Bad New and Good News

[Dami]

Just had my Canon 20D stolen today. Fortunately, they only got the camera and the kit lens, not my telephoto or macro lenses. That's the bad news.

The good news is, I'm going to get it replaced via insurance. Now, I have an inexpensive 100mm - 300mm lens and I have a 100mm macro lens. My question is, is the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM kit lens any good? Or should I just get the body and another wide angle lens? What would your recommendations be for a wide angle lens...keep in mind, I really can't exceed the amount I'll be getting from the insurance claim.

[mjordan]

Did this happen in Portland, Dami? I'm curious since I work downtown Portland and I'm always out in the area with my camera equipment.

Mike

[Dami]

Yeah, Mike. I live in SE and was just gone from home about 30 minutes. I think I scared him off when I got home, because there were several other things readily turned into cash that weren't taken.

[CoolToolGuy]

The EF-S 17-85 IS is my walkaround lens in the warm months, when I'm outside more (with a lot of light). It works well for me. The biggest issue is keep your fingers behind the filter ring at the wide settings - they will show up in the image if you're not careful.

Have Fun,

[OregonRebel]

I'm also a fan of the EF-S 17 - 85 IS and in Hillsboro. :)

[JBillings]

I too love my 17-85! But spend the extra bucks for the hood. You'll be happier without fingers in your images.

[WaveRider57]

is the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM kit lens any good?

Man, my deepest condolences for your loss. I would freak out if someone snagged my 20D!

As for the 17-85, yes, it ROCKS! I have gotten some tack-sharp shots hand-held (without bracing against anything) at speeds as low as 1/15 sec. No kidding. I have two other lenses, but that is my #1 lens.
You can't go wrong with it, Dami!

[MJP]

dude...sorry about your camera....i love my 17-85..i bought it same time when i bought my 20d....

[chunchma]

Sorry to hear about that! Some people need to just work for a living like the rest of us!

Think about ADT!

[tim]

I'd care if someone stole a card with images on it, the camera's a tool, I can get another.

I try to buy lenses that are F2.8 or wider (eg F1.4), they tend to be higher quality and give you more flexability.

[Skip Souza]

I too love my 17-85! But spend the extra bucks for the hood. You'll be happier without fingers in your images.
JB is certainly right about the hood, it is worth every nickel. I love my 17-85 also. The IS is awesome.

[Dami]

Thanks for the condolences, everyone. Oddly enough, I'm not as upset as I thought I'd be, though I feel totally lost without it. I think I'm happy they just ran off and didn't take more.I had just downloaded the new firmware, so there weren't any images on the card.

So there's no other wide angle lens you'd recommend besides the 17-85? I saw a special at Abe's offering the Sigma 28-80 and the 70-300 for $499.99. I've heard rave reviews about the 70-300. I'm such a newbie...

[JohnnyG]

I've only had my 20D for a couple weeks but I ordered it with the 17-85. I am really inpressed with that lens and the IS works wonderful. I get very sharp photos. If you order the camera with that lens, you get a break on the price. Also, get the hood, it's very functional and looks cool as heck!!!

John

[OregonRebel]

The EF-S 17 - 85 hood seems to be a bit hard to get around here. I have one on order & they told me it will take a month.

[Dami]

Thanks for the nod to the 17-85 IS. I do believe I'll go with that one.

[OregonRebel]

Pro Photo Supply in Portland has the 17 - 85 in stock for $550.