Thinking about Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

[ed2150]

Been thinking for few weeks now about getting one of these lenses.......anybody out there got any experience with them and what's you opinion of their quality? Thanks for the help!

[DIGITAL PHOTO GUY]

Not a bad lens, I do think it's over priced some. I got mine for 464.00 through dell with coupons. Nice walk around lens. Quality is pretty good, not as good as "L" quality, but then again not as pricey. Overall a decent lens. I notice you have the 28-135 IS, I don't have that lens but I heard it's about the same quality.

[CoolToolGuy]

I have it, and the hood is a very worthwhile investment. The angle is so wide, and it uses a 67mm filter which makes it very easy to get your finger in the shot. The hood will help you keep your fingers out of the way.

Also, if you use a filter for protection, get the thinnest one you can - to prevent vignetting. I like to add a polarizer on top of my UV, so I got the Hoya Pro-1. It has a front filter thread. If that doesn't matter to you I think B+W makes a thin one without the front thread.

Have Fun,

[ed2150]

Thanks, guys, for your input.....it'll really help me come to a decision soon!

[Lenny_D]

Been thinking for few weeks now about getting one of these lenses.......anybody out there got any experience with them and what's you opinion of their quality? Thanks for the help!

I came across some interesting comparisons between the 17-40L lens and the 17-85. Many people complain about the quality of the 17-85 when compared to the 17-40L. Most people claim that the 17-40 is by far superior without showing a shot-by-shot comparison. Look at the links: the two lenses are much closer in quality than you think!

http://www.pbase.com/jrs40/inbox
http://www.pbase.com/bstarling/lenstest

[mr.photoguy]

Also you can search for sample images from this lens at www.pbase.com , or any lens for that matter.
Good luck.

[ayotnoms]

I had the 17-85mm. It's not a bad lens. It's not a great lens either. I sold it because of noticeable distortion on the wide end.

I replaced it with a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, sacrificing the wider shot for a significant improvement in image quality and lens speed.

...for what it's worth.

[SuperFly]

Hi,

I've just recently (few days ago) got the 20D and the 17-85 lens kit, so will check it out over the next few weeks, but first impressions as this is my very first IS capable lens are very good as i could really see the difference when IS was off and then On.

[wcstory]

I have to second what S Fly said about the IS. It allows a much wider range if freehand shooting.

I had heard that the IS slowed up the focus speed so I tried shooting without and trippled my deleted shot average. My default will be IS on!

Drawback - the 67mm lens size as far as pricing.

Personal opinion - buy it.

Bill

[ed2150]

Thanks guys for all your comments; I believe I'm gonna get one. I'll post a follow-up after I take a few photos with it....

[bolling]

I love this lens, I think it gets a horrible rap from people that compare it to other lenses that are totally different. I don't know how you can compare this to a 28 to something, 28 is not wide at all on these camera's and yes there will be a little more distortion at 28 than 17. It would be that way on any lens. This is the ONLY lens with this range and image stabiliztion that you can buy for the 20D and digital rebels. If you like this range and IS I think you will love it. I also think it is overpriced but I also think my 100-400L is overpriced and I love it also. My only real complaint is that the lens hood did not come with it and to me that is something Canon get away with because they can. My 100 canon macro did not come with a hood either but the 100-400 did. As for filters you should buy the slim version of the cp's to be totally safe and never stack filters on a WA lens.