks.

[RJSorensen]

I have the EFS 17-85 and just love it. I had the same choice at start up time . . . and I think this is the 'kit' lens to get. The hundred you don't throw away on the 18-55 and the hundred you get off by buying it in the upgraded kit make your cost 400. effective. You will have a hard time beating that. Plus it talks to the 550 and 580 speedlights and shoots much better flash. Both fill and as main light. This lens is tough to beat as a general purpose lens for folks without other gear to start up with.

Look through my posts of late and see the work with the 17-85, some of it with ISO as high as 1600 at a basketball game. Check things out before you decide which right way will be your right way.

[tim]

I'd like to get myself an IS lens, so I would agree with RJ that the 18-85 lens sounds like a good lens to have in your bag. If the lens were F2.8 or better i'd buy it in a flash.

I'd also get the Tamron for when you need a faster lens.