HELP! Buying my first lens

[tjshanksters]

I just purchased the Digital Rebel XT (body only) last night, but now I'm faced with the lens dilema. Which one - or ones - should I get? I have a budget of up to $700, which is obviously not enough for any Canon "L" lenses. I have been looking at the 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS. I like its good range, but I've read both good and bad about it, so that's why I'm posting this thread. I will be doing mostly landscape shots, but I would like to be versitle enough for some mid-range zoom shots, portraits, etc. Any advice is greatly appreciated as this will be my first lens for my first SLR! :confused: Thanks

[cactusclay]

Not that I'm trying to push a sale or anything, but I just put my 17-40 f4 L and 50 1.8 mk1 up for sale for exactly that amount plus shipping. Both come with uv filters and hoods. I just posted them on market place.

[tim]

Please read this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=56752), then come back and ask questions. For $700 you should be able to get 2 good lenses, or one very good lens.