--urgent request---

[funpix]

I am going to pick up my next lens within hours and could really use your advice.
I have the choice of Canon's 17-85 IS USM L or the 28-135 USM IS (not an L). My local camera shop is recommending the L lens but it is more pricey. I really need a good all purpose lens with some distance. The kit lens I have now is just not long enough. 18-55. I have the Rebel XT. They are willing to take the lens on trade $149.

My concern is that as I advance in my lens collection I want to do as much as possible without breaking the bank so to speak.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[raylks]

I assume you don't use lens on film camera and would only take one lens for a while so I recommend taking the 17-85mm which gives you a wide angle shot of 27.2mm when used with your 350D.

It is sharp but not as sharp as the L lens. With 85mm on the long end, you find the focal distance very useful for general purpose.

The 28mm on 28-135mm is too long for 350D for wide angle shots. But it's still a good walkaround lens, to be complemented with a EF-S 10-22mm.

[Belmondo]

I think you've maybe gotten it a little wrong. Canon does't make a 17-85L. They do make a 17-40L, and I suspect that's what he's talking about.

The lenses have very different qualities, but if you can handle the money part, I'd agree that the 17-40L would be the better choice. The main advantage is that with your XT, you have a 1.6x crop factor that means the lens is the equivalent of a 27mm lens at the wide end. The 28-135 is the equivalent of a 45mm lens at the wide end, and that's not all that great. Of course, you do give up a lot at the long end, but that's a job for a different lens later on.

[mdr]

If it's the 17-40 f4 L, then if you intend to buy another lens for the 70+ range, then go for it.
If it's the 17-85 IS, then go for this one, as it's Canon's equivalent on the 300D/350D/20D to the 28-135 IS on full frame cameras due to the 1.6x conversion factor. You'll find that 28 x1.6 is not wide enough for a lot of shooting.

[funpix]

Well the deal was struck - I ordered the 28-135 Zoom and kept the kit lens.

The new lens will be in on Thursday. Can't wait.